Curcumin/xanthan-galactomannan hydrogels: rheological analysis and biocompatibility

Curcumin, a lipophilic compound found in the plant Curcuma longa L., exhibits a wide range of pharmacological activity; however, its therapeutic use has been limited because of its low bioavailability following oral administration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the viscoelastic characteristics and biocompatibility of a curcumin/xanthan:galactomannan hydrogel (X:G) system after topical application on chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), a system established with a view toward curcumin nasal or topical pharmaceutical applications or possible administration in cosmetics or foods. A rheological analysis indicated that incorporation of curcumin did not alter the viscoelastic characteristics of the X:G hydrogel, suggesting that there was no change in the structure of the gel network. X:G hydrogels did not induce CAM tissue injury and the curcumin/X:G hydrogel system was also highly biocompatible. We conclude that the X:G hydrogel represents a potential matrix for curcumin formulations.