Improving the anticancer efficacy of tetrahydrocurcumin via β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexation

Context: Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) exhibits superior biological and pharmacological characteristics compared to curcumin, demonstrating efficacy in suppressing tumor metastasis and angiogenesis and acting as a potent preventive agent against carcinogenesis. However, its limited water solubility restricts its application in aqueous formulations. Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of a β-cyclodextrin (β-CD)-THC inclusion complex in combating colon and liver cancer in animal models. Female rats (n=24) were divided into six groups and induced with colon and liver cancer using 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH). Methods: THC or the β-CD-THC inclusion complex was orally administered twice weekly for 11 weeks. Animals were euthanized, and blood serum, colon, and liver samples were collected for analysis. Results: Results indicate that the THC inclusion complex significantly reduced high dysplasia in the colon, decreased necrotic hepatocytes, and reduced central vein diameter in the liver. Moreover, it lowered serum levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, and MMP-9 in cancer-induced rats, highlighting enhanced anticancer properties when THC is complexed with β-CD. Conclusions: These findings underscore the potential of the β-CD-THC inclusion complex as a promising therapeutic strategy against colon and liver cancer.