Comparing the efficacy of nanocurcumin and its bulk counterpart to understand the permeability - an in vitro approach

Abstract

The anti-carcinogenic effects of curcumin have been enhanced by its use in the management of oral cancer when delivered orally, topically, as an adjuvant, and in combination with other drugs. However, the therapeutic effects of bulk curcumin are severely limited by a number of significant related issues including poor absorption and low bioavailability.This may be attributed to the poor permeability of bulk curcumin. The need for a smaller sized and smart molecule was accomplished by generating nanocurcumin.The present research study aimed at synthesis (chemical and green), characterisation, and testing nanocurcumin on human lymphocytes, erythrocytes and OSCC cell lines and comparing its effects with bulk curcumin. The study has demonstrated the improved permeability of nanocurcumin compared to its bulk counterpart. Considering the high prevalence of oral cancer in India and the wide availability of the traditional curcumin, its cost effectiveness provides an excellent potential to nanoformulation of curcumin in cancer treatment.

URN:NBN:sciencein.jist.2023.v11.533