Pharmacokinetics of curcumin nanostructured lipid carriers in rats' plasma

AIM To develop an HPLC method for determining curcumin in rat plasma and to investigate the pharmacokinetic behavior of curcumin nanostructured lipid carriers( CNLC). METHODS Twelve rats were randomly and evenly divided into two groups,the rats were subject to a single-dose intragastric administration of curcumin and CNLC. The curcumin and CNLC plasma concentrations at predetermined time were measured by HPLC,and then the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. RESULTS The HPLC method for determining the curcumin concentrations in rat plasma were established. The results indicated that CNLC was absorbed quickly and the clearance was decreased. The AUC( 0- t)was( 930. 08 ± 18. 95) μg / L·h,t1 /2was( 10. 71 ± 3. 30) h,Cmaxwas( 117. 57 ± 4. 61) μg /L,respectively. The bioavailability of CNLC to curcumin was 800%. CONCLUSION The HPLC method for determination of plasma curcumin concentration is accurate,simple and reliable,which provides the basis of way for the pharmacokinetic study. CNLC is a promising formulation to deliver curcumin.