Curcumin Enhances Oral Bioavailability and Anti-Tumor Therapeutic Efficacy of Paclitaxel

Scientists in the United States have published new data on the potential of curcumin to enhance the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel, a commonly used cancer treatment. The study involved the administration of curcumin to mice with ovarian adenocarcinoma, followed by the administration of paclitaxel in nanoemulsion formulation. The results showed a significant increase in plasma AUC(0-8) of paclitaxel, relative bioavailability, and tumor tissue accumulation, as well as enhanced anti-tumor activity. The combination of curcumin and paclitaxel did not induce any acute toxicity, suggesting its potential as an effective and safe treatment for ovarian adenocarcinoma.

Key Takeaways:

• Curcumin administration at 50 mg/kg for 3 consecutive days resulted in a downregulation of intestinal P-glycoprotein (Pgp) and cytochrome P450 3A2 (CYP3A2) protein levels, increasing the oral bioavailability of paclitaxel.
• Paclitaxel administered in nanoemulsion to curcumin-treated mice showed a 4.1-fold increase in plasma AUC(0-8) relative to controls, and a 5.2-fold increase in relative bioavailability.
• The combination of curcumin and paclitaxel resulted in a 3.2-fold higher accumulation of paclitaxel in tumor tissue, and enhanced anti-tumor activity.
• Preliminary safety evaluation showed that the CUR+PTX combination did not induce any acute toxicity, as measured by body weight changes, blood cell counts, liver enzyme levels, and liver histopathology.
• The results suggest that combination of paclitaxel and curcumin, administered in nanoemulsions, could improve oral bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy in ovarian adenocarcinoma.

Statistics:

• 50 mg/kg: curcumin dose administered to mice
• 3 consecutive days: duration of curcumin administration
• 20 mg/kg: paclitaxel dose administered to mice
• 4.1-fold: increase in plasma AUC(0-8) of paclitaxel in curcumin-treated mice
• 5.2-fold: increase in relative bioavailability of paclitaxel in curcumin-treated mice
• 3.2-fold: increase in accumulation of paclitaxel in tumor tissue
• 11: issue number of the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences where the study was published

Sources:

• S. Ganta et al., "Curcumin enhances oral bioavailability and anti-tumor therapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel upon administration in nanoemulsion formulation." Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2010;99(11):4630-41.
• Biotech Week editors, "Curcumin Enhances Oral Bioavailability and Anti-Tumor Therapeutic Efficacy of Paclitaxel." Biotech Week, 2010.