Preparation Of Curcumin Research Articles

Noble Heart Failure Therapy Using Food Compositions

Hemodynamic stresses, including hypertension and myocardial infarction, activate neurohumoral factors such as the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin system, and can lead to the progression of heart failure. Established pharmacological agents such as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and β-blockers target extra-cellular molecules and receptors on the cell membrane. These agents have shown some efficacy for the treatment of heart failure, but the long-term survival rate of patients with heart failure remains low. Additional effective pharmacological approaches are urgently required. Our previous studies have demonstrated that curcumin, a natural polyphenol derived from the root of Curcuma longa, prevented the development of heart failure in rat models of myocardial infarction and hypertensive heart disease. However, until recently curcumin's poor water solubility and extremely low bioavailability have presented serious challenges to its clinical applicability. In recent years, highly absorbable curcumin preparations have been developed using methods such as nanoparticle formation and micellization, and there are now high expectations for their wide clinical application. Our group has developed a highly absorbable curcumin formulation called Theracurmin using nanoparticulation and surface processing techniques. Our preliminary data indicated that Theracurmin may improve left ventricular diastolic function. Furthermore, we have already completed and are currently carrying out several clinical trials using Theracurmin against heart failure-related diseases. This paper summarizes and discusses the potential clinical applications of curcumin, focusing on our highly absorbable curcumin formulation, Theracurmin.

A Meta-Analysis of the Clinical Use of Curcumin for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remains a prevalent and difficult-to-manage gastrointestinal condition. There is growing interest in the use of traditional medicine to manage IBS. In particular, curcumin, a biologically active phytochemical, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties and mucosal protective effects in rat models of colitis. This meta-analysis thus aimed to investigate the hypothesis that curcumin improves IBS symptoms. Using the keywords (curcumin OR turmeric OR Indian saffron OR diferuloylmethane OR curcuminoid) AND (irritable bowel syndrome OR IBS), a preliminary search on the PubMed, Medline, Embase, PsychINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases yielded 1080 papers published in English between 1 January 1988 and 1 May 2018. Five randomized, controlled trials were systematically reviewed and 3 were included in the final meta-analysis. Random-effects meta-analysis based on three studies and 326 patients found curcumin to have a beneficial albeit not statistically significant effect on IBS symptoms (pooled standardized mean difference from baseline IBS severity rating −0.466, 95% CI: −1.113 to 0.182, p = 0.158). This is the first meta-analysis to examine the use of curcumin in IBS. With its unique anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and ability to modulate gut microbiota, curcumin is a potentially useful addition to our armamentarium of agents for IBS. It also appears safe and well-tolerated, with no adverse events reported in the available trials. However, current findings are based on a considerably limited evidence base with marked heterogeneity. More robust clinical trials involving a standardized curcumin preparation and larger sample sizes should be encouraged.

Preparation and characterization of curcumin loaded gold/graphene oxide nanocomposite for potential breast cancer therapy

Graphene oxide (GO) and gold/graphene oxide (Au/GO) nanocomposites were fabricated through a facile chemical route and their application as excellent nanocarriers for curcumin delivery were also demonstrated. The structure and physical properties of GO and Au/GO nanocomposite were investigated by transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and UV–visible spectrophotometry. Curcumin was chosen as a model drug to be loaded onto the GO via π–π stacking and hydrophobic interaction. The cytotoxicity of GO, Au/GO, and curcumin-loaded Au/GO nanocomposite (Au/GO/Cur) was investigated on the MCF7 breast cancer cell line, and HEK293 (human embryonic kidney 293) cells. The toxicity of the nanocomposites were also tested against brine shrimp (Artemia salina) larva, and human red blood cells (RBC) membrane disruption. The Au/GO/Cur system indicated cancer cell-specific properties with no noticeable toxicity on normal healthy cells after 48 and 72 h incubation with different concentrations in comparison to GO. In addition, the Au/GO/Cur nanocomposite did not show a strong lethal effect on brine shrimp larva (50% lethal concentration or LC50 = 657.35 µg/mL). The effect of the nanocomposite on the integrity of RBC membranes was negligible and confirmed its hemocompatibility and biocompatibility. Thus, the prepared nanocomposite system offers a novel formulation that combines the unique properties of a biodegradable material for biomedical applications.

Phytosome complex of curcumin as complementary therapy of advanced pancreatic cancer improves safety and efficacy of gemcitabine: Results of a prospective phase II trial

A large body of biomedical evidence indicates that activation of Nrf2 by curcumin increases the nucleophilic tone and damps inflammation cumulatively supporting the malignant phenotype. Conversely, genetic analyses suggest a possible oncogenic nature of constitutive Nrf2 activation since an increased nucleophilic tone is alleged increasing chemoresistance of cancer cells. Aiming to contribute to solve this paradox, this study addressed the issue of safety and efficacy of curcumin as complementary therapy of gemcitabine on pancreatic cancer. This was a single centre, single arm prospective phase II trial. Patients received gemcitabine and Meriva®, a patented preparation of curcumin complexed with phospholipids. Primary endpoint was response rate, secondary endpoints were progression free survival, overall survival, tolerability and quality of life. Analysis of inflammatory biomarkers was also carried out. Fifty-two consecutive patients were enrolled. Forty-four (13 locally advanced and 31 metastatic) were suitable for primary endpoint evaluation. Median age was 66 years (range 42–87); 42 patients had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0–1. The median number of treatment cycle was 4.5 (range 2–14). We observed 27.3% of response rate and 34.1% of cases with stable disease, totalizing a disease control rate of 61.4%. The median progression free survival and overall survival were 8.4 and 10.2 months, respectively. Higher IL-6 and sCD40L levels before treatment were associated to a worse overall survival (p < 0.01). Increases in sCD40L levels after 1 cycle of chemotherapy were associated with a reduced response to the therapy. Grade 3/4 toxicity was observed (neutropenia, 38.6%; anemia, 6.8%). There were no significant changes in quality of life during therapy. In conclusion, the complementary therapy to gemcitabine with phytosome complex of curcumin is not only safe but also efficiently translate in a good response rate in first line therapy of advanced pancreatic cancer.

姜黄素发酵乳的制备及理化性质研究

姜黄素发酵乳的制备及理化性质研究

Curcumin-Free Turmeric Exhibits Activity against Human HCT-116 Colon Tumor Xenograft: Comparison with Curcumin and Whole Turmeric.

Extensive research within last two decades has indicated that curcumin extracted from turmeric (Curcuma longa), exhibits anticancer potential, in part through the modulation of inflammatory pathways. However, the residual antitumor activity of curcumin-free turmeric (CFT) relative to curcumin or turmeric is not well-understood. In the present study, therefore, we determined activities of these agents in both in vitro and in vivo models of human HCT-116 colorectal cancer (CRC). When examined in an in vitro antiproliferative, clonogenic or anti-inflammatory assay system, we found that curcumin was highly active whereas turmeric and CFT had relatively poor activity against CRC cells. However, when examined in vivo at an oral dose of either 100 or 500 mg/kg given to nude mice bearing CRC xenografts, all three preparations of curcumin, turmeric, and CFT similarly suppressed the growth of the xenograft. The effect of CFT on suppression of tumor growth was dose-dependent, with 500 mg/kg tending to be more effective than 100 mg/kg. Interestingly, 100 mg/kg curcumin or turmeric was found to be more effective than 500 mg/kg. When examined in vivo for the expression of biomarkers associated with cell survival (cIAP-1, Bcl-2, and survivin), proliferation (Ki-67 and cyclin D1) and metastasis (ICAM-1 and VEGF), all were down-modulated. These agents also suppressed inflammatory transcription factors (NF-κB and STAT3) in tumor cells. Overall, our results with CFT provide evidence that turmeric must contain additional bioactive compounds other than curcumin that, in contrast to curcumin, exhibit greater anticancer potential in vivo than in vitro against human CRC. Moreover, our study highlights the fact that the beneficial effects of turmeric and curcumin in humans may be more effectively realized at lower doses, whereas CFT could be given at higher doses without loss in favorable activity.

Synthesis, characterisation and biomedical applications of curcumin conjugated chitosan microspheres

Curcumin is a diaryl heptanoid of curcuminoids class obtained from Curcuma longa. It possesses various biological activities like anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, wound-healing, and antimicrobial activities. Chitosan is a biocompatible, biodegradable and non–toxic natural polymer which enhances the adhesive property of the skin. Chemical conjugation will leads to sustained release action and to enhance the bioavailability. This study aims to synthesis and characterize biocompatible curcumin conjugated chitosan microspheres for bio-medical applications. The Schiff base reaction was carried out for the preparation of curcumin conjugated chitosan by microwave method and it was characterised using FTIR and NMR. Curcumin conjugated chitosan microspheres (CCCMs) were prepared by wet milling solvent evaporation method. SEM analysis showed these CCCMs were 2–5μm spherical particles. The antibacterial activities of the prepared CCCMs were studied against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, the zone of inhibition was 28mm and 23mm respectively. Antioxidant activity of the prepared CCCMs was also studied by DPPH and H2O2 method it showed IC50 esteem value of 216μg/ml and 228μg/ml, and anti-inflammatory activity results showed that CCCMs having IC50 value of 45μg/ml. The results conclude that the CCCMs having a good antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This, the prepared CCCMs have potential application in preventing skin infections.

Pengembangan Dan Optimasi Formula Self Mikroemulsi Drug Delivery System (SMEDDS) Kurkumin Untuk Meningkatkan Bioavaibilitas

Kurkumin terbukti memiliki aktivitas sebagai anti-tumor, anti-inflamasi, anti-virus, anti-oksidasi dan anti HIV. Penggunaan kurkumin dalam proses pengobatan jangka panjang memberikan toksisitas yang rendah sehingga secara klinis akan sangat menguntungkan untuk dikembangkan. Kandungan aktif kurkumin yang berasal dari ekstrak tanaman curcuma longa ini mempunyai bioavaiblitas yang sangat rendah. Hal ini berkaitan karena kelarutan kurkumin yang jelek dalam air (11 ng/ml, pH 5,0) sehingga sedikit diserap di saluran pencernaan. Permasalahan ini dapat diatasi dengan membuat sediaan kurkumin dalam bentuk Self Mikroemulsi Drug Delivery System (SMEDDS)&#x0D; Penelitian awal dilakukan skrining terhadap kelarutan kurkumin dengan pembawa berbagai jenis minyak, surfaktan dan kosurfaktan. Hasil skrining dilanjutkan dengan pemilihan formula optimum SMEDDS kurkumin dengan menggunakan metode Simpelx Lattice Design (SLD). Tiga variabel akan memberikan 14 formula SMEDDS kurkumin yang masing-masing formula dilakukan pengujian terhadap karakteristiknya sebagai titik kritis meliputi : % transmitan, waktu emulsifikasi dan drug loading. Hasil masing-masing pengujian dianalisis datanya dengan Design Exspert versi 7 dan dilanjutnya validasi formula optimum dengan uji T dengan taraf kepercayaan 95%.&#x0D; Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa skrining awal terhadap kurkumin didapatkan kelarutan yang terbesar pada jenis minyak zaitun, surfaktan Tween 80 dan kosurfaktan PEG 400. Ketiga jenis bahan ini dilakukan optimasi dengan SLD memberikan formula optimum komposisi SMEDDS kurkumin dengan komposisi 0,026 minyak zaitun ; 0,0913 Tween 80 dan 0,061 PEG 400.

Preparation and Characterization of Curcumin Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles for Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive tumor targeting strategy, in which tumor tissues can be selectively destroyed. Upon excitation with light of a specific wavelength, a photosensitizer can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the presence of molecular oxygen, thereby exhibiting a cytotoxic effect toward the surrounding tissues, giving a total control on the onset of therapy. In this research work, curcumin as a natural photosensitizer has been investigated against cancer cells. To enhance the solubility of curcumin, a nanoformulation is developed using chitosan as biodegradable and biocompatible polymer that has the ability to encapsulate curcumin and improve its therapeutic effect. Physicochemical characterizations revealed that the prepared formulations were in the nanoscale range and had a positive ζ‐potential. Upon irradiation using a novel LED device (λex = 457 nm), curcumin nanoparticles were able to generate ROS and destroy tumor cells. Moreover, unloaded nanoparticles exhibited nonsignificant phototoxicity. These outcomes confirm the importance of curcumin nanoparticles in enhancing the efficacy of curcumin and offer new insights in the field of PDT against cancer.

Formulation optimization, characterization, and evaluation of in vitro cytotoxic potential of curcumin loaded solid lipid nanoparticles for improved anticancer activity

The aim of the present research was to develop a novel, biocompatible, amenable to industrial scale up and affordable solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) preparation of curcumin and evaluate the therapeutic efficacy in vitro using cancer cells. We have incorporated cholesterol as the lipid to prepare SLN along with the Poloxamer-188 as stabilizer. High shear homogenization was used to prepare the SLN and formulation was optimized using Quality by Design The optimized Chol CUR SLN exhibited a narrow size distribution with a particle size of 166.4±3.5nm. Percentage encapsulation (%EE) was found to be 76.9±1.9%. The SLN were further characterized by DSC, FTIR, XRD and drug release. In vitro cell studies in MDA-MB-231 (Human Breast cancer) cell line revealed that the Chol CUR SLN showed superior cytotoxicity and uptake in comparison to the free curcumin. Furthermore, Chol CUR SLN induced a significantly higher apoptosis compared to free CUR treatment. These results indicated that the curcumin encapsulated in Chol SLN was able to significantly improve the cytotoxic potential and induction of apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. The promising result from our study could lead a further exploration of this nanoparticle formulation to be utilized clinically for cancer treatment.

Preventive effect of curcumin and its highly bioavailable preparation on hearing loss induced by single or repeated exposure to noise: A comparative and mechanistic study

We sought to determine the preventive effects of curcumin and its highly bioavailable preparation on noise-induced hearing loss in a novel murine model of permanent hearing loss developed by repeated exposure to noise. Upon exposure to noise (8-kHz octave band noise, 90 dB sound pressure level, 1 h), hearing ability was impaired in a temporary and reversible manner. During repeated noise exposure (1-h exposure per day, 5 days), there was a progressive increase in the auditory threshold shift at 12 and 20 kHz. The threshold shift persisted for at least 6 days after noise exposure. Oral administration of curcumin for 3 days before and each day during noise exposure significantly alleviated the hearing loss induced by repeated noise exposure. Curcumin abolished intranuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB-p65 and generation of 4-hydroxynonenal-adducted proteins found in the cochlea after noise exposure. Theracurmin®, a highly absorbable and bioavailable preparation of curcumin, had strong preventive effects on hearing loss induced by repeated noise exposure. Together, these data suggest that curcumin exerts a preventive effect on noise-induced hearing loss and is therefore a good therapeutic candidate for preventing sensorineural hearing loss.

Preparation, characterization and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin loaded carboxymethyl cellulose acetate butyrate nanoparticles on adjuvant induced arthritis in rats

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a destructive illness and results in damage of joints and cartilages, followed by loss of function. Curcumin proved to be more effective in alleviating the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis like tenderness and swelling of joints compared to regular drugs. However, its utility as a therapeutic agent is limited by its poor absorption, rapid metabolism and rapid systemic elimination. In our study, curcumin was molecularly dispersed in amorphous polymer and nanoparticles were produced by a rapid precipitation technique. Dynamic light scattering showed the particle size was 166.5 ± 4.2 nm. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) results showed that the drug in the nanoparticles was in the amorphous state. Drug loading efficiency in the nanoparticles was 73.41 ± 2.4%. The drug from the nanoparticle showed higher release compared to the pure as-received drug. Behavioral studies were conducted such as thermal hyperalgesia, mechanical hyperalgesia, mechanical allodynia, hematological assessment, radiographic analysis and various disease development parameters such as mobility score, joint stiffness, paw volume and locomotor activity was assessed after induction of arthritis using complete Freund's adjuvant in rats. Studies revealed that nanoparticles act as better anti-inflammatory agents and could give faster relief from pain.

In vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetics and toxicity evaluation of curcumin incorporated titanium dioxide nanoparticles for biomedical applications

The present study deals with the preparation of stable Curcumin incorporated Titaniumdioxide Nanoparticles (CTNPs) by coprecipitation method for improving the bioavailability of curcumin and site specific drug delivery. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by UV visible spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, DLS, SEM and EDX. The characterization studies showed the interaction of curcumin to titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The average size of the prepared CTNPs was found to be ∼29 nm with zetapotential of-53.790 mV. In vivo and in vitro toxicological evaluations were carried out to determine the biological effect of CTNPs. In vitro parameters like cell viability, Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) Assay, Neutral red uptake (NRU) assay and uptake of curcumin from CTNPs by the cells had been investigated. In vitro toxicity studies in THP1 and H9c2 cell lines showed that CTNPs are safe even at a dose of 200 ng. The in vivo part of the study was carried out with different doses of Curcumin (1 mg–20 mg/kg body weight), Titaniumdioxide Nanoparticles (TNPs) (1 mg–5 mg/kg Body weight) and CTNPs (5 mg–10 mg/kg Body weight) in Sprague dawley rat models to determine the pharmacokinetics and genotoxicity of the nanoparticle. This was done by analysing the parameters like SGPT, SGOT, LDH, hematological parameters and biodistribution of the nanomaterial at different organ sites. Genotoxicity of samples were done by comet assay on blood cells. No significant toxicity was observed in the parameters in samples treated group compared to controls. The overall results indicated that the CTNPs are nontoxic and is highly stable with improved site specific application compared to native curcumin and are suitable for biomedical applications.

Essential turmeric oils enhance anti-inflammatory efficacy of curcumin in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis

Turmeric has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years for treatment of various disorders. Although curcumin is the most studied active constituents of turmeric, accumulating evidence suggests that other components of turmeric have additional anti-inflammatory and anti-tumorigenic properties. Herein, we investigated anti-inflammatory efficacy and associated gene expression alterations of a specific, curcumin preparation containing essential turmeric oils (ETO-curcumin) in comparison to standard curcumin at three specific doses (0, 5, 25 or 50 mg/kg), in an animal model of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. The present study showed that both ETO and standard curcumin treatments provided protection against DSS-induced inflammation. However, ETO-curcumin improved disease activity index (DAI) dose-dependently, while the anti-inflammatory efficacy of standard curcumin remained constant, suggesting that ETO-curcumin may provide superior anti-inflammatory efficacy compared to standard curcumin. Gene expression analysis revealed that anti-inflammatory cytokines including IL-10 and IL-11 as well as FOXP3 were upregulated in the colon by ETO-curcumin. Collectively, these findings suggest that the combined treatment of curcumin and essential turmeric oils provides superior protection from DSS-induced colitis than curcumin alone, highlighting the anti-inflammatory potential of turmeric.

High bioavailability curcumin: an anti-inflammatory and neurosupportive bioactive nutrient for neurodegenerative diseases characterized by chronic neuroinflammation.

Neuroinflammation is a pathophysiological process present in a number of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury including chronic traumatic encephalopathy and other age-related CNS disorders. Although there is still much debate about the initial trigger for some of these neurodegenerative disorders, during the progression of disease, broad range anti-inflammatory drugs including cytokine suppressive anti-inflammatory drugs (CSAIDs) might be promising therapeutic options to limit neuroinflammation and improve the clinical outcome. One of the most promising CSAIDs is curcumin, which modulates the activity of several transcription factors (e.g., STAT, NF-κB, AP-1) and their pro-inflammatory molecular signaling pathways. However, normal curcumin preparations demonstrate low bioavailability in vivo. To increase bioavailability, preparations of high bioavailability curcumin have been introduced to achieve therapeutically relevant concentrations in target tissues. This literature review aims to summarize the pharmacokinetic and toxicity profile of different curcumin formulations.

Voltammetric quantification of surfactant stabilized curcumin at MWCNT/GCE sensor

Abstract A simple voltammetric method has been developed for selective quantification of curcumin, primary bioactive component of turmeric in phosphate buffer system at pH 2.5 in solubilized system at Multiwalled-carbon nanotube/Glassy carbon electrode (MWCNT/GCE) sensor using squarewave voltammetry as an analytical technique. Effect of different types of surfactants on the solubilization and stability of curcumin were compared to identify the most suitable surfactant for conducting voltammetric studies. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), Tween 20 and Triton X surfactants were used in the study. The experimental results suggested that solubility and chemical stability of curcumin were substantially increased in Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as compared to other solvent systems. Under the optimized conditions the oxidation peak current for curcumin was found to be proportional to its concentration in the range of 4 × 10 − 7 g/mL to 20 × 10 − 7 g/mL with 3.28 × 10 − 7 g/mL and 10.94 × 10 − 7 g/mL as limit of detection and limit of quantification respectively. As it is a well-known fact that curcumin exhibits wide therapeutic potential but its low aqueous solubility at neutral and acidic pH limits its use, therefore the present research focuses on development of method for preparation of water soluble curcumin by incorporation of surfactant micellar system in order to increase solubility and stability of curcumin in aqueous form. Also present investigation deals with finding out alternatives to the use of organic solvents with the aim of diverting research towards greener chemistry by using less hazardous solubilizing media.

Preparation of curcumin-loaded PCL-PEG-PCL triblock copolymeric nanoparticles by a microchannel technology

Biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) have potential therapeutic applications; however, preparing NPs of a specific diameter and uniform size distribution is a challenge. In this work, we fabricated a microchannel system for the preparation of curcumin (Cur)-loaded NPs by the interfacial precipitation method, which rapidly and consistently generated stable NPs with a relatively smaller diameter, narrow size distribution, and higher drug-loading capacity and entrapment efficiency. Poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly (ε-caprolactone) triblock copolymers(PCEC) used as the carrier material was synthesized and characterized. Cur-loaded PCEC NPs had an average size of 167.2nm with a zeta potential of −29.23mV, and showed a loading capacity and drug entrapment efficiency of 15.28%±0.23% and 96.11%±0.13%, respectively. Meanwhile, the NPs demonstrated good biocompatibility and bioavailability, efficient cellular uptake, and long circulation time and a possible liver targeting effect in vivo. These results indicate that the Cur-loaded PCEC NPs can be used as drug carriers in controlled delivery systems and other biomedical applications.

Fabrication of Surgical Sutures Coated with Curcumin Loaded Gold Nanoparticles

Sutures are biomaterials regarded as a major cause of Surgical Site Infections (SSIs). Present work aims at a novel strategy to reduce nosocomial infections by coating sutures with antimicrobial drugs. Gold Nanoparticles (GNPs) coated with antimicrobial drugs are well known for their antimicrobial activity. Hence, synthesis of gold nanoparticles by chemical reduction method followed by preparation of curcumin pegylated GNPs (CPGNPs) were carried out. The formation of the gold nanoparticles, thiolated gold nanoparticles (PGNPs) and CPGNPs was characterized by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) techniques. The average particle size and polydispersity index of drug conjugated gold NPs were found to be 147.8 nm ± 2.03 nm and 0.286 respectively. The plain sutures (purchased from local market) were coated with curcumin pegylated GNPs by dipping technique and characterized by SEM to ensure the coating of curcumin conjugated gold nanoparticles on plain sutures. The CPGNPs coated sutures were evaluated for mechanical properties, drug release studies, biocompatibility, haemo-compatibility, sensitization and for in vivo studies. Histopathology was also done to study the effect of coated sutures on inflammation and cell repair at the site of surgery. The optimized coated sutures exhibited sustained drug release for 4 days and the antibacterial activity of the coated sutures was noticed in comparison to the uncoated sutures. From in vivo studies, it was clearly evident that coated sutures healed the tissue much faster than the uncoated sutures and less inflammation was observed. The same was concluded by the histopathology reports. The successful designing and development of drug-coated biodegradable sutures highlight the applicability of novel technique of coating for effective reduction of SSIs during the hospital stay.

A method for the preparation of curcumin by ultrasonic-assisted ammonium sulfate/ethanol aqueous two phase extraction.

This study investigated a new and easy-to-industrialized extracting method for curcumin from Curcuma longa rhizomes using ultrasonic extraction technology combined with ammonium sulfate/ethanol aqueous two-phase system (ATPS), and the preparation of curcumin using the semi-preparative HPLC. The single-factor experiments and response surface methodology (RSM) were utilized to determine the optimal material-solvent ratio, ultrasonic intensity (UI) and ultrasonic time. The optimum extraction conditions were finally determined to be material-solvent rate of 3.29:100, ultrasonic intensity of 33.63W/cm2 and ultrasonic time of 17min. At these optimum conditions, the extraction yield could reach 46.91mg/g. And the extraction yields of curcumin remained stable in the case of amplification, which indicated that scale-up extraction was feasible and efficient. Afterwards, the semi-preparative HPLC experiment was carried out, in which optimal preparation conditions were elected according to the single factor experiment. The prepared curcumin was obtained and the purity could up to 85.58% by the semi-preparative HPLC.

Curcumin as potential therapeutic natural product: a nanobiotechnological perspective.

Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems can resolve the poor bioavailability issue allied with curcumin. The therapeutic potential of curcumin can be enhanced by making nanocomposite preparation of curcumin with metal oxide nanoparticles, poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles and solid lipid nanoparticles that increases its bioavailability in the tissue. Curcumin has manifold therapeutic effects which include antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Curcumin can inhibit diabetes, heavy metal and stress-induced hypertension with its antioxidant, chelating and inhibitory effects on the pathways that lead to hypertension. Curcumin is an anticancer agent that can prevent abnormal cell proliferation. Nanocurcumin is an improved form of curcumin with enhanced therapeutic properties due to improved delivery to the diseased tissue, better internalization and reduced systemic elimination. Curcumin has multiple pharmacologic effects, but its poor bioavailability reduces its therapeutic effects. By conjugating curcumin to metal oxide nanoparticles or encapsulation in lipid nanoparticles, dendrimers, nanogels and polymeric nanoparticles, the water solubility and bioavailability of curcumin can be improved and thus increase its pharmacological effectiveness.