Developmental strategies of curcumin solid dispersions for enhancing bioavailability

Background: Although curcumin has been demonstrated to be beneficial in treating various diseases, its low solubility, chemical stability and bioavailability limit its application, especially in cancer therapy. Methods: Solid dispersions have been utilized in the last few decades to improve the bioavailability and stability of curcumin. Results: However, there is a lack of summaries and classifications of the methods for preparing curcumin with this technology. The current review aims to overview the strategies used to develop solid dispersions containing curcumin for improving drug delivery. The classification of techniques for creating solid dispersions for curcumin was summarized, including systems for protecting curcumin degradation despite its chemical stability. The applications of advanced nanotechnologies in recent studies of solid dispersions were also discussed to explain the roles of nanoparticles in formulations. Conclusion: This overview of recent developments in formulating solid dispersions for improving curcumin bioavailability will contribute to future studies of curcumin for clinical development.