Design of absorption enhancer containing self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) for curcumin improved anti-cancer activity and oral bioavailability

Curcumin is a versatile natural anticancer molecule with higher level of safety; however, its clinical applicability is hindered by its physico-chemical properties. This study was designed for developing absorption enhancer containing self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) for improving curcumin oral bioavailability and anticancer activity. Formulation components were identified based on solubility and emulsifying ability. Ternary phase diagram of selected components was constructed for optimizing concentrations of formulation constituent. Optimized formulations were characterized using FTIR, zetasizer and atomic force microscope and investigated for dilution and thermodynamic stability. Based on drug solubility and emulsification capability, Tween 80, PEG 200 and cinnamon oil were selected as surfactant, co-surfactant, and oil phase, respectively. The optimized formulation containing 30% each of selected surfactant and co-surfactant and 40% oil revealed homogeneously distributed nano-size droplets (106.44 ± 22.27 nm) with −26.2 ± 2.43 mV surface negativity after drug loading. Developed SNEDDS was highly stable and did not alter the drug chemical nature. Inclusion of absorption enhancer in the SNEDDS increased curcumin anticancer activity and cellular uptake in colon cancer cells. Similarly, drug bioavailability improved significantly when delivered orally in developed SNEDDS. Efficient performance of novel SNEDDS for curcumin improved anticancer activity and bioavailability can be safely concluded from this study.