Production of curcumin-resveratrol cocrystal using cocrystallization with supercritical solvent

Abstract Bioactive compounds curcumin and resveratrol have been appointed to have potential for prevention and treatment of several diseases, replacing synthetic compounds with limited action. However, both present low aqueous solubility and bioavailability. Cocrystallization aims to modify physicochemical properties of active compounds by occurrence of intermolecular forces between them and possible modifications in the crystalline matrix. This research aimed to synthesize a curcumin-resveratrol cocrystal by the Cocrystallization with Supercritical Solvent (CSS) technique intending to improve the components solubility and dissolution rate. Characterization by Differential Scanning Calorimetry, X-Ray Powder Diffraction and Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy confirmed cocrystal formation. Comparing to raw components, cocrystal antioxidant activity was improved as well as dissolution rate. Curcumin and resveratrol solubility were improved 1.5 and 2 times, respectively. Behavioral tests in mice showed that curcumin-resveratrol antinociceptive/anti-inflammatory potency was increased probably due to alterations in its bioavailability, which gives the cocrystal good potential of use in the pharmaceutical industry.