Different Approaches for Enhancement of Curcumin Aqueous Solubility and Dissolution rate

Abstract

Curcumin (CUR) is a nature polyphenolic phytoingredient. CUR showed anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal and anti-cancer activities. The therapeutic efficacy of CUR was limited due to its poor aqueous solubility, poor oral bioavailability. Poor solubility of drugs is the major challenge associated with formulation development. Therefore, the aim of present work was to enhance CUR aqueous solubility and dissolution rate using Physical mixture and its solid dispersion. CUR solid dispersions were prepared by solvent evaporation and Freeze drying techniques using different polymers, such as cyclodextrins, polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP K30), polyethylene glycol 6000 and Pluronic®F-127. The prepared physical mixtures, solid dispersions were characterized using different techniques such as (DSC), (FTIR) and (XRD). Furthermore, the solubility and the dissolution rate of the drug in its different systems were explored. The results of physical characterization of the different systems show no interaction between them. Dissolution studies of CUR solid dispersions showed that the highest drug dissolution rate was achieved at CUR/ Pluronic®F-127 weight ratio of 1:3. Also, complete drug dissolution was obtained for CUR/Pluronic F-127 solid dispersion after 30 min compared to 35% dissolution for CUR alone after the same time. Also, CUR permeability coefficient through rat skin for Pluronic®F-127 micelles and solid dispersion were two times higher than that of the CUR alone. The obtained results concluded that, the preparation of solid dispersion of Pluronic®F-127 solid dispersions by freeze drying method is a promising one to overcome CUR shortcomings through enhancing its aqueous solubility, dissolution rate and skin permeability.