In vitro and in vivo evaluation of curcumin loaded lauroyl sulphated chitosan for enhancing oral bioavailability

Curcumin has been demonstrated as a potent anticancer agent but its clinical application has been limited by its poor aqueous solubility and bioavailability. Here we describe encapsulation of curcumin in the lauroyl sulphated chitosan with a view to improve its bioavailability. In vitro antioxidant activity of extract of curcumin loaded matrix was investigated and exhibited dose dependent radical scavenging and reducing activity. Cytotoxicity studies carried out with curcumin loaded carrier on C6 cell line and were found to be toxic. Its in vitro effects on proliferation using the C6 cell lines also studied and observed antiproliferation of C6 cell line. Plasma concentration of curcumin–time profiles from pharmacokinetic studies in rats after oral administration showed a 11.5-fold increased pharmacological availability of curcumin with encapsulated curcumin compared with native curcumin. Overall we demonstrate that the curcumin loaded matrix has shown a superior pharmacological availability in vivo over curcumin.