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Curcumin Gum Formula Improves Curcumin Release for Chemoprevention

by Amy E. Hamaker •

What is the release and transmucosal absorption, and effects on serum cytokine levels, of a novel gum formulation of curcumin for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma chemoprevention?

BOTTOM LINE
Enhanced mucosal contact appears critical in improving curcumin release and absorption.

Background: Most head and neck squamous cell carcinoma tumors arise from the oral cavity and oropharynx. Curcumin, a polyphenol compound with anticarcinogenic properties, is a promising chemopreventive nutraceutical when allowed to remain on intestinal mucosa, allowing for prolonged contact and mucosal absorption. A novel gum formulation of curcumin was created for direct, sustained tissue contact to the oral cavity.

Study design: Clinical trial with nine healthy volunteers.

Setting: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport.

Synopsis: Two chew methods were used to assess curcumin release. Curcumin release varied widely between test participants. The amount of curcumin released ranged from 0.1 g to 1.4 g in the initial chew method compared to 0.5 g to 3.2 g in revised chew(s). In the initial chew, a mean of 0.67 g of curcumin was released per participant compared to 1.67 g in the revised chew method. Revised chew gum formulation serum levels increased with time after chew (Tmax), with one hour exhibiting peak levels. Saliva curcumin levels decreased over time, with peak levels at the immediate 0 hour post-chew time point. As saliva levels decreased, a concurrent increase in serum levels was observed, but there was no significance in the inverse relationship between serum and salivary curcumin levels. Levels were sustained throughout the time course, and were particularly higher at four hours in samples with over 2.00 g of curcumin release. Average peak serum curcumin concentration was at 166 ± 65 ng/mL for the gum formulation, with Tmax and area under the curve values at 1.89 ± 0.54 hours and 233.84 ± 71.22 mL, respectively.

Citation: Boven L, Holmes SP, Latimer B, et al. Curcumin gum formulation for prevention of oral cavity head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Laryngoscope. 2019;129:1597–1603.