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  4. Vol 7, Issue 2, 2026

Overcoming the Curcumin Absorption Barrier: A Novel Oral Formula for Synergistic Cytokine Inhibition and Skin Barrier Repair

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DOI: 10.23977/medsc.2026.070204 | Downloads: 0 | Views: 57

Author(s)

Hongfeng Shen 1, Chen Xu 1, Yuqing Wang 1, Jingjing Dai 1

Affiliation(s)

1 Eternal Grace R&D Center, Gpo Lief Pte. Ltd., Singapore

Corresponding Author

Hongfeng Shen

ABSTRACT

Curcumin demonstrates potent multi-target anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities but is severely limited by poor water solubility, rapid phase II metabolism, and low oral bioavailability. Herein, a dual delivery system integrating supramolecular cocrystal and self-emulsifying water–oil dual solubilization technologies was developed, combined with exogenous tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) supplementation. The formulation achieved 98.02% relative bioavailability and >297-fold higher systemic exposure of active constituents than conventional curcumin. Further synergized with fish oil, astaxanthin, nicotinamide, vitamin B6, and zinc, the composition established an integrated network targeting anti-inflammation, skin barrier repair, and pigment regulation. A 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 40 subjects with mild-to-moderate acne showed that serum IL-6 was reduced by 48.09%, acne lesion count by 52.41%, accompanied by improved sebum secretion, skin hydration, and melanin index. This delivery strategy significantly enhances the bioefficacy of poorly bioavailable natural products, offering a safe and effective systemic intervention for inflammatory skin diseases.

KEYWORDS

Curcumin; Tetrahydrocurcumin; Drug Delivery System; Bioavailability; Acne; Skin Barrier

CITE THIS PAPER

Hongfeng Shen, Chen Xu, Yuqing Wang, Jingjing Dai. Overcoming the Curcumin Absorption Barrier: A Novel Oral Formula for Synergistic Cytokine Inhibition and Skin Barrier Repair. MEDS Clinical Medicine (2026). Vol. 7, No.2, 21-29. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/medsc.2026.070204.

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