ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To prepare curcumin solid dispersions by different preparation technologies and compare their properties. METHODS: Curcumin/poloxamer 407 solid dispersions were prepared by freeze-drying, co-precipitation and microwave/quench cooling methods, respectively. Internal properties of obtained solid dispersion were analyzed by SEM, DSC, XRD and FT-IR. The improvement effect on the insolubility of curcumin by making it into solid dispersions by different technologies was characterized by dissolution and solubility experiments. RESULTS: Curcumin was dispersed in solid dispersions in micro-crystal form. Compared with other technologies, microwave/quench cooling method could significantly improve the solubility and dissolution of insoluble curcumin. CONCLUSION: The study provides reference for choice of applicable production technology for solid dispersions of insoluble Chinese traditional medicine curcumin.