Development and Evaluation of Sustained Release Lipid Nanocarriers for Curcumin

Abstract

Background: Lipid based excipients have increased acceptance now-a days in the development of novel drug delivery systems in order to improve their pharmacokinetic profiles. Drugs encapsulated in lipids have enhanced stability due to the protection they enjoy in the lipid core of these nano-formulations. Phytosomes are newly discovered drug delivery system and novel botanical formulation to produce lipophilic molecular complex which imparts stability, increases absorp-tion and bioavailability of phytoconstituent. Curcumin is obtained from turmeric (Curcuma longa) has a wide range of biological activities. The poor solubility and wettability of curcumin is responsible for poor dissolution and this in turn results in poor bioavailability. To overcome these limitations, the Curcumin-loaded nano phytosomes were developed to improve its physicochemical stability and bioavailability. Objective: The objective of the present research work was to develop nano-phytosomes of Curcumin to improve its physi-cochemical stability and bioavalability. Method: Curcumin-loaded nano phytosomes were prepared by using phospholipid Phospholipon 90 H using modified sol-vent evaporation method. The developed Curcumin nano phytosomes were evaluated by particle size analyzer and differ-ential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results: Results indicated that phytosomes prepared using Curcumin and lipid in the ratio of 1:2 shows good entrapment efficiency. The obtained Curcumin phytosomes were spherical in shape with size less than 100 nm. The prepared nano phytosomal formulation of Curcumin showed promising potential as an antioxidant. Conclusion: The phytosomal complex showed sustained release of Curcumin from vesicles. The sustained release of Cur-cumin from phytosome may improve its absorption and lowers the elimination rate with increase in the bioavailability.

Phytosomes in herbal formulation: an updated review

“… Phytosomes provide an improved stability profile. [22].  The solubility of bile in herbal components is enhanced by phytosomes [23].…”