Curcumin sub-micrometer particles by nano spray drying
Nano Spray Drying as a solution for the formulation of natural products
Curcumin is a polyphenol of turmeric, derived from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa. In the past years, C. longa has several proven pharmacological activities, with properties includingantioxidant, anti-inflammatory or anti-tumor effects. These properties have been attributed to a group of phenolic compounds, the curcuminoids which include curcumin, demethoxy curcuminand bis-demethoxy curcumin.High doses of curcumin were shown to be pharmacologically save, however, curcumin is rapidly metabolized and excreted when taken orally. Due to its lipophilic characteristics, curcumin shows low systemic bioavailability and poor pharmacokinetics, which limit its in vivo efficacy. Curcuminoids are also reported to be practically insoluble in acidic solutions and unstable inalkaline solutions where they break down in products which invalidate their use in pharmaceuticals.The development of curcumin nanoparticles would be an interesting method for improving the stability and solubility of curcumin. In this application note, the possibility to produce sub-micron particles using the Nano Spray Dryer B-90 HP from a solution of curcumin will be investigated.
