Preparation, characterization and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin loaded carboxymethyl cellulose acetate butyrate nanoparticles on adjuvant induced arthritis in rats

Abstract Rheumatoid Arthritis is a destructive illness and results in damage of joints and cartilages, followed by loss of function. Curcumin proved to be more effective in alleviating the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis like tenderness and swelling of joints compared to regular drugs. However, its utility as a therapeutic agent is limited by its poor absorption, rapid metabolism and rapid systemic elimination. In our study, curcumin was molecularly dispersed in amorphous polymer and nanoparticles were produced by a rapid precipitation technique. Dynamic light scattering showed the particle size was 166.5 ± 4.2 nm. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) results showed that the drug in the nanoparticles was in the amorphous state. Drug loading efficiency in the nanoparticles was 73.41 ± 2.4%. The drug from the nanoparticle showed higher release compared to the pure as-received drug. Behavioral studies were conducted such as thermal hyperalgesia, mechanical hyperalgesia, mechanical allodynia, hematological assessment, radiographic analysis and various disease development parameters such as mobility score, joint stiffness, paw volume and locomotor activity was assessed after induction of arthritis using complete Freund's adjuvant in rats. Studies revealed that nanoparticles act as better anti-inflammatory agents and could give faster relief from pain.