Enhanced Bioavailability and Targeted Delivery of Curcumin via Novel Nano-Lipid Carriers: A Comprehensive In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation

Abstract

Curcumin, a dietary polyphenol extracted from Curcuma longa, is endowed with strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. Yet, its clinical use is greatly hampered by low aqueous solubility, fast metabolism, and low bioavailability. It was the objective of this research to design and assess new nano-lipid carriers (NLCs) for bioavailability improvement and controlled delivery of curcumin. NLCs were prepared with a high-pressure homogenization method, maximized for particle size, entrapment efficiency, and drug release properties. In vitro experiments showed a prolonged and controlled release of curcumin from the NLCs, which greatly enhanced its solubility and stability. In vivo pharmacokinetic investigations in Wistar rats showed an enhanced bioavailability of curcumin relative to free curcumin. Additionally, the effectiveness of curcumin-loaded NLCs was tested in an animal inflammatory model, which showed reduced inflammatory markers significantly compared to free curcumin. The findings indicate that curcumin-loaded NLCs provide a promising approach for maximizing the therapeutic effectiveness of curcumin by enhancing its bioavailability and facilitating targeted delivery.