Microencapsulation of curcumin by ionotropic gelation with surfactants: Characterization, release profile and antioxidant activity

International audienceThe purpose of this work was to encapsulate curcumin in pectin beads by ionotropic gelation method in order to improve its solubility and its bioavailability and to preserve its antioxidant activity in the presence of surfactants (Kolliphor (R) HS 15, TPGS (R) and BiPro (R) BLG). Different beads were successfully produced and characterized for physicochemical characteristics. Encapsulation efficiency was greater than 75% in all cases of beads produced. Curcumin was transformed from crystalline to an amorphous state during the manufacturing process with Kolliphor (R) and TPGS (R) beads, inducing a rapid release of curcumin in simulated intestinal fluids. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of curcumin seemed slightly changed after encapsulation and dissolution with these surfactants. On the contrary, with BLG and control beads without any surfactant, the release was lower and the antioxidant capacity decreased. This study showed that surfactants are significantly effective at enhancing the solubility and protecting the antioxidant capacity of curcumin and that their choices are essential

Potential antimalarial activity of indole alkaloids

New antimalarial treatments are now urgently required, following the emergence of resistance to the most used drugs. Natural products contribute greatly to the therapeutic arsenal in this area, including artemisinin and quinine (and atovaquone, semi-synthetic). Among the natural products, indole alkaloids represent an interesting class of compounds. Screening carried out to date has revealed several substances active in vitro under the micromolar range and with a good selectivity index. This review covers the indole alkaloids with high antiplasmodial activity (in vitro and in vivo) isolated from natural sources, and is organized according to the different chemical structures of the alkaloids