ABSTRACT

Curcumin is a light sensitive molecule and due to its hydrophobic nature is poorly absorbed upon oral administration. Co-administering agents capable of blocking enzymes degrading curcumin in the liver, using lipid-based delivery systems, nanoparticulate delivery systems, dispersion/emulsion-based delivery systems, and various other approaches are being studied to improve the bioavailability of curcumin. Anticancer activity of curcumin-loaded nanocomposite against skin carcinoma cells was significantly higher than free curcumin. Clinical trials conducted on curcumin provide evidence for the clinical efficacy of curcumin in spite of poor oral absorption. Polysaccharide-based nanocarrier systems including amphiphiles can be either prepared using a covalent or non-covalent method. Nanocarrier systems thus provide an alternative delivery system for the delivery of a wide variety of drugs that were considered challenging to be delivered into systemic circulation. The benefit of using polysaccharides as nanocarrier systems ranges from reduction in cost, non-toxicity, biodegradability, better efficiency, higher stability, and so on.