TPGS-Stabilized Curcumin Nanoparticles Exhibit Superior Effect on Carrageenan-Induced Inflammation in Wistar Rat

Curcumin, a hydrophobic polyphenol compound derived from the rhizome of Curcuma genus has wide spectrum of biological and pharmacological activities. Previously, curcumin nanocrystal with different stabilizers had been produced successfully in order to enhance solubility and per oral absorption. In present study, we tested the anti-inflammatory effect of TPGS-stabilized curcumin nanocrystal in vivo. Lambda-carrageenan was used to induce inflammation in rat, given by intraplantar route and intrapelurally through surgery in the pleurisy test. In lambda-carrageenan-induced edema model, TPGS-stabilized curcumin nanocrystal was given orally 1 hour before induction and at 0.5, 4.5, and 8.5 hour after induction with 2 different doses (1.8 and 0.9 mg/kg BW). Sodium diclofenac with a dose of 4.5 mg/kg BW was used as a standard drug. Physical mixture of curcumin-TPGS was also used as a comparison with higher dose of 60 mg/kg BW. The anti-inflammatory effect was assessed on the edema in carrageenan-induced paw edema model and volume of exudate as well as number of leukocytes reduction in the pleurisy test. TPGS-stabilized curcumin nanocrystal with lower doses showed better anti-inflammatory effect, indicating the greater absorption capability through gastrointestinal tract.