Effects of curcumin nanoparticle on the histological changes and apoptotic factors expression in testis tissue after methylphenidate administration in rats

Although safe in most cases, ancient treatments are ignored because neither their active component nor their molecular targets are well defined. This is not the case, however, with curcumin, a yellow-pigment substance and component of turmeric (Curcuma longa), which was identified more than a century ago. For centuries it has been known that turmeric exhibits anti-inflammatory activity, but extensive research performed within the past two decades has shown that this activity of turmeric is due to curcumin (diferuloylmethane). This agent has been shown to regulate numerous transcription factors, cytokines, protein kinases, adhesion molecules, redox status and enzymes that have been linked to inflammation. The process of inflammation has been shown to play a major role in most chronic illnesses, including neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, autoimmune and neoplastic diseases. In the current review, we provide evidence for the potential role of curcumin in the prevention and treatment of various proinflammatory chronic diseases. These features, combined with the pharmacological safety and negligible cost, render curcumin an attractive agent to explore further.

The worldwide emergence of nanoscale science and engineering was marked by the announcement of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) in January 2000. Recent research on biosystems at the nanoscale has created one of the most dynamic science and technology domains at the confluence of physical sciences, molecular engineering, biology, biotechnology and medicine. This domain includes better understanding of living and thinking systems, revolutionary biotechnology processes, the synthesis of new drugs and their targeted delivery, regenerative medicine, neuromorphic engineering and developing a sustainable environment. Nanobiosystems research is a priority in many countries and its relevance within nanotechnology is expected to increase in the future.

Curcumin, a derived product from common spice turmeric that is safe and beneficial in several aliments was formulated into biodegradable nanoparticles with a view to improve its oral bioavailability. The curcumin encapsulated nanoparticles prepared by emulsion technique were spherical in shape with particle size of 264nm (polydispersity index 0.31) and 76.9% entrapment at 15% loading. The curcumin encapsulated nanoparticles were able to withstand the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) accelerated stability test conditions for refrigerated products for the studied duration of 3 months. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the amorphous nature of the encapsulated curcumin. The in vitro release was predominantly by diffusion phenomenon and followed Higuchi's release pattern. The in vivo pharmacokinetics revealed that curcumin entrapped nanoparticles demonstrate at least 9-fold increase in oral bioavailability when compared to curcumin administered with piperine as absorption enhancer. Together the results clearly indicate the promise of nanoparticles for oral delivery of poorly bioavailable molecules like curcumin.