Curcumin micelles entrapped in eudragit S-100 matrix: a synergistic strategy for enhanced oral delivery

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic activities of curcumin (CUR) via oral administration are hampered by the lack of bioavailability due to its poor water solubility and rapid degradation in GI tract. MATERIALS & METHODS: This preliminary study developed CUR micelle-eudragit S100 (EUD) dry powder (CM-EDP) spray-dried formulations. Poloxamer 407 was used as a micelle-forming agent and EUD as an entrapping matrix for protection over hydrolysis and enzymes in the GI tract. RESULTS: The morphology of CM-EDP showed agglomeration with cratering on the surface of particles. Differential thermal analysis and x-ray diffractometry data exhibited evidence that CUR was converted into amorphous solid. An increased concentration of micelle-forming and dispersion matrix polymers resulted in a high fraction of drug being converted into the amorphous state. A significant increase in dissolution by 7–10 times was achieved compared with that of raw CUR. CONCLUSION: The present study disclosed the CM-EDP potency for future development of CUR oral formulation.