In-vitro studies of Curcumin-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex as sustained release system

Curcumin has always gained attention due to its diverse medicinal properties; concerns are related to its metabolism and aqueous solubility. Researchers are putting forth persistent attempts to improve its water solubility. Out of various methodologies tested, complex formation with β-cyclodextrin has been effective enough to enhance its solubility. A number of reports are available in literature which shows increased aqueous solubility of curcumin-cyclodextrin inclusion complex. In addition to its enhanced aqueous solubility as β-cyclodextrin-inclusion complex by 206 folds, we here studied curcumin-cyclodextrin inclusion complex as a sustained release drug delivery system. Initially synthesized inclusion complex has been characterized using FT-IR, SEM, XRD, UV-Vis, and particle size analysis. Interactions of curcumin, as a guest in cyclodextrin host moiety in context with biological molecules were monitored by anti-oxidant, serum protein protecting, anti-trypsin, anti-amylase, and anti-cathepsin activities. And, for the first time, the sustained release character of curcumin over a period of 5h from the β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex has been reported.