High Curcumin Content Research Articles

Antiplasmodial evidence, host mitochondrial biology and possible mechanisms of action of a composite extract of Azadiractha indica and Curcuma longa in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice.

Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Meliaceae) (AI) and Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae) (CL) are used for malaria treatment but their anti-glycolytic and host mitochondrial effects have not been studied. The AI stem-bark and CL rhizomes were extracted with methanol. Methanol extract of CL (Turmeric) was partitioned to yield methanol fraction (MF). Swiss mice infected with Plasmodium berghei (NK 65 strain) were treated with 200 and 400mg/kg of AI and turmeric for seven days. Turmeric and MF (200 and 400mg/kg) were combined with 400mg/kg AI to treat mice infected with Plasmodium berghei (ANKA strain) for four days. Drug and infected controls mice were treated with artemether lumefantrine (10mg/kg) and distilled water (10mL/kg), respectively. Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aldolase activities were determined. Liver mitochondria were obtained for mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) pore opening and FoF1 ATPase assays. The curcumin content of turmeric was determined using HPLC while LD50 of Turmeric and AI was also determined. The AI, and its combination with turmeric decreased parasite load and increased chemosuppression in both sensitive and resistant studies while MF and its combinations with AI induced mPT pore opening. In the resistant experiment, AI + Turmeric 400mg/kg decreased FoF1 ATPase, LDH and aldolase activities against the infected control. The LD50 values of both extracts were above 2000mg/kg while the MF had the highest curcumin content. Antiplasmodial mechanisms of action of AI, CL and their combinations involve anti-glycolytic effects. Their composite formulations are more potent in malaria treatment.

Isolation of curcumin from Lakadong turmeric of Meghalaya and development of its PLGA-Cur-NS loaded nanogel for potential anti-inflammatory and cutaneous wound healing activity in Wistar rats

BackgroundLakadong turmeric (LKD) from Meghalaya, India, boasts high curcumin levels, but lacks scientific study. Moreover, Curcumin's poor solubility hinders its clinical use in inflammation and wound healing. This study isolated curcumin from LKD, forming a PLGA nanosuspension-based nanogel and explored for its potential anti-inflammatory and cutaneous wound healing activity in Wistar rats.MethodologyThe LKD rhizome was successively extracted by soxhlet using chloroform, hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol and their total phenolic content and antioxidant property was determined. Chloroform extract was loaded in column chromatography and curcumin was isolated, purified and characterized by FTIR, NMR, DSC, MS and HPTLC and its purity was analyzed by HPLC. The isolated curcumin was loaded into PLGA nanosuspensions by nanoprecipitation method followed by conversion to carbopol based Nanogel. The nanogels were characterized physicochemically and the drug permeation was observed. The optimized nanogel was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory and cutaneous wound healing activity by carrageenan-induced paw edema and excision wound model in albino Wistar rats divided in five groups and treated with plain carbopol gel, marketed turmeric cream and Cur NS nanogel (0.6% w/w equivalent curcumin each).ResultsResults depicted that the chloroform extract showed the presence of a considerable amount of phenolics with 50-60% yield of curcumin. HPLC analysis depicted that the LKD curcumin had higher purity when compared to standard curcumin. Homogenous curcumin nanosuspensions were obtained with size 150 ± 50 nm and PDI 0.2 ± 0.1. The Cur-NS-nanogel showed satisfactory physical property, drug loading and stability. Ex vivo permeation studies in rats showed controlled permeation with steady state flux of 21.28 ± 0.23 µg/cm2/hr in 24 h. Topical intervention with Cur-NS-nanogel (0.6%) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the paw volume by 43.97% in the 3rd hour and 72.19% on the 4th hour. Furthermore, the cutaneous wound healing property of Cur-NS-nanogel when compared to negative control rats showed a substantial (p < 0.05) reduction in the percentage wound contraction from 5 to 20th days.ConclusionLKD showed high curcumin content with significant antioxidant effects. LKD curcumin loaded into stable nanogel depicted safe and controlled skin permeability with promising cutaneous wound healing and anti-inflammatory activity in experimental rats.

A Validated High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography Technique for Routine Analysis of Curcumin in Four Different Species of Curcuma Viz. C. amada, C. caesia, C. longa and C. zedoaria.

In this study, we investigated a new, simple, sensitive, selective and precise high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprint and quantitative estimation method for the routine analysis of curcumin in Curcuma species viz. Curcuma amada, Curcuma caesia, Curcuma longa and Curcuma zedoaria. Linear ascending development was carried out in a twin-trough glass chamber saturated with toluene:acetic acid (4:1; v/v with 20minutes of saturation). The plate was dried and analyzed by CAMAG TLC scanner III at white light and 366nm. The system was found to give compact spots for curcumin (Rf 0.42). The relationship between the concentration of standard solutions and the peak response is linear within the concentration range of 10-70ng/spot for curcumin. In result, curcumin was not detected in any of C. caesia extracts. The percentage of curcumin was found between 0.042 and 4.908 (%w/w) in different Curcuma species obtained by two different extraction methods viz. Soxhlet and sonication, respectively. Further, extraction via Soxhlet method is most suitable method to get higher curcumin content from rhizomes. The proposed HPTLC method may be use for routine quality testing and quantification of curcumin in Curcuma samples.

Evaluation of Turmeric Genotypes for Quality

Fifty four genotypes of turmeric were evaluated for quality characteristics. Highest leaf protein content was recorded in Duggirala Red (236.2 mg/g), highest total phenols in leaf recorded in IC-211641(29.66 mg GAE /g), highest protein content in rhizomes is observed in the genotype CL-5 (80.21 mg/g), maximum total phenol content recorded in rhizome NDH-96 (30.61 mg/g), highest Oleoresin content recorded in TP-161 (10%), highest curcumin content in leaves and rhizomes in Megha (38.67 mg/g and 48.1 mg/g).

Analisis Kadar Kurkumin pada Herbal Oil Kunyit Ekstrak Virgin Coconut Oil dengan Metode Ultrasonik dan Maserasi

Vegetable oil theoretically and experimentally has proven its potential as an alternative solvent in the extraction of natural materials. Turmeric infused with virgin coconut oil (VCO) is a way to take advantage of the active compounds from the herbs and the oil itself. This study aims to determine the ability of the VCO solvent in extracting curcumin compounds from turmeric with the addition of tween 80 surfactants. The extraction method used was maceration at 60℃ and an ultrasonic frequency of 40 kHz for 15 minutes. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was used for qualitative analysis of each herbal oil extract using chloroform: methanol (95:5) eluent and FTIR spectrophotometer to identify functional groups. The highest curcumin content was found in herbal oil with tween 80 of 2 ml, namely 31 ppm in maceration extraction and 260.7 ppm in ultrasonic extraction. Identification of curcumin functional groups in herbal oils showed absorption patterns of O-H, C=O, aromatic C=C, C-O-C, and C-H.

Impact of high-pressure homogenization pretreatment on recovery of curcumin from turmeric by different combinations of extraction and drying methods

This study reports the effect of different extraction and drying techniques in the recovery of curcumin, where the impact of the pre-treatment step on turmeric rhizome using high-pressure homogenization (HPH) was evaluated. Soxhlet extraction (SE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) followed by drying (oven drying, vacuum drying, and freeze drying) were applied to HPH-treated and control (non-HPH) samples. The HPH treatment condition of 100 MPa for 10 cycles demonstrated the lowest particle sizes in the turmeric suspensions and the highest curcumin content in the aqueous supernatant. It was also found that HPH treatment increased the release of curcumin from the freeze-dried turmeric extracts obtained from SE (+76.2%) and UAE (+57.5%). Besides, freeze drying was the best drying method demonstrating higher antioxidant activity of extracts than other thermal drying methods. The total phenolic content was increased by about 65.5% upon HPH treatment on turmeric extract obtained from UAE followed by vacuum drying.

Effect of curing methods on quality and drying characteristics of turmeric

Turmeric rhizomes of Suranjana cultivar were cured by traditional and microwave methods in water and sodium bicarbonate solution and dried in hot air dryer. Effect of curing methods on moisture content, hardness, colour, curcumin content, essential oil content, total phenolic content and drying rate were investigated. Curing methods did not have significant effect on moisture content of cured rhizomes. Hardness of turmeric rhizomes decreased as curing duration increased. Microwave curing in sodium bicarbonate solution for 6 min resulted in maximum value of the colour indices, highest curcumin content (5.20%) and essential oil content (4.38%) in turmeric powder and highest dry recovery (24.20%). Curing caused significant reduction in drying time. Minimum drying time (20.84 h) was required in microwave curing in water for 8 min, whereas, uncured samples took longest time (29 h) for drying. Drying of all the turmeric rhizomes cured by different methods occurred in falling rate period.

Chitosan and Collagen-Based Materials Enriched with Curcumin (Curcuma longa): Rheological and Morphological Characterization

In this study, chitosan and collagen (Ch: Col)-based materials containing curcumin (Cur) as a bioactive compound were developed for wound-healing purposes. The effects of incorporating curcumin and increasing its concentration on both the rheological properties of the formed solutions and the morphological and thermal properties of the three-dimensional scaffolds obtained from them were evaluated. Rheology showed that the presence of curcumin resulted in solutions with a solid-like behavior (G’ &gt; G″), higher collagen denaturation temperatures, and higher viscosities, favoring their use as biomaterials for wound healing. A greater cross-linking effect was observed at higher curcumin concentrations, possibly between the amino groups from both polymers and the hydroxyl and keto groups from the polyphenol. Such cross-linking was responsible for the delay in the onset of degradation of the scaffolds by 5 °C, as revealed by thermogravimetric analysis. Moreover, the pore diameter distribution profile of the scaffolds changed with increasing curcumin concentration; a greater number of pores with diameters between 40 and 60 µm was observed for the scaffold with the highest curcumin content (50 mg), which would be the most suitable for the proposed application. Thus, the materials developed in this study are presented as promising biomaterials for their biological evaluation in tissue regeneration.

Effects of carboxymethyl cellulose/pectin coating combined with ultrasound pretreatment before drying on quality of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)

Turmeric is an herb with multiple bioactive substances and health benefits. Drying is one of the most important steps of its processing and sales. In order to obtain high-quality turmeric products, we used five different pretreatment methods to treat turmeric prior to pulse-spouted microwave vacuum drying (PSMVD), including carboxymethyl cellulose coating (CMC), pectin coating (P), ultrasound (US) and their combination (CMCUS or PUS). The effect of different pretreatments on the drying kinetics, quality attributes and microstructure of turmeric were evaluated. Results showed that the US pretreatment had the shortest drying time (60 min), while coating treatment did not significantly affect drying rate. Dried turmeric with coating pretreatment had lower rehydration ratio and water adsorption capacity compared with individual ultrasound treatment. Carboxymethyl cellulose coating protected bioactive substances better than pectin coating. Moreover, CMCUS pretreatment showed significantly lower total color change, higher curcumin content, total phenols and flavonoid content as well as antioxidant capacity in all dried samples. Microstructure observation showed that the polysaccharide coating covering the surface of turmeric might reduce the degradation of bioactive compounds. Therefore, the CMCUS pretreatment before PSMVD of turmeric was recommended due to the efficiency and quality protections.

Optimization of curcumin temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrizha Roxb.) on calcareous marginal land under teak

Temulawak produces bioactive compounds that have antioxidant activity and changes in its chemical composition are caused by environmental pH. Sulphur is an essential nutrient for plants and a constituent of several coenzymes and vitamins that play a role in plant metabolism. Marginal calcareous land in Tuban is generally used as teak production forest, because food crops cannot grow optimally in this land. Temulawak is a shade-tolerant plant that can grow well in conditions of low light intensity. The objective of this research is to obtain the appropriate goat manure and sulphur fertilizer dosages for temulawak planted beneath teak stands on calcareous marginal soil in order to maximize its yield and quality. The field experiment was RCBD with three replications and two factors: manure level (10, 15 and 20 t ha-1) and ZA level (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg ha-1). The results showed that a higher fresh weight of rhizomes per clump was obtained in combination of 10 and 15 ha-1 manures and 40 kg ha-1 sulphur fertilizer. Similar high yield is obtained when 20 t ha-1 of manure is applied in combination with 80 kg ha-1 of sulphur. In addition, a higher curcumin content and antioxidant activity were obtained in plant treated with 10 t ha-1 manure without S fertilizer. Similar high curcumin content and antioxidant activity of the rhizome were also obtained from rhizome treated with 15 t ha-1 of manure in combination with 40 kg ha-1 sulphur fertilizer and 20 t ha-1 manure without sulphur fertilizer.

A Performance Evaluation of Vis/NIR Hyperspectral Imaging to Predict Curcumin Concentration in Fresh Turmeric Rhizomes

Hyperspectral image (HSI) analysis has the potential to estimate organic compounds in plants and foods. Curcumin is an important compound used to treat a range of medical conditions. Therefore, a method to rapidly determine rhizomes with high curcumin content on-farm would be of significant advantage for farmers. Curcumin content of rhizomes varies within, and between varieties but current chemical analysis methods are expensive and time consuming. This study compared curcumin in three turmeric (Curcuma longa) varieties and examined the potential for laboratory-based HSI to rapidly predict curcumin using the visible–near infrared (400–1000 nm) spectrum. Hyperspectral images (n = 152) of the fresh rhizome outer-skin and flesh were captured, using three local varieties (yellow, orange, and red). Distribution of curcuminoids and total curcumin was analysed. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) models were developed to predict total curcumin concentrations. Total curcumin and the proportion of three curcuminoids differed significantly among all varieties. Red turmeric had the highest total curcumin concentration (0.83 ± 0.21%) compared with orange (0.37 ± 0.12%) and yellow (0.02 ± 0.02%). PLSR models predicted curcumin using raw spectra of rhizome flesh and pooled data for all three varieties (R2c = 0.83, R2p = 0.55, ratio of prediction to deviation (RPD) = 1.51) and was slightly improved by using images of a single variety (orange) only (R2c = 0.85, R2p = 0.62, RPD = 1.65). However, prediction of curcumin using outer-skin of rhizomes was poor (R2c = 0.64, R2p = 0.37, RPD = 1.28). These models can discriminate between ‘low’ and ‘high’ values and so may be adapted into a two-level grading system. HSI has the potential to help identify turmeric rhizomes with high curcumin concentrations and allow for more efficient refinement into curcumin for medicinal purposes.

Application of starch nanoparticles as host materials for encapsulation of curcumin: Effect of citric acid modification

To encapsulate curcumin, absolute ethanolic curcumin solution with various content (300–1200 μg) was added to aqueous dispersion of citric acid-modified starch nanoparticles (M.SNPs) with various contents (0.5–2.5%), and then ethanol of the mixture was evaporated by nitrogen gas purge for 40 min (ethanol content decreased to 1%). SNPs (100 mg) could encapsulate 75.7 μg of curcumin in matrices of the composite, while 100 mg of M.SNPs could encapsulate 144.9 μg of curcumin. The XRD results revealed that curcumin was amorphously encapsulated in the composite, and hydrogen bond formation between M.SNPs and curcumin was one of the major driving forces for encapsulation as suggested by FT-IR. The composites had a spherical shape and mean particle size of the composites was increased from 136.3 to 255.3 nm with higher curcumin content in the matrices of composites. UV, pH, and thermal stability of curcumin significantly enhanced by the encapsulation, which was further increased when using M.SNPs and/or higher content of host materials. For the release of curcumin in simulated intestinal fluid digestion, release mechanism explained by Korsmeyer-Peppas model. For M.SNPs, k value was decreased from 13.097 to 2.938 as addition level of host material increased from 0.5 to 2.5%.

Preparation of spray-dried curcumin microcapsules using a blend of whey protein with maltodextrin and gum arabica and its in-vitro digestibility evaluation

In the present study, attempts were made to prepare spray-dried curcumin microcapsules using a blend of whey proteins and carbohydrates. Curcumin was first dissolved in buffalo milk butteroil and then it was converted into an emulsion using skim milk, WPC-80, and a blend of maltodextrin and gum arabica as the wall material solids. Optimization of ingredients level for stable curcumin emulsion was done by varying core: wall material solids ratio and protein: carbohydrates ratio in the wall material solids. Particle size, zeta potential, viscosity, encapsulation efficiency, and emulsion stability of the emulsions were evaluated. Emulsion having core: wall material solids ratio of 1:2 and protein: carbohydrates ratio of 1:2 was found to yield stable emulsion with highest curcumin content and hence was selected for spray drying. Spray drying was performed at different inlet air temperatures. Bulk densities, encapsulation efficiency, moisture content, water activity, and reconstitution parameters decreased while DPPH free radical scavenging activity increased with an increase in the inlet air drying temperature. Inlet air temperature of 180 °C was found suitable for drying curcumin emulsion. In-vitro digestion of spray-dried curcumin microcapsules revealed that the developed encapsulate was resistant to gastric digestion but was digested by intestinal fluids.

Evaluation of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) genotypes under sub-tropical plains of Jammu region (J&amp;K)

The present investigation was conducted in the Division of Vegetable Science & Floriculture, FoA, Chatha, SKUAST-Jammu (J&K) to evaluate the performance of ten turmeric genotypes under subtropical plains of Jammu region during the year 2019-20. The experiment was laid in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The genotypes used in the present investigation were SJT-09, Prabha, Sugandham, Suroma, Tanda Local, Rajendra Sonia, PH-1, Allepey Supreme, Suguna and Local Chowkichora. The results revealed maximum plant height (101.06cm) and Leaf Area Index (7.43) in genotype Suroma whereas maximum number of leaves per plant was recorded in Tanda Local (7.83). However, SJT-09 recorded the maximum number of fingers per rhizome (15.38) and length of fingers per rhizome (4.22 cm) whereas girth of fingers per rhizome (cm) was statistically non significant. In case of yield parameters, the maximum rhizome yield per plot and rhizome yield was recorded in SJT-09 (18.38 kg and 20.39 t/ha respectively). Among all the genotypes, minimum crop duration was recorded in Prabha (201 days). With respect to quality parameters, highest curcumin content was recorded in Rajendra Sonia (6.43%) which was statistically at par with SJT-09 (6.43) whereas maximum dry recovery was also recorded in SJT-09 (20.60%). Based on the results of our study, turmeric line SJT-09 was found to be most promising both in terms of yield as well as quality and can be promoted for cultivation under subtropical plains of Jammu region.

Alkaline-based curcumin extraction from selected zingiberaceae for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to extract, characterise and quantify curcumin from selected Zingiberaceae of “kunyit” or turmeric (Curcuma longa), “temu lawak” or Javanese turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza), “temu pauh” (Curcuma mangga), “lempoyang” (Zingiber zerumbet) and “bonglai” (Zingiber cassumunar) using alkaline and chemical-based extraction method for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.Design/methodology/approachThrough the alkaline-based extraction method, all parts of rhizome samples were freeze-dried for 72 h before grounded into a fine powder and kept at −20°C. The powdered sample (0.1 g) was weighed and placed in a 50 mL tube. About 20 mL of 2 M NaOH solution was added into the tube. The solution was allowed to stand for 30 min. Then, 20 mL of ethyl acetate was added into the tube. The solution was mixed well then centrifuged at 13,500 rpm for 3 min. The upper layer was collected using a pipette. The process was repeated until the upper layer became almost colourless. The collected ethyl acetate solution was concentrated using a rotary evaporator to remove the ethyl acetate from the extracted compound. The concentrated curcumin was placed in a universal bottle, which was then dried from the remaining ethyl acetate using nitrogen drying process. The dried curcumin was then stored inside the freezer at −20ºC. The antimicrobial activities were using agar diffusion method against bacterial and fungi, while the antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay.FindingsAll the samples successfully showed a single peak (curcumin) that gained from the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) chromatogram analysis (at 425 nm) using the alkaline-based extraction method and the highest curcumin content was in turmeric (12.95 ± 1.07mg/g DW). At 10.0 mg/mL curcumin concentration, the best antibacterial activity was against on methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with 7.50 ± 0.71 mm inhibition zone, while the best antifungal activity was against on Aspergillus niger with 8.00 ± 0.41 mm inhibition zone. The DPPH antioxidant test resulted in the highest inhibition (110.41 per cent) was at 0.25 mg/mL curcumin concentration.Originality/valueThrough HPLC analysis, all samples successfully showed a single peak of curcumin at 425 nm. The total carotenoid determination from turmeric revealed that the samples content was substantially higher using alkaline-based extraction (18.40 ± 0.07 mg/g DW) compared to chemical-based extraction (9.42 ± 0.20 mg/g ± SD).

An In Vitro Study of the Influence of Curcuma longa Extracts on the Microbiota Modulation Process, In Patients with Hypertension.

The multiple causes of cardiovascular diseases signify a major incidence and developmental risk of this pathology. One of the processes accountable for this pathologic development is the instauration of dysbiosis and its connection with an inflammatory process. Low antioxidant colonic protection encourages the progression of inflammation, with cardiovascular dysfunctions being a secondary consequence of the dysbiosis. Curcumin is one of the bioactive compounds displaying promising results for the reduction of an inflammatory process. The present study aims at demonstrating the capacity of three extracts drawn from Curcuma (C.) longa through an in vitro simulation process, for microbiota modulation in patients with hypertension. The acidic pH in the extraction process determined a high curcumin content in the extracts. The major phenolic compound identified was curcumin III, 622 ± 6.88 µg/mL for the ethanol/water/acetic acid extract. Low EC50 values were associated (0.2 µg/mL for DPPH scavenging activity) with the presence of curcumin isomers. A metabolic pattern became evident because the relationship between the short-chain fatty acids acted as a clinical biomarker. The curcumin present stimulated the formation of butyric and propionic acids. Microbiota activity control included a high degree of curcumin degradation and biotransformation in the other phenolic compounds. This developmental process was supported by the progression in the enterobacteria with a corresponding escalation in the pH level. The metabolomic pattern demonstrated a performance similar to the administration of dietary fibre, with the positive effects being dose-dependent.

Evaluation of turmeric (Curcuma longaL.) genotypes for yield and curcumin content

Evaluation of genotypes for existing variability and to create variability among genotypes is a vital step, to start fresh crop improvement programme. Fifty five genotypes were evaluated under augmented design with two checks viz., BSR-2 and CO-2. The study revealed that significant difference exists for all the traits studied i.e. plant height, pseudostem girth, number of tillers, number of leaves, soluble protein, weight of mother rhizomes, weight of primary rhizomes, yield, curcumin content except for total chlorophyll content. The fresh rhizome yield was maximum in genotype CL-195 (798 g) followed by CL-74 (978 g). With respect to curcumin content, CL-78 (2.79 %) was identified as line with high curcumin content. Both the factors yield and quality (Curcumin content) gets optimized in the genotypes CL-49 and CL-22.

Chitosan based copolymer-drug conjugate and its protein targeted polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles to enhance the efficiency and specificity of low potency anticancer agent

The effective delivery of low potency anticancer drug is a major challenge. The present study introduces the novel chitosan-polylactic acid (CS-PLA)-drug conjugate and its transferrin receptor targeted polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles (PEC Nps), encapsulating free drug to increase its potency and specificity. The model drug curcumin (CR) was used and incorporated in this system in both conjugated and encapsulated form. The synthesis of CS-PLA-CR copolymer was confirmed by 1H NMR, FTIR, UV–visible spectrum, DSC thermogram and zeta potential. Further, the nanoparticles engulfing free CR, with average 340 nm particle sizes, were prepared through simple ionic gelation technique utilizing positive charges on copolymer by polyanion sodium alginate (CS-PLA-CR/SA PEC Nps). The prepared Nps showed the high CR content of over 92% with extended period of CR release (60% and 85% at pH 7.4 and 5 respectively even after 8 days). The results were compared with the unmodified CS (without PLA) as a control to understand the effect of PLA side chain. Transferrin (Tf) conjugation on PEC Nps displayed superior cytotoxicity and cellular uptake compared to non-targeted Nps on MCF-7 cell line. Thus, CR loaded Tf-CS-PLA-CR/SA PEC Nps may provide an efficient and targeted delivery for cancer treatment.

Development of stable curcumin nanoemulsions: effects of emulsifier type and surfactant-to-oil ratios.

Curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound, offers a wide range of pharmacological benefits such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer. The oil-in-water nanoemulsions containing curcumin were obtained by high pressure homogenization and effects of various emulsifiers (Tween-80, lecithin, whey protein isolate and acacia) and different surfactant-to-oil ratios (SOR) on physicochemical characteristics, physical stability and storage stability of curcumin loaded nanoemulsions were evaluated in this study. The result showed that smaller particle size, better physical and storage stabilities and higher curcumin content were found in curcumin loaded nanoemulsions stabilized with Tween-80 and lecithin. Compared with nanoemulsions prepared with lecithin, nanoemulsions fabricated with Tween-80 exhibited better uniformity and distribution as demonstrated by microscopic observations. It was found that SOR was positively correlated with particle size but negatively correlated with curcumin content in the emulsion droplets. Neither the emulsifier nor SOR values were found to have significant effects on zeta-potentials of the droplets. This result implied that curcumin loaded nanoemulsions prepared with Tween-80 and higher SOR values helped curcumin to achieve better physical stability and storage stability.

The effect of fertilizer and rhizomes seed size to curcumin content in java turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza)

Adi EBM, Indrayani S, Mulyaningsih ES. 2018. The effect of fertilizer and rhizomes seed size to curcumin content in java turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza). Pros Sem Nas Masy Biodiv Indon 4: 58-62. Java turmeric plant cultivated using rhizomes. In rhizome contains compound of curcumin with yellowish color as phenolic compound. Curcumin can be used in herbal medicine industry (jamu), so that java turmeric is spice and medicinal plant. To obtain good qualities of material with high curcumin content in the rhizome would be needed appropriate cultivation method. This study aimed to evaluate the respond of fertilizer and harvest time difference to improving the content of curcumin in the rhizomes. The research factors are cultivation technique (organic, inorganic and semi-organic), time of harvesting and size of primer rhizome. The result showed that the size of primary rhizome (100-150 g) produces curcumin contains 1.26%. Harvest time is the best done while plant was 12 months after planting with a high curcumin contain 1.7% at active vegetative phase.