Development and validation of RP–HPLC method for estimation of curcumin from nanocochleates and its application in in–vivo pharmacokinetic study

Abstract

A reliable RP-HPLC analytical method with UV detection at 421 nm was developed and validated for the quantitative determination of curcumin from rat plasma after oral administration of curcumin loaded nanocochleates (CU-NC) to rats. The chromatographic separation was performed on HIQ SIL, C18 (250 mm × 4.6 mm) column using methanol and water (80:20 v/v) as mobile phase, at 1.0 mL/min flow rate. Validation parameters included linearity, accuracy, precision, and limit of quantitation and detection. Good linearity was obtained over the range of 2.5–100 µg/mL (R² = 0.9979) of curcumin. The developed HPLC method was precise, with <2% relative standard deviation. Accuracy, stability, and robustness studies were also found to be acceptable. Bland-Altman plot showed an acceptable repeatability coefficient. The method was under statistical control, revealed by a control chart. After CU–NC administration, pharmacokinetic parameters i.e. C_max, AUC_0-∞, and AUMC_0-∞, were observed to be 97.69±10.84 µg/mL, 1402.77±9.67 (µg/mL)×h, and 35140.16±14.67 (µg/mL)×h², respectively. This simple and precise method can be effectively implemented for routine analysis.