ABSTRACT: Objective To improve the dissolution of curcumin by loading it into mesoporous silica nanoparticles. Methods The morphology and particle size of mesoporous silica nanoparticles were observed by SEM. The adsorption of curcumin on the surface of mesoporous silica nanoparticles was observed by X-ray diffraction. The influence on the release of curcumin of mesoporous silica nanoparticles was investigated in the dissolution experiment in vitro. Results The XRD patterns showed that amorphous curcumin was densely and uniformly loaded on the surface of the pores in mesoporous silica nanoparticles. The dissolution experiment indicated that the dissolution rate and degree of composite were increased significantly compared to crystalline curcumin. Conclusion This study provides a new way to improve the dissolution and bioavailability of poor water soluble drugs.