The Influence of Surface Charge on The Antiviral Effect of Curcumin Loaded in Nanocarrier System.

Background Curcumin is a well-documented bioactive compound present in Curcuma sp., a tropical medicinal plant. This substance exhibits broad spectrum biological activities including antivirus. Despite, the lack of pharmaceutical properties of curcumin limits its clinical use. Objective This study aims to produce curcumin nanoemulsion with different surface charge (curcumin (+) nanoemulsion and curcumin (-) nanoemulsion) and to evaluate its physical characteristics, in vitro cell cytotoxicity and antiviral activity against dengue virus (DENV) 1 and 2. Methods Two forms of nanoemulsion were prepared which were differed from their surface charge through spontaneous procedure resulting similar characteristics except the zeta potential value. Cytotoxicity was determined using RT-PCR method in A549 cell line and anti-DENV properties were determined by calculation of inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) value. Results The positively charge of curcumin-loaded nanoemulsion showed better effect in reducing the viral replication represented by lower IC50 value. In addition, DENV-1 was more sensitive and responsive to curcumin as compared to DENV-2. Conclusion Positive surface charge of curcumin-loaded nanoemulsion improves the antiviral effect of the curcumin suggesting a promising approach for alternative treatment for dengue virus infection.