Properties and dissolution of curcumin-PVP co-grinding powder / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate the application characteristics of excipient copovidone in co-grinding process and the feasibility of co-grinding products for improving the dissolution of curcumin, using curcumin as a model drug in vitro. Methods: The prepared products were obtained by curcumin and various proportions (0%, 1%, 3%) of copovidone in co-grinding process, which were characterized by laser particle size analyzer, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD). The in vitro dissolution of milled products was evaluated in two media, and their accelerated stability was investigated. Results: In comparison with pure curcumin, the particle size of milled products decreased with the lower crystallinity by XRPD analysis, but the hygroscopicity and DSC thermograms showed no significant difference. Moreover, compared with pure curcumin, the products exhibited significant improvement of in vitro dissolution. Also, there was no significant difference in the dissolution behavior of products placed under the accelerated conditions (40 ℃, RH 75%) for three months, indicating their good stability. Conclusion: As a new excipient, copovidone could effectively enhance the dissolution of curcumin via co- grinding process. This study provided a feasible strategy for improving the solubility and even oral bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs.