Enhancing anti-inflammation activity of curcumin through O/W nanoemulsions

High-speed and high-pressure homogenized O/W emulsions using medium chain triacylglycerols (MCT) as oil and Tween 20 as emulsifier, with mean droplet sizes ranging from 618.6nm to 79.5nm, have been successfully prepared. The enhanced anti-inflammation activity of curcumin encapsulated in O/W emulsions is evidenced by the mouse ear inflammation model. There is a 43% or 85% inhibition effect of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced edema of mouse ear for 618.6nm and 79.5nm 1% curcumin O/W emulsions, respectively, but a negligible effect is found for 1% curcumin in 10% Tween 20 water solution.