Use of Novel Polyurethane Microspheres in a Curcumin Delivery System

Yongmei Hu,Wenfeng Lv,Guangzhong Xing,Wei Hong,Qilong Jiang,Qingshan Li

doi:10.1155/2014/926268

Abstract

Despite having a wide range of beneficial pharmacological effects, curcumin is characterized by poor water solubility and absorption. In this study, novel polyurethane microspheres containing curcumin (Cur-PUMs) were prepared using carboxymethyl cellulose sodium to improve the bioavailability and prolong the retention time of curcumin. The prepared Cur-PUMs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and ultraviolet spectrophotometer. The sustained-release effects of Cur-PUMs were demonstrated using stability testsin vitroandin vivopharmacokinetic studies following oral administration. We found that the stability of Cur-PUMs was strongly affected by pH variation. Further, compared with free curcumin, Cur-PUMs showed significantly improved maximum concentration and half-life.

Highlights

Curcumin, the main component of turmeric, possesses a wide range of pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, wound healing, and antimicrobial effects and has been widely used for centuries in indigenous medicine for the treatment of inflammatory conditions and other diseases (Figure 1) [1]
Raw curcumin products contain a mixture of curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin [3]
Alkaline extraction regimes have been used previously to determine levels of annatto in food, these methods are unsuitable for the extraction of curcumin as it is unstable in alkaline conditions [4,5,6]

Summary

Introduction

Alkaline extraction regimes have been used previously to determine levels of annatto in food, these methods are unsuitable for the extraction of curcumin as it is unstable in alkaline conditions [4,5,6]. Owing to this instability, it is unsurprising that the relative alkalinity of the intestines promotes the decomposition of curcumin, preventing its absorption. The drug release profile and pharmacokinetic parameters of Cur-PUMs were investigated in vitro and in vivo following oral administration to evaluate its sustained-release and pH responsive properties

Experimental

Results and Discussion

Conclusion