Metabolic profile of curcumin self-emulsifying drug delivery system in rats determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Enhancement of digestive stability in curcumin-loaded liposomes via glycolipids: An analysis in vitro and in vivo

The active ingredient embedded in liposomes is usually released prematurely due to its poor digestive stability. The purpose of this study was to explore the digestion process of glycolipids-altered curcumin-loaded liposomes in the gastrointestinal tract. In vitro modeling revealed that glycolipids improved the digestive stability of liposomes, as evidenced by less curcumin release and particle size changes, accompanied by a decrease in curcumin oxidation products. Dynamic digestion process simulations demonstrated that the decrease in digestibility was due to glycolipids decreasing the binding of liposomes to digestive enzymes. The Sprague Dawley rat model found that glycolipids increased serum levels of curcumin and metabolites, with an elevation of maximum curcumin concentration from 0.58 to 3.61 μg/mL. Analysis of residual curcumin levels in digestive fluids also demonstrated that glycolipids promoted curcumin absorption in rats. In addition, serum lipidomic analysis demonstrated that glycolipids and curcumin co-regulated lipid metabolism in rats, and that curcumin was a major factor influencing lipid composition. This study can provide guidance for solving the stability challenges of liposomes during oral administration.

Self-Emulsifying Systems for Delivery of Bioactive Compounds from Natural Origin

Nature has been used as therapeutic resources in the treatment of diseases for many years. However, some natural compounds have poor water solubility. Therefore, physicochemical strategies and technologies are necessary for development of systems for carrying these substances. The self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) have been used as carriers of hydrophobic compounds in order to increase the solubility and absorption, improving their bioavailability. SEDDS are constituted with a mixture of oils and surfactants which, when come into contact with an aqueous medium under mild agitation, can form emulsions. In the last years, a wide variety of self-emulsifying formulations containing bioactive compounds from natural origin has been developed. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the main excipients and natural bioactive compounds composing SEDDS. In addition, applications, new technologies and innovation are reviewed as well. Examples of self-emulsifying formulations administered in different sites are also considered for a better understanding of the use of this strategy to modify the delivery of compounds from natural origin.

Lipid-Based Nanocarrier System for the Effective Delivery of Nutraceuticals

Nutraceuticals possess several health benefits and functions; however, most nutraceuticals are prone to degradation in the gastrointestinal environment and have poor bioavailability. Application of a novel carrier system is of increasing importance to overcome obstacles and provide efficient applicability. Lipid-based nanocarriers provide a large surface-to-mass ratio, enhanced intestinal absorption by solubilization in the intestinal milieu, intestinal lymphatic transport, and altering enterocyte-based transport. A critical overview of the current limitation, preparation, and application of lipid-based nanocarriers (liposomes and niosomes) and lipid nanoparticles (SLNs and NLCs) is discussed. Physical and gastrointestinal stability and bioavailability of nanoencapsulated nutraceuticals are considered as well.