Formulation, Evaluation and Bioavailability Enhancement of Black Turmeric (Curcuma Caesia) Tablets

ABSTRACT Background: Curcuma caesia (common name: Black turmeric) is a medicinal plant and is found below the forest trees commonly endemic in moist places with rich soil and supports the antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities due to its high content of curcuminoids. But its poor bioavailability after oral administration and low solubility in aqueous solution hinder it as a drug candidate. The objective of the present investigation was to formulate oral tablet dosage form of the extract of Curcuma caesia and to improve its bioavailability through the use of bioenhancers and solid dispersion technique. Methods: Preparation of ethanolic extract of Curcuma caesia and phytochemical and FTIR analysis Ethanolic extract of Curcuma caesia was prepared and screened for its phytochemicals and FTIR was performed. A tablet formulation was developed using piperine as bioenhancer and PEG 6000 for solid dispersion. The flow properties, hardness, friability, disintegration time, and drug content of the formulations and after recovery from compression were some of the evaluated pre-and post-compression parameters. FTIR study was carried out to confirm excipient compatibility and in vitro dissolution studies were performed to assess drug release. Results: The formulated tablets showed excellent physical characteristics with disintegration time of 6.5 min and > 97% release of drug in 60 min. There was no chemical interaction between the drug and the excipients (FTIR study). The tablets demonstrated significantly enhanced solubility and dissolution when compared to the unformulated extract indicating enhanced bioavailability. Conclusion: The stability, efficacy, and bioavailability of the formulated Curcuma caesia tablet were promising. This study makes feasible the standardisation and commercialisation of black turmeric tablets as an innovative phytopharmaceutical dosage form possessing therapeutic potential. Further in vivo and clinical studies are recommended to validate these findings