Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity and biocompatibility of curcumin loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles as an oral drug delivery system

Curcumin, well-known polyphenol drug shows great promise as a therapeutic agent. However, a major concern for this molecule is its low bioavailability. We have recently reported the use of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) to enhance curcumin bioavailability significantly. In the present work, we investigated anti-inflammatory effects of the curcumin-MSN and related side effects caused to the gastrointestinal tract and kidney, compared with curcumin and diclofenac sodium. The anti-inflammatory effect tests were performed by induction of carrageenan in Wistar rat feet. Ulcerogenic observations were performed macroscopically and microscopically. Kidney histopathology were performed on the average number of necrotic cells of the proximal tubule and distal tubules. There was anti-inflammatory activity in the administration of peroral curcumin and curcumin-MSN, in the absence of significant macroscopic and microscopic changes in the stomach organ. Curcumin-MSN showed a high anti-inflammatory activity comparable to diclofenac sodium but with a significantly enhanced biocompatibility