Curcumin loaded high internal phase emulsions: Formulation and potential to alleviate DSS-induced ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, incurable disease that causes great suffering to patients. High internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) are promising carriers of curcumin (Cur), which has a beneficial effect on UC. The retention rate of Cur encapsulated in HIPEs prepared by pea protein isolated nanoparticles/octenyl succinic anhydride-modified linear dextrin composite particles (PPINs/OSA-LD) or PPINs reached 84.85% and 85.98%, respectively, which was significantly higher than that of Cur dissolved in corn oil (73.84%) due to the superior protection of the emulsion interfacial structure. The HIPEs showed higher bioaccessibility of Cur (31.16%) due to the higher degree of free fatty acid release. After emulsion treatment, the symptoms of UC were ameliorated, mainly manifested by the recovery of body weight, growth of the colon, down-regulation of pro-inflammatory factors, up-regulation of anti-inflammatory factors, and balance of gut microbiota composition. The Cur-loaded HIPEs show an outstanding improvement in UC.