Background:
Lipid based excipients have increased acceptance nowadays
in the development of novel drug delivery systems in order to improve their
pharmacokinetic profiles. Drugs encapsulated in lipids have enhanced stability
due to the protection they experience in the lipid core of these nano-formulations.
Phytosomes are newly discovered drug delivery systems and novel botanical
formulation to produce lipophilic molecular complex which imparts stability,
increases absorption and bioavailability of phytoconstituent. Curcumin, obtained
from turmeric (Curcuma longa), has a wide range of biological activities. The
poor solubility and wettability of curcumin are responsible for poor dissolution
and this, in turn, results in poor bioavailability. To overcome these limitations,
the curcumin-loaded nano phytosomes were developed to improve its physicochemical
stability and bioavailability.
Objective:
The objective of the present research work was to develop nano-phytosomes
of curcumin to improve its physicochemical stability and bioavailability.
Methods:
Curcumin-loaded nano phytosomes were prepared by using phospholipid
Phospholipon 90 H using a modified solvent evaporation method. The developed
curcumin nano phytosomes were evaluated by particle size analyzer and
differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
Results:
Results indicated that phytosomes prepared using curcumin and lipid in
the ratio of 1:2 show good entrapment efficiency. The obtained curcumin phytosomes
were spherical in shape with a size less than 100 nm. The prepared nano
phytosomal formulation of curcumin showed promising potential as an antioxidant.
Conclusion:
The phytosomal complex showed sustained release of curcumin
from vesicles. The sustained release of curcumin from phytosome may improve
its absorption and lowers the elimination rate with an increase in bioavailability.
Polymeric microneedle-mediated sustained release systems: design strategies and promising applications for drug delivery
