Abstract
Background: The therapeutic potential of plant-derived pharmaceuticals is often limited by poor bioavailability and rapid metabolism. This study aims to enhance the pharmacological effects of curcumin, a bioactive compound from plants, through the development of novel drug delivery systems (NDDS). Methods: Various NDDS, including liposomes, nanoparticles, and microspheres, were formulated to encapsulate curcumin. We evaluated their drug release characteristics, encapsulation efficiency, and particle size in vitro. The pharmacological effectiveness of these formulations was assessed using cytotoxicity assays on human cancer cell lines and anti-inflammatory models in rats. Results: The liposomal formulation achieved an encapsulation efficiency of 85% with an average particle size of 150 nm. The nanoparticle and microsphere formulations demonstrated encapsulation efficiencies of 78% and 90%, with particle sizes of 200 nm and 10 µm, respectively. All formulations exhibited a sustained release profile, with 70% of curcumin released over 24 hours. Cytotoxicity studies revealed that the NDDS formulations significantly increased cell death in cancer cells, with the liposomal formulation showing a 50% increase in apoptosis. In vivo experiments indicated a 60% reduction in paw edema with the nanoparticle formulation compared to the control group, highlighting enhanced anti-inflammatory effects. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that NDDS significantly improve the encapsulation efficiency, sustained release, and pharmacological activity of curcumin. This approach demonstrates the potential of NDDS to enhance the clinical efficacy of plant-derived drugs, leading to improved therapeutic outcomes.
Published Version
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