Development of natural extracts in lipid-based microparticles with enhanced dissolution properties

Curcumin is one of the most studied natural substances for its properties as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Because of its low solubility and rapid metabolism, curcumin has a very low oral bioavailability even at very high doses.

Curcumin microparticles formulations (Curcumafast) are produced applying CryoXpand technology. Formulations were designed to release curcumin rapidly while maintaining it in solution for a prolonged period of time, thereby accessible for absorption (bioaccessible).

The resulting micronized powders were characterized for their curcumin content, morphology and release kinetics in comparison with the pure natural extract and with a reference commercial product in powder form.