The formulation of curcumin preparations with enhanced bioavailability for manufacturing in Vietnam

The climate and hill/mountain soil in Vietnam are suitable for the large scale cultivation of Curcuma longa, a crop which allows enhanced income and employment for local farmers. Curcumin, extracted from Curcuma Longa, is used in food, health and cosmetic products within Vietnam and for export; current production is estimated at circa 100 tons per year. Curcumin is also of increasing interest medically in terms of its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, but a key issue is that its oral bioavailability is low. The aim of this work was to allow enhanced oral bioavailability from solid oral dosage forms that can be sustainably (economically and environmentally) manufactured in Vietnam, using local materials. The target set for this project, and achieved at its conclusion, was to develop at least one formulation, and to have started scale-up studies prior to full-scale production