Curcumin have various health-beneficial properties in numerous studies. However, its bioavailability is low due to its limited intestinal uptake and rapid metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of newly developed sub-micron particle curcumin with increased water dispersibility (Theracurmin® CR-033P). Plasma curcumin levels were measured at 0, 1, 2, 4, 8 h after Theracurmin® CR-033P intake using high-performance liquid chromatography. For analyzing pharmacokinetics of Theracurmin® CR-033P, eighteen healthy subjects were recruited and received Theracurmin® CR-033P at a single oral dose containing curcumin 30 mg. Cmax was 28.14 ng/ml, and the area under the curve for 8 h was estimated to be 104.36 ng/ml. Based on the area under the plasma concentration (AUC), the bioavailability of sub-micron particle curcumin was higher 22-, 35-, 28-fold than native curcumin in men, women, and all subjects, respectively. For comparing by formulation, seven healthy subjects were recruited and received two type of treatment: (1) existing dosage form 300 mg (contained curcumin 30 mg) × 3 capsule, (2) high dosage form 300 mg (contained curcumin 90 mg) × 1 capsule + placebo 300 mg × 2 capsule. In the cross-over study, there was no significant differences in Cmax and AUC of plasma curcumin. In conclusion, submicron particle curcumin with increased water dispersibility significantly improved its oral bioavailability and women absorbed curcumin more effectively than men. Different formulation of Theracurmin® CR-033P has shown equivalent to the reference in terms of pharmacokinetics.

• 박희정(국민대학교 식품영양학과) | Hee Jung Park (Department of Foods & Nutrition, Kookmin University) Corresponding author
• TsukasaTakahashi(THERAVALUES Corporation) | Takahashi Tsukasa
• HitomiOzawa(THERAVALUES Corporation) | Ozawa Hitomi