The synergistic effect of curcumin and tocotrienol combination in the treatment of osteoarthritis

Abstract

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a yellow pigment, extracted from turmeric, is a renowned polyphenol with a broad spectrum of health properties such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. In vitro studies have shown that curcumin can prevent chondrocyte apoptosis by suppressing proteoglycans and metalloproteases release, as well the expression of cyclooxygenase, prostaglandin E-2, and inflammatory cytokines in chondrocytes. However, these properties are followed by a poor pharmacokinetic profile which compromises its therapeutic potential. The association of low absorption by the small intestine and the extensive reductive and conjugative metabolism in the liver dramatically weakens the bioavailability. Several strategies such as inhibition of curcumin metabolism with adjuvants as well as novel solid and liquid oral delivery systems have been tried to counteract curcumin poor absorption and rapid elimination from the body. Some of these drug deliveries can successfully enhance the solubility, extending the residence in plasma, improving the pharmacokinetic profile and the cellular uptake. The uses of combination with essential oil can increase plasma concentration 20 folds; therefore the tocotrienol can be of the compound can be used in drug delivery, which is a form of vitamin E, that are lipid soluble, chain breaking, peroxyl radical scavengers; that also can protect polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) within membrane phospholipids as well as PUFAs within plasma lipoproteins from lipid peroxidation as well decreasing neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-cancer and cholesterol. thus, could be a promising strategy for the prevention of inflammation-related diseases in the general population.