RESUMO
Objective To set up a convenient and rapid quantitative method for curcumin and its carrier drugs by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry. Methods Alkali-soluble method was used to determine the content of curcumin in its drug carriers. A cer?tain amount of drug carriers containing curcumin was dissolved in 10 g/L sodium hydroxide solution and measured at maximum adsorp?tion wavelength of 470 nm. The encapsulation ratio of drug carriers was determined according to the result of measurement using a cali?bration curve as a reference. Results The concentration(x)and absorbance(y)had a good linear correlation in the range of 8.0-15.0 mg/L. The regression equation was as follows:y=0.139x+0.009,r2=0.999(n=7). The deviation was less than 0.4 mg/L within an hour. Conclusion This method is simple,rapid and accurate,with no pollution to the environment,which can be used for the entrap?ment efficiency and quality standards of curcumin nanoparticles.