Curcumin Particles Research Articles

Physical and morphological properties of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose films with curcumin polymorphs

Native curcumin (UC, untreated curcumin) was treated (TC, treated curcumin) using antisolvent precipitation technique and incorporated in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) based film solution. Curcumin particles and films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. In addition, thickness, moisture content, color, barrier permeability (water, O2 and CO2), mechanical and thermal properties of films as well as the release of curcumin from film to food simulant was investigated. The results obtained by several techniques showed that TC polymorphs were obtained by antisolvent precipitation with lower particle size than native curcumin. HPMC films showed a partially crystalline structure and homogeneous distribution of ingredients analyzed by XRD and SEM, respectively. Thickness, moisture content, mechanical properties and water vapor permeability of HPMC films were not altered with the presence of UC or TC. A higher percentage of curcumin release (53.9%) was obtained for HPMC-TC films when compared with HPMC-UC films (curcumin release of 7.9%). Results suggest that HPMC films containing TC by antisolvent precipitation could be used as active packaging in the food industry.

Encapsulation and binding properties of curcumin in zein particles stabilized by Tween 20

This work studies the encapsulation and binding properties of curcumin in zein particles stabilized by Tween 20. The addition of Tween 20 is found to increase the encapsulation efficiency, stability, and radical scavenging ability of curcumin. As Tween 20 concentration (CTween 20) increases from 0 to 0.2 g/L, curcumin encapsulated in zein particles exhibits more pronounced increase in the absorption intensity than that at CTween 20 = 0.2–1.8 g/L, which is consistent with the changes of fluorescence intensity and anisotropy of curcumin. The encapsulation and spectroscopic properties of curcumin are explained by the bindings of curcumin in the hydrophobic cavities and the micellar like Tween 20 aggregates in zein particles, which are closely dependent on Tween 20 concentration. The binding constant results further suggest stronger binding affinity between curcumin and zein particles at CTween 20 above 0.2 g/L.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Capsule Longvida® Optimized Curcumin (solid lipid curcumin particles) in knee osteoarthritis: a pilot clinical study.

Purpose: Osteoarthritis is the single most common cause of disability in older adults with an estimated 10% to 15% prevalence in individuals above 60 years. The contemporary medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs acetaminophen, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, and surgical interventions. In view of safety issues regarding their longterm use, necessitating search for effective and safe alternatives, we evaluated Capsule Longvida® Optimized Curcumin prepared using solid lipid curcumin particles (SLCP) technology in patients with knee osteoarthritis.Patients and methods: Eligible patients fulfilling American College of Rheumatology Criteria were randomized to SLCP group (400 mg twice daily delivering 80 mg of curcumin per capsule) or Ibuprofen with placebo group (400 mg each once daily) for 90 days. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were used for clinical assessment of knee pain and function. Degree of knee flexion and swelling were also noted. Blood biochemistry included hemogram, blood urea, creatinine, Random blood sugar and inflammatory markers viz. PGE2, TNF α, IL6, IL1β and LTB4 while urine examination included degenerative marker CTX II. The parametric data was analyzed using unpaired t test while non-parametric data was analyzed using Friedman’s test or Mann Whitney t test as applicable. A level of p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: Out of 50 recruitments, 25 from the Ibuprofen group and 17 from the SLCP group completed the study with significant improvements in VAS and WOMAC scores indicating comparable efficacy of SLCP in alleviating pain with Ibuprofen. None of the markers displayed significant changes. Except one withdrawal in the study group due to rash and itching, the study drug was found safe.Conclusions: SLCP in a dose of 160 mg daily was found to be effective and safe in alleviating symptoms in patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis when administered for 90 days.

Solid Lipid Curcumin-loaded Particles for in vivo Fluorescent Imaging in Humans: A Proof of Concept

The possibility to use oral intake of fluorescent dyes approved on humans for intravital fluorescence in vivo imaging is attractive due to its simplicity and non-invasive character. Here we investigate the potential of solid lipid curcumin particles (SLCP) for imaging of capillary permeability using fluorescence video capillaroscopy. Curcumin fluorescence corresponding to 0.7 μg/mL concentration was observed from blood plasma after oral consumption of 2 g of SLCP. However, this signal was ~15% higher than that of blood plasma intrinsic fluorescence, which was itself at least 10-fold lower than the background signal from pericapillary tissue. By comparing the optical properties and concentration to the case of intravenous injection of sodium fluorescein, we analyzed which parameters of the experiment should be optimized for using oral consumption of fluorescing compounds in intravital in vivo capillaroscopy measurements.

Solid lipid curcumin-loaded particles for in vivo fluorescent imaging in humans: a proof of concept-=SUP=-*-=/SUP=-

The possibility to use oral intake of fluorescent dyes approved on humans for intravital fluorescence in vivo imaging is attractive due to its simplicity and non-invasive character. Here we investigate the potential of solid lipid curcumin particles (SLCP) for imaging of capillary permeability using fluorescence video capillaroscopy. Curcumin fluorescence corresponding to 0.7 μg/ml concentration was observed from blood plasma after oral consumption of 2 g of SLCP. However, this signal was ~ 15% higher than that of blood plasma intrinsic fluorescence, which was itself at least 10-fold lower than the background signal from pericapillary tissue. By comparing the optical properties and concentration to the case of intravenous injection of sodium fluorescein, we analyzed which parameters of the experiment should be optimized for using oral consumption of fluorescing compounds in intravital in vivo capillaroscopy measurements.

Effect of high pressure homogenization on physicochemical properties of curcumin nanoparticles prepared by antisolvent crystallization using HPMC or PVP

Dissolution enhancement of poorly water soluble drugs is a major challenge in pharmaceutical industry. The aim of this study is to fabricate curcumin nanoparticles by antisolvent crystallization in the presence of PVP-K30 or HPMC with various concentrations as a stabilizer. The effect of high pressure homogenization on properties of curcumin particles is also investigated in this study. The antisolvent crystallization method followed by freeze drying (CRS-FD) and also antisolvent crystallization and high pressure homogenization followed by freeze drying (HPH-FD) were employed to modify curcumin particles. Physical mixtures of the drug and additives were also prepared for comparison purposes. The solid state analysis (DSC, XRPD and FT-IR studies), particle size measurement, morphological analysis, saturation solubility and dissolution behavior of the samples were investigated. The curcumin crystallized without using stabilizer produced polymorph 2 curcumin with lower crystallinity and higher solubility. The samples obtained in the presence of stabilizers showed higher solubility compared to its physical mixtures counterpart. It was found that the stabilizers used in the current study were capable of inhibiting the crystal growth of particles during crystallization. High pressure homogenizer method generated smaller particles compared to those samples that were not subjected to high pressure homogenizer (for example, 2748 nm for 5% PVP CRS-FD sample and 706 nm for 5% PVP HPH-FD sample). Particles obtained via HPH showed better solubility and dissolution rate compared to those samples that HPH was not employed (for example, the saturated solubility of 25% PVP CRS-FD sample was near 2 μg/ml while this amount was approximately 4.3 μg/ml for 25% HPH-FD sample. The effect of high pressure homogenization on dissolution rate is more pronounced for samples with lower stabilizer ratio. The samples prepared with high pressure homogenizer using 50% PVP showed 25-fold higher solubility compared to untreated curcumin. Generally, it can be concluded that the method of preparation, selection of suitable stabilizer and concentration of stabilizer play a critical role on particle size and dissolution rate of curcumin.

Micronization for Enhancement of Curcumin Dissolution via Electrospraying Technique

Curcumin is a hydrophobic polyphenol compound exhibiting a wide range of biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-carcinogenic, anti-HIV, and anti-microbial activity. Recently, electrospraying has been successfully used to produce micro-or nano-sized particles for pharmaceutical use. In this work, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) microspheres containing curcumin were prepared via electrospraying in order to improve the bioavailability of poorly-water-soluble curcumin. The influence of five processing parameters namely curcumin/PVP ratio, tip to collector distance, and electric voltage on physic-chemical properties was investigated. The characterization and aqueous solubility of particles were determined by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The result indicated that the spherical particles with particle size distribution of 164 to 730 nm obtained at a curcumin/PVP ratio of 1:30, a polymer solution concentration of 0.4%, electric voltage of 10 kV, and a tip-to-collector distance of 15 cm. Moreover, the dissolution of curcumin/PVP particle generated by electrospraying was higher than that of the original curcumin and pure curcumin particles produced by electrospraying.

Statistical Optimization of Production Conditions of Polycaprolactone-Chitosan-Curcumin Particles

Curcumin is an herbal plant with great therapeutic applications. Although it is useful in treating several diseases, its low solubility in water and low bioavailability in living systems are limiting factors in using curcumin as a medicine. One way to overcome these shortcomings is the production of curcumin micro/nano particles. In this research, the particles of curcumin loaded with polycaprolactone (PCL)/chitosan were synthesized by the electrospray technique. To obtain the optimal conditions, statistical optimization was carried out through Response Surface Method (RSM). The effect of flow rate, polymer concentration and PCL weight percentage on solution properties, mean particle size and particle size distribution were investigated. According to experimental results, the optimal size (471 nm) and size distribution (103) of particles were found at the lowest level of polymer concentration (2%) and flow rate (0.25 ml/hr) and the highest level of PCL weight percentage (80%). Thus, the result of this study can be used to improve the quality of curcumin based medicine.

Potential therapeutic effect of curcumin, a natural mTOR inhibitor, in tuberous sclerosis complex

BackgroundCurcumin is a polyphenol natural product of the plant Curcuma longa. Recent studies suggest that curcumin inhibit mTOR activity in vitro, which prompts us to investigate curcumin function as a new class of mTOR inhibitor suitable for tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) treatment. PurposeWe aim to investigate the efficacy of curcumin in the treatment of TSC related manifestations in animal model. Study DesignSolid lipid curcumin particle (SLCP), a novel curcumin formulation, was used to treat TSC related manifestations in Tsc2 knockout mice. MethodsThe novel object recognition test was used to analyze the recognition memory function. The long-term potentiation was studied using electrophysiological analysis. Western blotting was used to assess the protein expression and activation status. ResultsRecognition memory deficit began as early as 4 weeks of age in both male and female Tsc2+/− mice. Oral administration with SLCP activates AMPK activity and inhibits mTOR activity in the brain tissue of Tsc2+/− mice, and can rescue the electrophysiological abnormality and object recognition memory loss in the mice. ConclusionsOur results suggest that SLCP could be an effective treatment for TSC patients.

Water-In-Oil Pickering Emulsions Stabilized by Water-Insoluble Polyphenol Crystals.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Pickering emulsions because of the recognition of the unique high steric stabilization provided by particles at interfaces. This interest is particularly keen for water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions because of the limited range of suitable Pickering stabilizers available. We demonstrate for the first time that W/O emulsions can be stabilized by using crystals from naturally occurring polyphenols (curcumin and quercetin particles). These particles were assessed based on their size, microstructure, contact angle, interfacial tension, and ζ-potential measurements in an attempt to predict the way that they act as Pickering stabilizers. Static light-scattering results and microstructural analysis at various length scales [optical microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)] confirmed that the quercetin particles has a nearly perfect crystalline rod shape with a high aspect ratio; that is, the ratio of length to diameter ( L/ D) was ca. 2.5:1-7:1. On the other hand, the curcumin particles ( d3,2 = 0.2 μm) had a polyhedral shape. Droplet sizing and CLSM revealed that there was an optimum concentration (0.14 and 0.25 wt % for quercetin and curcumin, respectively) where smaller water droplets were formed ( d3,2 ≈ 6 μm). Interfacial shear viscosity (η i) measurements confirmed that a stronger film was formed at the interface with quercetin particles (η i ≈ 25 N s m-1) rather than with curcumin particles (η i ≈ 1.2 N s m-1) possibly because of the difference in the shape and size of the two crystals. This study provides new insights into the creation of Pickering W/O emulsions with polyphenol crystals and may lead to various soft matter applications where Pickering stabilization using biocompatible particles is a necessity.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Solid lipid curcumin particles provide greater anti-amyloid, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects than curcumin in the 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

BackgroundNeuroinflammation and the presence of amyloid beta protein (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles are key pathologies in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). As a potent anti-amyloid and anti-inflammatory natural polyphenol, curcumin (Cur) could be potential therapies for AD. Unfortunately, poor solubility, instability in physiological fluids, and low bioavailability limit its clinical utility. Recently, different lipid modifications in the formulae of Cur have been developed that would enhance its therapeutic potential. For example, we have reported greater permeability and neuroprotection with solid lipid curcumin particles (SLCP) than with natural Cur in an in vitro model of AD. In the present study, we compared the Aβ aggregation inhibition, anti-amyloid, anti-inflammatory responses of Cur and or SLCP in both in vitro and in vivo models of AD. One-year-old 5xFAD-and age-matched wild-type mice were given intraperitoneal injections of Cur or SLCP (50 mg/kg body weight) for 2- or 5-days. Levels of Aβ aggregation, including oligomers and fibril formation, were assessed by dot blot assay, while Aβ plaque load and neuronal morphology in the pre-frontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus were assayed by immunolabeling with Aβ-specific antibody and cresyl violet staining, respectively. In addition, neuroinflammation was assessed the immunoreactivity (IR) of activated astrocytes (GFAP) and microglia (Iba-1) in different brain areas. Finally, comparisons of solubility and permeability of Cur and SLCP were made in cultured N2a cells and in primary hippocampal neurons derived from E16 pups of 5xFAD mice.ResultsWe observed that relative to Cur, SLCP was more permeable, labeled Aβ plaques more effectively, and produced a larger decrease in Aβ plaque loads in PFC and dentate gyrus (DG) of hippocampus. Similarly, relative to Cur, SLCP produced a larger decrease of pyknotic, or tangle-like, neurons in PFC, CA1, and CA3 areas of hippocampus after 5 days of treatment. Both Cur and or SLCP significantly reduced GFAP-IR and Iba-1-IR in PFC, in the striatum as well as CA1, CA3, DG, subicular complex of hippocampus, and the entorhinal cortex in the 5xFAD mice after 5 days of treatment.ConclusionsThe use of SLCP provides more anti-amyloid, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective outcomes than does Cur in the 5xFAD mouse model of AD.

On the mixing characteristics of a poorly water soluble drug through microfluidic‐assisted nanoprecipitation: Experimental and numerical study

AbstractNanoprecipitation of curcumin from its ethanolic solutions was carried out at a microfluidic scale by the liquid anti‐solvent technique, in the presence of SDS as a stabilizer. Attention was mainly paid to the mixing angle of the water and ethanol in three micro‐fabricated channels. The nanosuspension quality was measured by particle size distribution and polydispersity index. BET surface area, dissolution test, FTIR spectra, and XRD patterns of the optimized nanosuspension were also evaluated experimentally. In particular, narrow size distribution of curcumin particles was achieved under well‐controlled conditions of large confluence angles. The amorphous ultrafine curcumin powder exhibited enhanced dissolution properties when compared to the raw material. To explain the precipitation results, a species 3D model was created by computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The pressure drop was compared to the quantitative experimental data to validate the CFD computations. Altogether, the similarities in observations and the mass fraction and velocity predictions of the 3D model revealed that the injection angle of microfluidic devices is a key parameter for the resultant curcumin nanoparticle size.

Analysis of curcumin precipitation and coating on lactose by the integrated supercritical antisolvent-fluidized bed process

Dry powder formulations with potential application in pulmonary drug delivery were produced by integrating the Supercritical Antisolvent (SAS) process with a fluidized bed (FB) under pressure. The simultaneous precipitation and coating of curcumin on lactose was performed in a single step combining the advantages of both processes. Ethanol and acetone were used as solvents. The effects of operating parameters: pressure, temperature, drug-lactose mass ratio, solution flow rate and solution concentration on the drug size, morphology and yield were investigated. Due to the high degree of mixing in the fluidized bed, a uniform coating of curcumin onto lactose was achieved with loading efficiency varying from 71.0 to 93.3% and curcumin particle size between 0.41 and 12.08 μm. Solvent-free curcumin particles with reduced crystallinity were produced while the physicochemical properties of the raw materials were not changed.

Novel strategy for improving the bioavailability of curcumin based on a new membrane transport mechanism that directly involves solid particles

Amorphization has been widely recognized as a useful solubilization technique for poorly water-soluble drugs, such as curcumin. We have recently reported the novel finding that the membrane transport of curcumin was markedly enhanced when amorphous solid particles of curcumin came into direct contact with the lipid membrane surface, but this was not true for crystalline solid particles. The increase in the permeation of curcumin was found to be independent of the improvements in aqueous solubility brought about by amorphization. Thus, we have identified a novel membrane transport mechanism that directly involves solid particles. In addition, it might represent a novel strategy for improving the bioavailability of curcumin that does not focus on the aqueous solubility of the drug. In this study, the direct effects of the administration of amorphous nanoparticles of curcumin (ANC) on the in vivo intestinal absorption of curcumin were investigated. After the intraduodenal administration of a curcumin suspension, the area under the curve of the plasma concentration of curcumin increased in a manner that was dependent on the curcumin concentration of the suspension, while no significant absorption was observed from a saturated solution. This finding is consistent with the results from our in vitro transepithelial transport study. In the latter experiment, the bioavailability of curcumin was found to be 1–2%. The intrapulmonary insufflation of ANC powder resulted in a significant increase in the bioavailability of curcumin (it was two orders of magnitude higher than that seen after the application of a crystalline suspension). This was due to the ANC particles coming into contact with epithelial cells in a more efficient manner after the pulmonary application of the ANC powder than after the intestinal application of the ANC suspension. Therefore, the pulmonary insufflation of amorphous powder is a novel approach to improving the bioavailability of curcumin and might be a useful way of increasing the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs, such as curcumin.

Curcumin Quantum Dots Mediated Degradation of Bacterial Biofilms.

Bacterial biofilm has been reported to be associated with more than 80% of bacterial infections. Curcumin, a hydrophobic polyphenol compound, has anti-quorum sensing activity apart from having antimicrobial action. However, its use is limited by its poor aqueous solubility and rapid degradation. In this study, we attempted to prepare quantum dots of the drug curcumin in order to achieve enhanced solubility and stability and investigated for its antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity. We utilized a newer two-step bottom up wet milling approach to prepare Curcumin Quantum Dots (CurQDs) using acetone as a primary solvent. Minimum inhibitory concentration against select Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was performed. The antibiofilm assay was performed at first using 96-well tissue culture plate and subsequently validated by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy. Further, biofilm matrix protein was isolated using formaldehyde sludge and TCA/Acetone precipitation method. Protein extracted was incubated with varying concentration of CurQDs for 4 h and was subjected to SDS–PAGE. Molecular docking study was performed to observe interaction between curcumin and phenol soluble modulins as well as curli proteins. The biophysical evidences obtained from TEM, SEM, UV-VIS, fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy, and zeta potential analysis confirmed the formation of curcumin quantum dots with increased stability and solubility. The MICs of curcumin quantum dots, as observed against both select gram positive and negative bacterial isolates, was observed to be significantly lower than native curcumin particles. On TCP assay, Curcumin observed to be having antibiofilm as well as biofilm degrading activity. Results of SDS–PAGE and molecular docking have shown interaction between biofilm matrix proteins and curcumin. The results indicate that aqueous solubility and stability of Curcumin can be achieved by preparing its quantum dots. The study also demonstrates that by sizing down the particle size has not only enhanced its antimicrobial properties but it has also shown its antibiofilm activities. Further, study is needed to elucidate the exact nature of interaction between curcumin and biofilm matrix proteins.

Preparation of curcumin-loaded emulsion using high pressure homogenization: Impact of oil phase and concentration on physicochemical stability

Curcumin is a natural food coloring agent with many pharmacological effects such as anti-oxidation and anti-cancer. In this study, curcumin was dissolved in different oil phases (medium chain triglyceride, canola oil and linseed oil) by different treatments (heat, ultrasonic and microwave). Curcumin nanoemulsions stabilized by different emulsifiers (Tween-80, lecithin, whey protein isolation and acacia) with different concentrations were prepared using high pressure homogenization to evaluate physicochemical properties including curcumin content, particle size, potential, physical stability and storage stability (variation of curcumin content and particle size under different temperatures in 60 days). The increase in oil phase concentration caused increase in curcumin content, particle size and viscosity of the emulsions but decrease in stability. Meanwhile, temperature significantly affected the stability of nanoemulsion stabilized by lecithin instead of Tween-80. Curcumin nanoemulsion could achieve the maximum curcumin content when choosing medium chain triglyceride as its oil phase. These results may broaden the application of curcumin in food industry for improving its solubility and bioavailability.

Continuous production of aqueous suspensions of ultra-fine particles of curcumin using ultrasonically driven mixing device

Developing drug formulations for poorly water-soluble drugs is a major challenge for pharmaceutical industries as the poor water solubility limits bioavailability of these drugs. Production of nanoparticles/microparticles of these drugs is one of the ways to improve dissolution rates by increasing interfacial area for dissolution. Curcumin, a compound obtained from the rhizome of curcuma longa (turmeric roots), is a pharmaceutically viable molecule. However, poor aqueous solubility limits its therapeutic use. In this work, we report studies conducted to continuously produce aqueous suspensions of curcumin nano/micro particles. Influence of process parameters such as ultrasound, additives, and solvent to antisolvent ratio on polymorphic outcome and morphology of precipitated particles has been investigated. Ultrasound was found to greatly influence the polymorphic form and the morphology of precipitated particles. Nucleation rates, mixing time, and solid–liquid interfacial energies were also estimated to understand the effect of various processing parameters on the precipitation process.

Precipitation of curcumin by pressure reduction of CO2-expanded acetone

In this work, a technique of precipitation by pressure reduction of gas-expanded liquids (PPRGEL) has been utilized to precipitate ultra-fine particles of curcumin. Curcumin is a natural and pharmaceutically viable compound found in Indian spice, turmeric and possesses several medicinal properties. However, it suffers from low bioavailability due to its poor solubility in aqueous medium. Precipitation of ultrafine particles of such compounds improves their bioavailability due to increase in surface area and hence the dissolution rates. The PPRGEL process precipitates ultra-fine particles by generating large, rapid and uniform supersaturation in the solution produced by a sudden and large reduction (40–70K) in the solution temperature in a very short time (as low as 1min). In this work it was found that the particle size, size distribution and polymorphic behaviour of precipitated curcumin particles depends on initial CO2 pressure as well as on the additives used. Curcumin particles mostly precipitated in monoclinic form. However, curcumin particles precipitated at 40bar and with additives such as Tween 80 and PF68 were found to precipitate as a mixture of orthorhombic and monoclinic forms. Dissolution studies show that the precipitated curcumin particles dissolve faster than raw curcumin. Further, a mathematical model was used to estimate supersaturation, nucleation rates, growth rates and average sizes of particles precipitated by PPRGEL. Comparison of experimental particle sizes with the predicted particle sizes suggests that at lower initial pressures, heterogeneous nucleation mechanism dominates the particle formation process and at higher initial pressures, homogeneous nucleation mechanism seems to dominate the particle formation process.

Comparative Neuroprotective Effects of Dietary Curcumin and Solid Lipid Curcumin Particles in Cultured Mouse Neuroblastoma Cells after Exposure to Aβ42.

Aggregation of amyloid beta protein (Aβ) and phosphorylated tau (p-Tau) plays critical roles in pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). As an antiamyloid natural polyphenol, curcumin (Cur) has a potential role in prevention of neurodegeneration in AD. However, due to limited absorption of the dietary Cur, the solid lipid Cur particles (SLCP) have been suggested as being more effective for AD therapy. In the present study, we compared the role of dietary Cur and SLCP on oxidative stress, neuronal death, p-Tau level, and certain cell survival markers in vitro, after exposure to Aβ42. Mouse neuroblastoma cells were exposed to Aβ42 for 24 h and incubated with or without dietary Cur and/or SLCP. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptotic cell death, p-Tau, and tau kinase (including GSK-3β and cell survival markers, such as total Akt, phosphorylated Akt, and PSD95 levels) were investigated. SLCP showed greater permeability than dietary Cur in vitro, decreased ROS production, and prevented apoptotic death. In addition, SLCP also inhibited p-Tau formation and significantly decreased GSK-3β levels. Further, the cell survival markers, such as total Akt, p-Akt, and PSD95 levels, were more effectively maintained by SLCP than dietary Cur in Aβ42 exposed cells. Therefore, SLCP may provide greater neuroprotection than dietary Cur in Alzheimer's disease.

Amorphous nano-curcumin stabilized oil in water emulsion: Physico chemical characterization.

Particle characteristics e.g. size and polymorphism are known to significantly affect the Pickering ability of the solid particles by influencing their interaction at the oil and water (O/W) interface. In this study, nano-sized amorphous curcumin particles were fabricated using nanonization technology to use them as Pickering particles. After nanonization, native crystalline curcumin particles were converted into amorphous, nanosized particles of ∼220nm. Amorphous nature of the particle was evident from the decreased melting point from 177±1°C (native curcumin) to 146±3°C (nanonized curcumin) and enthalpy from 27±2J/g to 3.5±1J/g. Interfacial tension (IFT) studies have shown a decrease in IFT at the O/W interface from ∼27mN/m to ∼15mN/m in the presence of amorphous curcumin particles in water phase compared to crystalline curcumin particles. Curcumin stabilized O/W emulsion has an initial droplet size of ∼1.2μm and they were stable for 30days at 4°C.