ENHANCEMENT OF SOLUBILITY AND DISSOLUTION RATE OF CURCUMIN BY SOLID DISPERSION TECHNIQUE

Abstract

Curcumin, a naturally occurring highly lipophilic molecule has wide range of pharmacological activities. However, its limitedaqueous solubility and degradation at alkaline pH restricts its bioavailability. Solid dispersions (SD) of curcumin-polyethylene glycol (PEG 4000, 6000) in the ratio of1:3, 1:5, and 1:10 wereprepared in an attempt to increase the solubility and dissolution by fusion method. Physical characterization by IR, DSC studies, in comparison with corresponding physical mixtures revealed the changesin solid state during the formation of dispersion and justified the formation of high-energy amorphous phase. Both solubility and dissolution of curcumin solid dispersions were significantly greater than those observed for physical mixtures and intact curcumin and it was observed that the dissolutionof PEG 4000 was higher as compared to PEG 6000 in 30 mins. The powder DSCthermogram indicated that the amorphous curcumin was obtained from all solid dispersions. This may aid in improving bioavailability and dose reductionofthe drug. © 2013 IRJP.