Investigation of solid dispersion methods to improve the dissolution rate of curcumin

Around current 40% of potential active agents are poorly water-soluble drugs. Solid dispersion (SD) technique is one of the most common techniques used to increase the dissolution rate of a poorly water-soluble drug. The aim of this research was to investigate a capability of SD in improving dissolution rate of curcumin, a poorly watersoluble drug in acidic and neutral media. SDs were prepared by melting and solvent methods. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 6, polyethylene glycol 6000, poloxamer 407 were used as carriers in the SDs. The dissolution rate of SDs was tested in simulated gastric fluid (buffer pH 1.2) and simulated intestinal fluid (buffer pH 6.8). The structural behaviors of drug were characterized by power X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR). The presence of poloxamer 407 in SDs of curcumin improved dissolution rate of the drug. The crystalline structure of the drug was changed to amorphous form. The study indicated that the melting method with poloxamer 407 was the promising approach to enhance dissolution rate of curcumin and hence, suggesting further solutions to achieve the best product containing curcumin which could improve bioavailability of the drug.