Curcumin-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Modified with Partially Hydrolyzed Ginsenoside

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Pharmaceutics
• Materials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Curcumin, a potent natural compound, suffers from poor solubility and bioavailability.
• Phospholipid-based nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) offer a promising platform for enhancing curcumin delivery.
• Modifying NLCs with specific agents can further optimize drug release and therapeutic efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of partially hydrolyzed ginsenoside on the physicochemical properties of curcumin-loaded NLCs.
• To evaluate the in vitro release kinetics of curcumin from these modified NLCs.
• To determine the potential of partially hydrolyzed ginsenoside in improving curcumin bioavailability.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of NLCs with varying amounts of partially hydrolyzed ginsenoside (NLC-PG) using the hot-melt method.
• Characterization of particle size, polydispersity index, solubility, and morphology (TEM).
• Analysis of curcumin's physical state and interactions using X-ray diffraction and FTIR spectroscopy.
• In vitro release studies in simulated gastric/intestinal fluids with and without enzymes (lipase, viscozyme).

Main Results:

• Curcumin-loaded NLC-PG exhibited monodispersed particle size (150-200 nm) and enhanced curcumin solubility.
• TEM confirmed a multilayered core/shell structure, while XRD and FTIR indicated amorphous curcumin without excipient interaction.
• In vitro release rate (Jss) of curcumin increased with ginsenoside content, particularly in the presence of enzymes.

Conclusions:

• Partially hydrolyzed ginsenoside significantly improves the physicochemical properties and in vitro release of curcumin from NLCs.
• The enzyme-responsive release suggests enhanced bioavailability potential.
• NLC-PG formulations represent a viable strategy for optimizing curcumin delivery and therapeutic outcomes.