ENHANCEMENT OF THE RELEASE OF CURCUMIN BY THE FREEZE DRYING TECHNIQUE USING INULIN AND NEUSILIN AS CARRIERS

Abstract

Objective: Curcumin (CUR), the active ingredient in turmeric has been proven to possess many therapeutic activities chiefly as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Unfortunately, CUR suffers from low bioavailability and dissolution due to its poor water solubility. The aim of this work was to enhance the dissolution of CUR by converting it into an amorphous form by freeze-drying and using different carriers.
 Methods: Different solid dispersions of CUR with Inulin and Neusilin US2 at different ratios using the freeze-drying technique were prepared. The various prepared formulas were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction studies, fourier transform infrared and scanning electron microscopy. Release studies, as well as stability studies of CUR from different formulas, were done.
 Results: Formulation containing CUR, Inulin and Neusilin US2 at a ratio of 1:5:1 showed the highest CUR release during dissolution testing. The percent CUR release was 98% in comparison with that of 2% from the reference raw material. Physical stability testing showed that CUR remained in the amorphous state for 3 mo.
 Conclusion: Inulin and Neusilin US2 combinations were found to be effective in enhancing the solubility and dissolution rate of CUR, and stabilizing the amorphous form in the prepared solid dispersion.