Water-soluble lipophilic natural compound formulations

Abstract

Methods and formulations for increasing the water solubility and/or bioavailability of lipophilic natural compounds are disclosed. The formulations may be employed to make liquid filled capsules or clear and stable beverages containing therapeutic amounts of the active ingredients, for example.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A water-soluble lipophilic natural compound formulation, comprising:
 at least 0.01 wt % curcumin extract; and   a non-ionic surfactant.   
     
     
         2 . The formulation of  claim 1 , wherein the curcumin extract and the non-ionic surfactant are present in the formulation at a weight ratio from 1:5 to 1:200. 
     
     
         3 . The formulation of  claim 1 , wherein the curcumin extract is present at least at 0.1 wt %. 
     
     
         4 . The formulation of  claim 1 , wherein the curcumin extract is present at from 1 wt % to 80 wt %. 
     
     
         5 . The formulation of  claim 1 , wherein the curcumin extract is present at from 0.1 wt % to 30 wt %. 
     
     
         6 . The formulation of  claim 1 , consisting essentially of the curcumin extract and the non-ionic surfactant, and optionally pH adjusting agents, excipients, or combinations thereof 
     
     
         7 . The formulation of  claim 1 , wherein said non-ionic surfactant is a non-ionic water soluble mono-, di-, or tri-glyceride; non-ionic water soluble mono- or di-fatty acid ester of polyethyelene glycol; non-ionic water soluble sorbitan fatty acid ester; polyglycolyzed glyceride; non-ionic water soluble triblock copolymers; or derivative thereof. 
     
     
         8 . The formulation of  claim 1 , wherein said non-ionic surfactant is a non-ionic water soluble mono-, di-, or tri-glyceride. 
     
     
         9 . The formulation of  claim 1 , wherein said non-ionic surfactant is a polyoxyl castor oil. 
     
     
         10 . The formulation of  claim 1 , wherein said formulation is a non-alcoholic formulation and a non-aprotic solvated formulation. 
     
     
         11 . The formulation of  claim 1 , comprising from 1 mg to 50 mg of the curcumin extract. 
     
     
         12 . The formulation of  claim 1 , wherein said formulation is in a soft gel capsule. 
     
     
         13 . The formulation of  claim 1 , wherein said formulation is solubilized in water and is in the form of beverage. 
     
     
         14 . The formulation of  claim 1 , further comprising water. 
     
     
         15 . The formulation of  claim 15 , wherein the water is added at greater than 50 wt % and the formulation is clear with no visible particles or micelles to the naked eye. 
     
     
         16 . A method for enhancing the bioavailability of a lipophilic natural compound in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a formulation comprising a curcumin extract and a non-ionic surfactant. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the formulation is in the form of a liquid consumable. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the liquid consumable further comprises at least 50 wt % water and the curcumin extract is solubilized or finely dispersed in the water to form a clear solution. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the liquid consumable is contained with a soft gel tablet. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the curcumin extract and the non-ionic surfactant are present in the formulation at a weight ratio from 1:5 to 1:200.