Background: Continuous attempts are being made to develop new and more effective drugs for treatment of schistosomiasis. Curcuma longa is a medicinal plant that contains yellow pigments known as curcuminoids (curcumin, bidesmetoxi-curcumin and monodesmetoxi-curcumin), with curcumin as the highest component. The main biological effect depends on curcumin content. Curcumin has low bioavailability and poor-water solubility. Preparation of C. longa (Cl) nanoemulsion was attempted to enhance solubility and bioavailability of curcumin.
Objective: The production of Cl nanoemulsion, and study of its pharmacokinetic properties (namely solubility and intestinal bioavailability) and anti-helminthic effects on Schistosoma mansoni cercariae, schistosomules and adults.
Methodology: Cl nanoemulsion was prepared from ethanol extract of crude powder of Cl rhizome. Characterization was done by transmission electron microscope (TEM), testing solubility and intestinal bioavailability. Schistosomicidal effects were performed by in vitro assay.
Results: Cl nanoemulsion showed increased solubility and bioavailability compared to ethanol extract of the tested plant; as well as time and dose dependent schistosomicidal effects on cercariae and 24h-old schistosomules of S. mansoni. In addition, it exhibited an optimal activity against the adult stage with decreased motor activity of the worms.
Conclusion: This study proves that Cl nanoemulsion has enhanced solubility and bioavailability, as well as schistosomicidal activity.