Curcumin-c3 complexed with α-, β-cyclodextrin exhibits antibacterial and antioxidant properties suitable for cancer treatments

Background: The curcumin-C3 (cur-C3) complex obtained from Curcuma longa rhizome is a combination of three curcuminoids, namely, curcumin, dimethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Cur and curcuminoids have been extensively researched for their wide range of therapeutic properties against inflammatory diseases, diabetes, and cancer. Objective: In spite of their extensive medicinal properties, cur and curcuminoids have poor solubility and bioavailability due to their hydrophobicity. This limitation can be overcome by complexing cur-C3 with natural cyclic oligo-saccharides, such as Cyclodextrin (CD). Methods: In this study, cur-C3 and CD (α, β) inclusion complexes (ICs) were prepared with different molar ratios and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. Results: The cur-C3 cyclodextrin ICs showed an increased entrapment efficiency of 97.8% and improved antioxidant activity compared to cur and can be used as an antioxidant to reduce cancer-related oxidative stress. Additionally, α-CD ICs of curcumin-C3 caused an increase in growth inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that both α-and β-CDs are suitable carriers for cur-C3 and can be used as an effective treatment for cancer-associated oxidative stress and as a preventive treatment for nosocomial infections and pneumonia.