Methods to Improve the Solubility of Curcumin from Turmeric

Abstract

Turmeric is a strong-taste component of spices characteristic of Indian cuisine. It is obtained from the turmeric rhizome (Curcumae longae rhizoma) and has been used for thousands of years not only for culinary purposes, but also for medicinal purposes. It contains a group of organic compounds called curcuminoids. Curcumin is the main representative of this group of compounds which is also most frequently studied. In recent years, bioactive curcuminoids (including curcumin in the first place) have become more and more popular due to a wide spectrum of their biological activity. The anticancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiaging effects of curcumin have been confirmed by numerous in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as in clinical trials. However, an obstacle to simple, clinical application of curcumin is its poor bioavailability (which is due to its hydrophobic nature) and its very weak water solubility. Therefore, many scientists are working on improving the solubility of curcumin in water, which is the topic of the present article. Attempts have been made to combine curcumin with nanoparticles (polysaccharide or silica). Nanosuspensions or complexes with cyclodextrins are also considered. A promising direction is the search for new polymorphic varieties as well as obtaining cocrystals with curcumin which are characterized by better water solubility.

Microbial Transformation of Curcumin and Synergistic Investigation of Its Derivatives with Piperine

“…[19,20] Additionally, recent reports also indicated that nanoparticles and piperine-loaded nanoparticles enhance the bioavailability of curcumin. [21,22] In research studies, curcumin derivatives are typically synthesized, and these synthetic derivatives, especially enone and dienone curcumin derivatives, have been noted for their superior antiangiogenic effects compared to curcumin. [23] Literature results support the possibility of curcumin derivatives having more potent biological effects than curcumin.…”

Simultaneous Delivery of Curcumin and Resveratrol via In Situ Gelling, Raft-Forming, Gastroretentive Formulations

“…However, both compounds have found limited clinical utility to date, due to poor bioavailability and stability in acidic environments. Curcumin has an extremely low aqueous solubility (0.6 µg/mL) and a short gastric residence time [26,27]. It is incompletely absorbed and has a poor oral bioavailability of about 60%, due to hepatic first-pass metabolism.…”

Inclusion and Non‐Inclusion Complexes between Curcumin and β‐Cyclodextrin with High‐Curcumin Loading and Enhanced Aqueous Solubility Obtained by Mechanochemistry

“…[40] Due to its high hydrophobicity, Cur exhibits low serum and plasma levels, constrained biodistribution, rapid metabolism, and fast elimination from the body. [41] To improve both Cur physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties have been designed and developed different strategies, including the use of cyclodextrins, [42][43][44][45] however, to the best of our knowledge, nothing has been described about the formation of complexes by mechanochemistry between Cur and CDs.…”