Abstract

Curcumin, a natural polyphenol derived from Curcuma longa, possesses potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. However, its therapeutic application is severely limited by poor aqueous solubility, rapid metabolism, and low bioavailability. This study aimed to develop and evaluate novel nano-lipid carriers (NLCs) for enhanced bioavailability and targeted delivery of curcumin. NLCs were formulated using a high-pressure homogenization technique, optimized for particle size, encapsulation efficiency, and drug release characteristics. In vitro studies demonstrated a sustained and controlled release of curcumin from the NLCs, significantly improving its solubility and stability. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies in Wistar rats revealed a substantial increase in curcumin bioavailability compared to free curcumin. Furthermore, the efficacy of curcumin-loaded NLCs was evaluated in an animal model of inflammation, demonstrating a significant reduction in inflammatory markers compared to free curcumin. The results suggest that curcumin-loaded NLCs offer a promising strategy for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of curcumin by improving its bioavailability and enabling targeted delivery.