Additionally, stretch vibrations of the benzene ring and C=C vibrations of CUR were shown at 1507 cm − 1. The absorption spectrum of CUR exhibited a sharp peak at 3507 cm − 1, indicating the presence of the phenolic O-H stretching vibration, and a broad peak at 1626 cm − 1 corresponding to C=O conjugation. The FTIR spectra of CUR (red line), βCD (light blue line), and βCD-CUR inclusion complexes (purple line) were demonstrated in Figure 1b. The chemical absorption of the βCD-CUR inclusion complex was characterized by a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrophotometer. Preliminary toxicity evaluation also indicated that its composition can be safely used in humans for cancer therapy. This efficacious formulation that enables improved aqueous dispersion is potentially useful and can be extended for various chemotherapeutic applications.

Moreover, cancer cell migration rates were decreased by 75.5% and 38.92%, invasion rates were decreased by 37.7% and 35.7%, while apoptosis rates were increased by 26.3% and 14.2%, and both caused caspase 3 activation toward colorectal cancer cells (SW480 and HCT116 cells). Based on cytotoxicity data obtained from MTT assays, the inclusion complex exhibited a greater decrease in cancer cell viability compared to pure CUR. The results indicated that water solubility was improved by 205.75-fold compared to pure CUR. Different analyses such as UV–vis spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), solubility and dissolution assays were determined to monitor the successful encapsulation of CUR within the inner cavity of a β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) complex. To overcome these problems, a drug delivery system was established as an excipient allowing improved dispersion in aqueous media coupled with enhanced in vitro anticancer effects.

However, the use of this efficacious agent in cancer therapy has been limited due to low water solubility and poor bioavailability.

Curcumin (CUR), a curcuminoid originating from turmeric root, possesses diverse pharmacological applications, including potent anticancer properties.

Special A, Vol. 1 by Maki Minami