Solubility Enhancement and Delivery Systems of Curcumin a Herbal Medicine: A Review

Abstract

Curcumin diferuloylmethane is a main yellow bioactive component of turmeric, possess wide spectrum of biological actions. It was found to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic, anticoagulant, antifertility, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antiviral, antifibrotic, antivenom, antiulcer, hypotensive and hypocholesteremic activities. However, the benefits are curtailed by its extremely poor aqueous solubility, which subsequently limits the bioavailability and therapeutic effects of curcumin. Nanotechnology is the available approach in solving these issues. Therapeutic efficacy of curcumin can be utilized effectively by doing improvement in formulation properties or delivery systems. Numerous attempts have been made to design a delivery system of curcumin. Currently, nanosuspensions, micelles, nanoparticles, nano-emulsions, etc. are used to improve the in vitro dissolution velocity and in vivo efficiency of curcumin. This review focuses on the methods to increase solubility of curcumin and various nanotechnologies based delivery systems and other delivery systems of curcumin.

Targeting cancer stem cells and signaling pathways by phytochemicals: Novel approach for breast cancer therapy

“…Apart from these beneficial properties curcumin is yet to become the anticancer drug because of its high lipophilicity, low water solubility and metabolic instability [25]. Several drug delivery systems, as well as combination therapies, are designed to over some these problems which achieved limited success [101]. Numerous chemical derivatives of curcumin have been synthesized to overcome the problems of water solubility, metabolic instability and to enhance the potency of curcumin.…”

Phytobioactive compound-based nanodelivery systems for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus – current status

“…[132][133][134][135][136] Nanodelivery systems are an alternative approach that can improve the stability of those compounds with improved bioavailability of curcumin. [137][138][139][140][141][142][143][144][145][146][147][148][149][150] Curcumin-loaded PLGA NPs were constructed with a particle size of 281 nm, and these have shown a higher bioavailability through oral delivery in the diabetic rat model, delaying cataracts. 151 The self-nanoemulsifying curcumin delivery system was developed, has a particle size of ~213 nm, and has shown improved protection of diabetic neuropathy through oral delivery systems in male Sprague Dawley rats.…”

Interaction of metallic clusters with biologically active curcumin molecules

“…However, it has been recognized that the application of curcumin is limited by its bioavailability in the body due to its poor absorption and rapid elimination from the body [4]. Therefore, efforts have been made to deliver curcumin to the body via forming complexes with single metal ions [5], organic assemblies [6], or inorganic nanoparticles [7][8].…”

“…Au) nanoparticles have found applications in diverse health-related areas as they exhibit novel and unique electronic, magnetic, and optical properties [9][10][11]. The recent development of using metal and oxide nanoparticles as carriers brings a new dimension in the delivery of curcumin in cells, which provides the potential advantages of intact delivery, target specificity and better control of release rate of curcumin [7][8]. Among them, magnetic nanoparticles are attracting special attention as drug delivery systems and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrasting agents owing to the fact that they can be directed via a magnetic field and applied for local hyperthermia.…”