Enhancing Curcuminoids Absorption

Curcuminoids are the yellow colouring matter, the most active molecules of turmeric (Curcuma longa) one of the familiar spice possessing numerous bioactive components. Bio-Curcu-Max (BCM-095TM) is a unique blend which enhances the bioavailability for curcuminoids absorption. The study described here reveals the bioavailability of Bio-Curcu-Max (BCM-095TM) in human volunteers. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a bright yellow ancient spice native to Asian countries. It has been used as a traditional remedy dating back to 600 BC.  It has been used in the Indian ayurvedic system of medicines, unani medicines as well as in Chinese medicines. Turmeric has been used internally as a tonic for the stomach, blood purifier and externally for the treatment of skin diseases and wound healing. The active components of turmeric are identified as curcumin and volatile oil. Curcumin, which gives yellow colour to turmeric and essential oil which gives the aroma are responsible for the biological activities. The anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic. anti-allergic, anti-bacterial and anti-tumor activities of curcuminoids are scientifically known. As a polyphenol, curcumin is an anti-oxidant, preventing cell and tissue destruction due to free radical activity. It acts as a scavenger of oxygen radical, hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide radical etc. Hence it helps to prevent / retard various cardio-vascular, viral and other chronic diseases like arthritis, and AIDS by cancer neutralizing existing free radicals. Curcumin protects the brain from lipid peroxidation without affecting the central nervous system. Further it is proved that essential oil of turmeric has a remarkable synergistic effect for the activities of naturally occurring anti-tumor components. Immunological studies demonstrated that essential oil of turmeric inhibited the proliferation and the natural killer activity of human lymphocytes.  Moreover the essential oil of turmeric induce internucleosomal DNA fragmentation in association with programmed cell death in human myeloid leukemia HL-60 cells. Toxicity has not been reported at standard dosage levels for curcumin. Externally high doses of turmeric, its alcoholic extract and pure curcumin do not produce toxic effects in any animal studied. Even though curcumin possesses many biological activities, its curcuminoids absorption in the animal system is very little. Bio-Curcu-Max (BCM–095TM) is a reconstituted purified and standardized turmeric extract which enhances the bioavailability of curcumin in blood. Study reported here reveals the curcuminoids absorption in normal curcumin powder and Bio-Curcu-Max blend (BCM–095TM) on human volunteers. The results are shown in the graph. This study indicates that the bioavailability of Bio-Curcu-Max is five-seven fold higher that curcumin. Moreover the results shows that curcumin is retained in the blood for only four-five hours whereas that for Bio-Curcu-Max is more than 8 hours with higher level of curcumin in the blood. The availability of a pharmacologicaly active product in the blood is very important for the biochemical function. Based on this enhanced curcuminoids absorption, when specific need arises, Bio-Curcu-Max can be given to maintain the continuous availability of curcumin in the blood. Published: Spice India July 2005