Curcumin-betaine solid dispersion for enhancing curcumin dissolution and potentiating pharmacological synergism in gastric cancer cells

Abstract

Although curcumin (CUR) has a well-researched anticancer profile, its application is constrained by its poor solubility and permeability. The goal of this work was to enhance the dissolution, cellular uptake, and cytotoxicity of CUR by using betaine (BET) as a carrier in CUR solid dispersions (SDs). At various weight ratios, CUR-BET co-precipitates as SDs were prepared. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, powder X-ray diffraction, and nuclear magnetic resonance were used to analyze CUR-BET (1:4) SD. In comparison to untreated single components and their physical mixture (PM), CUR release from the SD was evaluated. Additionally, tests for cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and molecular activity were carried out in gastric cancer cells after they had been exposed to CUR-BET (1:4) SD, CUR-BET (1:4) PM, CUR and BET. In comparison to plain CUR and CUR-BET PM, CUR-BET (1:4) SD released CUR at a faster rate and to a greater extent. Additionally, the SD outperformed CUR, BET, and their physical combination in terms of cytotoxicity, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. The findings indicated that CUR-BET SD is a promising candidate for additional research as a local oral therapy for stomach cancer.