Novel Self-emulsifying Formulation of Curcumin with Improved Dissolution, Antiangiogenic and Anti-inflammatory Activity

Abstract

To enhance the dissolution and oral absorption of poorly soluble curcumin, self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) was developed. SEDDS is composed of oil, surfactant, and cosurfactant and evaluated for its physicochemical properties, anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory activity in colitis induced rat model. SEDDS formulations were characterized for enhancement in solubility, in vitro dissolution, surface morphology, IR, DSC and X-ray studies. Formulation SF-2 had shown maximum solubility and in vitro release. In addition, SF-2 was found to have angio-inhibitory activity, as demonstrated by inhibition of angiogenesis in chorioallantoin membrane assay (CAM). Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using DSS induced colitis rat model. Curcumin and SF-2 treated rats showed faster weight gain and the whole colon length appeared to be significantly longer than in pure curcumin and DSS treated controls. An additional finding in the DSS-treated rats was the predominance of eosinophils in the chronic cell infiltrate. Decreased mast cell numbers in the mucosa of the colon of SF-2 and pure curcumin treated rats was observed. This study concluded that the degree of colitis caused by administration of DSS was significantly attenuated by SEDDS formulation (SF-2). Being a nontoxic natural dietary product, curcumin could be useful in the therapeutic strategy for IBD patients.

Keywords:

• Curcumin
• SEDDS
• Solubility
• Anti-Angiogenesis
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors would like to thank Prof. B.G. Shivananda, Principal, Al-Ameen College of Pharmacy for his kind support and encouragement. This study was supported by SRF grant to Vivek Yadav from Indian Council of Medical Research, India