Curcumin Extract
CLINICAL STUDIES ON THE FOLLOWING INGREDIENTS:
CURCUMIN (CurcugenⓇ)
The enhanced bioavailability of free curcumin and bioactive-metabolite tetrahydrocurcumin from a dispersible, oleoresin-based turmeric formulation
Abstract
Background: Curcuminoids have been widely studied for human health and disease applications, yet bioavailability remains a hurdle to actualizing all the benefits ascribed to them. The lack of standardization in the analysis method, confusion about what constitutes an ideal analyte, and conflicting thoughts around dosing strategies have made it difficult to draw parity between bioavailability and bioactivity and establish a baseline for formulation comparisons.
Methods: This randomized double-blinded, 2-way crossover, single oral dose, comparative bioavailability study differentially evaluates curcumin at the time of its absorption and along various biotransformation pathways, to include free curcumin, the readily usable form of curcumin; individual and composite totals of curcumin and its analogues as exogenously cleaved conjugates, for example, total curcumin, total demethoxycurcumin (DMC), total bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC), and total curcuminoids respectively; and the bioactive metabolite of curcumin, total tetrahydrocurcumin (THC). As a primary study objective, the relative bioavailability of CURCUGEN, a novel dispersible, 50% curcuminoids-concentrated turmeric extract was compared to the standard curcumin reference product, curcuminoids 95% standardized extract (C-95), using the maximum concentration (Cmax), and area under the curve (AUC0-t) of free curcumin, total curcumin, total DMC, total BDMC and the curcumin active metabolite, as total THC.
Results: The evaluation of free curcumin demonstrated that the Cmax and AUC0-t of the CURCUGEN was 16.1 times and 39 times higher than the Cmax and AUC0-t of C-95. Furthermore, total curcumin, total DMC, total BDMC, and total curcuminoids resulted in AUC0-t of the CURCUGEN at 49.5-, 43.5-, 46.8-, and 52.5-fold higher than C-95, respectively. The relative bioavailability of CURCUGEN for total THC was found to be 31 times higher when compared to C-95.
Conclusion: s the first human pharmacokinetics study to apply best-practice recommendations and pharmaceutically-aligned guidance in the comprehensive evaluation of a novel curcuminoids formulation, we have established the novelty of said formulation while better standardizing for the common variances and discrepancies between curcuminoids and their derivatives in the literature and commercial marketing, alike.
Source: Sanjib Kumar Panda, Somashekara Nirvanashetty, M Missamma, and Shavon Jackson-Michel. “The enhanced bioavailability of free curcumin and bioactive-metabolite tetrahydrocurcumin from a dispersible, oleoresin-based turmeric formulation,” Medicine (Baltimore). (2021): 100(27):e26601. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000026601.
Efficacy of a curcumin extract (Curcugen™) on gastrointestinal symptoms and intestinal microbiota in adults with self-reported digestive complaints: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Abstract
Background: There is preliminary evidence to suggest curcumin can alleviate digestive symptoms in adults with self-reported digestive complaints and irritable bowel syndrome. However, in all these trials, curcumin was used as a component of a multi-herbal combination and there were consistent concerns associated with risk of bias in most studies. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of a curcumin extract (Curcugen™) on gastrointestinal symptoms, mood, and overall quality of life in adults presenting with self-reported digestive complaints. Moreover, to determine the potential therapeutic mechanisms of action associated with curcumin, its effects on intestinal microbiota and small intestinal bowel overgrowth (SIBO) were examined.
Methods: In this 8-week, parallel-group, double-blind, randomised controlled trial, 79 adults with self-reported digestive complaints were recruited and randomised to receive either a placebo or 500 mg of the curcumin extract, Curcugen™. Outcome measures included the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), intestinal microbial profile (16S rRNA), Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale – 21 (DASS-21), Short Form-36 (SF-36), and SIBO breath test.
Results: Based on self-report data collected from 77 participants, curcumin was associated with a significantly greater reduction in the GSRS total score compared to the placebo. There was also a greater reduction in the DASS-21 anxiety score. No other significant between-group changes in self-report data were identified. An examination of changes in the intestinal microbial profile and SIBO test revealed curcumin had no significant effect on these parameters. Curcumin was well-tolerated with no significant adverse events.
Conclusions: The curcumin extract, Curcugen™, administered for 8 weeks at a dose of 500 mg once daily was associated with greater improvements in digestive complaints and anxiety levels in adults with self-reported digestive complaints. Compared to the placebo, there were no significant changes in intestinal microbiota or SIBO; however, further research using larger samples and testing methods that allow more detailed microbial analyses will be important. An investigation into other potential mechanisms associated with curcumin’s gastrointestinal-relieving effects will also be important such as examining its influence on the intestinal barrier function, inflammation, neurotransmitter activity, and visceral sensitivity.
Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, Trial ID. ACTRN12619001236189. Registered 6 September 2019.
Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-021-03220-6.
Source: Adrian L. Lopresti, Stephen J. Smith, Alethea Rea, and Shavon Michel. “Efficacy of a curcumin extract (Curcugen™) on gastrointestinal symptoms and intestinal microbiota in adults with self-reported digestive complaints: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study” BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2021): 21: 40. doi: 10.1186/s12906-021-03220-6
CURCUMIN
Curcumin: A Review of Its’ Effects on Human Health
Abstract
Turmeric, a spice that has long been recognized for its medicinal properties, has received interest from both the medical/scientific world and from culinary enthusiasts, as it is the major source of the polyphenol curcumin. It aids in the management of oxidative and inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, anxiety, and hyperlipidemia. It may also help in the management of exercise-induced inflammation and muscle soreness, thus enhancing recovery and performance in active people. In addition, a relatively low dose of the complex can provide health benefits for people that do not have diagnosed health conditions. Most of these benefits can be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Ingesting curcumin by itself does not lead to the associated health benefits due to its poor bioavailability, which appears to be primarily due to poor absorption, rapid metabolism, and rapid elimination. There are several components that can increase bioavailability. For example, piperine is the major active component of black pepper and, when combined in a complex with curcumin, has been shown to increase bioavailability by 2000%. Curcumin combined with enhancing agents provides multiple health benefits. The purpose of this review is to provide a brief overview of the plethora of research regarding the health benefits of curcumin.
Source: Susan J. Hewlings, and Douglas S. Kalman.“Curcumin: A Review of Its’ Effects on Human Health,” Foods. (2017): 6(10): 92. doi: 10.3390/foods6100092
A review of therapeutic potentials of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its active constituent, curcumin, on inflammatory disorders, pain, and their related patents
Abstract
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its constituent, curcumin, have been used for their therapeutic properties for a long time. Most of the medicinal impacts of turmeric and curcumin might be attributed to their anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antioxidant effects. In the present review, the preventive and therapeutic potentials of turmeric and its active constituent, curcumin, on inflammatory disorders and pain as well as patents related to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, have been summarized to highlight their value on human health. A literature review was accomplished in Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Google Patent, Patentscope, and US Patent.
Several documents and patents disclosed the significance of turmeric and curcumin to apply in several therapeutic, medicinal, and pharmaceutical fields. These phytocompounds could be applied as a supplementary therapy in phytotherapy, inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, dermatitis, and different types of pain including neuropathic pain. However, because of inadequate clinical trials, further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of the plant. Consistent with the human tendency to the usage of phytocompounds rather than synthetic drugs, particular consideration must be dedicated to bond the worth of turmeric and curcumin from basic sciences to clinical applications.
Source: Razavi BM, Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar M, and Hosseinzadeh H. “A review of therapeutic potentials of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its active constituent, curcumin, on inflammatory disorders, pain, and their related patents.” Phytotherapy Research. (2021): 35(12):6489-6513. doi: 10.1002/ptr.7224. Epub 2021 Jul 26. PMID: 34312922.