Colloidal submicron-particle curcumin exhibits high absorption efficiency-a double-blind, 3-way crossover study

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Drug Delivery
• Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Curcumin, derived from turmeric, possesses diverse biological activities but suffers from poor oral bioavailability.
• Drug-delivery systems (DDS) are crucial for enhancing curcumin's absorption and therapeutic efficacy.
• Theracurmin is a DDS formulation of curcumin using colloidal submicron-particles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the oral absorption efficiency of Theracurmin against two other DDS curcumin formulations (BCM-95 and Meriva).
• To assess plasma curcumin levels and pharmacokinetic profiles following administration of different DDS curcumin preparations.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, 3-way crossover study involving nine healthy subjects.
• Administration of Theracurmin, BCM-95, and Meriva at commonly used dosages.
• Measurement and comparison of plasma curcumin concentrations over a 24-hour period.

Main Results:

• Theracurmin demonstrated significantly higher maximal plasma curcumin concentrations (10.7-fold vs. BCM-95, 5.6-fold vs. Meriva).
• The area under the blood concentration-time curve (AUC) for Theracurmin was substantially greater (11.0-fold vs. BCM-95, 4.6-fold vs. Meriva).
• These findings indicate superior absorption efficiency for Theracurmin.

Conclusions:

• Theracurmin exhibits markedly higher oral absorption efficiency compared to BCM-95 and Meriva.
• The enhanced bioavailability of Theracurmin suggests greater potential for its therapeutic applications.
• Curcumin drug-delivery systems play a vital role in overcoming bioavailability limitations.