Nanoencapsulation of Curcumin and Its Protective Effects against CCl₄-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice

Abstract

Curcumin is a natural phenolic compound extracted from the herb Curcuma longa L. rhizome and has received much attention on account of its biological properties. However, its poor solubility and low bioavailability limit its use. The purpose of this study was to synthesize curcumin-loaded nanoliposomes (Cur-NLs) to improve their bioavailability and evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of Cur-NLs against tetrachloromethane- (CCl4-) induced acute liver injury in mice. We prepared Cur-NLs by thin film dispersion method, and the characterizations of Cur-NLs were measured by transmission microscope, laser particle size analyzer, infrared spectrometer, and X-ray diffraction. After 14 days pretreatment of Cur-NLs, free curcumin, silybin, or PBS, the models of acute liver injury were established by CCl4 intraperitoneal injection in mice. The organ index, biochemical liver function parameters, histopathology, and antioxidant enzyme activities of liver tissues were measured further to evaluate the protective effects of Cur-NLs on liver injury. Compared with the CCl4 model control group, pretreatment of Cur-NLs effectively reduced the serum levels of ALT, AST, and ALP and attenuated the hepatic necrosis induced by CCl4 intoxication. Furthermore, Cur-NL pretreatment remarkably exhibited decreased MDA level and increased SOD, GPx, and CAT activities compared to CCl4 model control group. Compared with the free curcumin group, the Cur-NLs also showed a better hepatoprotective effect. These observations imply that Cur-NLs act as a promising hepatoprotective agent in reducing liver oxidative stress produced by different stress factors.

Curcumin-Loaded Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Markedly Enhanced Cytotoxicity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

“…Recent study showed that the curcumin-loaded nanoliposomes (Cur-NLs) protected the tetrachloromethane- (CCl 4 - ) induced liver injury in mice. Cur-NLs attenuated the hepatic necrosis and decreased the malonaldehyde (MDA) level [27]. Another study demonstrated the inhibition of the growth and hTERT gene expression in human breast cancer cells by nano-encapsulated metformin-curcumin in poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)/polyethylene glycol (PLGA/PEG) [28].…”

The Multifaceted Role of Curcumin in Advanced Nanocurcumin Form in the Treatment and Management of Chronic Disorders

“…Curcumin nanoliposomes were developed to lower the particle size while simultaneously increasing hydrophilicity [ 54 ]. The hydrodynamic layer around the nanoparticles was smaller as a consequence, resulting in a faster rate of surface-specific dissolving.…”

“…It was also discovered that the study group given curcumin nanoliposomes had less ALT, AST, and ALP serum activity than the study group provided untreated curcumin. This demonstrated that curcumin nanoliposomes might function as the most effective medication for treating any liver injury and might have a successful hepatoprotective impact [ 54 ]. Nanocurcumin was utilized for about the first time in liver tissues to manage the deleterious effects of CuSO 4 , since wat is thought that nanocurcumin’s compact size might be handy for associating with outer and inner biomolecules effectively [ 55 ].…”

Curcumin Nanoparticles as Promising Therapeutic Agents for Drug Targets

“…According to [ 46 ], the curcumin nanoliposomes were prepared so that the size of the particle of curcumin could be reduced and also its solubility in water could be improved. As a result of this, the hydrodynamic layer surrounding the particles would be thinner with an increased rate of surface specific dissolution.…”