Comparing innovative curcumin formulations to improve oral bioavailability in humans
Purpura M, Lowery RP, Wilson JM, Mannan H, Münch G, Razmovski-Naumovski V, Analysis of different innovative formulations of curcumin for improved relative oral bioavailability in human subjects, Eur J Nutr. 2018 Apr;57(3):929-938. doi: 10.1007/s00394-016-1376-9. Epub 2017 Feb 16.
The health benefits of curcumin are limited by low solubility and intestinal absorption.
Cyclodextrins (CD) have a hydrophobic structure that can house curcuminoids—lipophilic active ingredients from turmeric root—and act as a coating. This structure improves solubility, dispersion and intestinal uptake.
The study examined the bioavailability of a new curcumin formulation
Gamma-cyclodextrin (CW8) was compared with standard curcumin extract (StdC) and two commercial high-bioavailability formulations: phytosome-based turmeric (CSL) and curcumin with oils extracted from turmeric root (CEO).
The double-blind study included 12 healthy volunteers. Plasma concentrations of curcuminoids isolated from turmeric (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin) were measured at baseline and at different intervals over 12 hours after oral administration.
CW8 produced the highest plasma concentrations of curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and total curcuminoids, while CSL produced the highest bisdemethoxycurcumin levels.
CW8 significantly improved the bioavailability of total curcuminoids compared with StdC.
Researchers’ conclusion:
The study data showed that the gamma-cyclodextrin curcumin formulation (CW8) significantly improves curcuminoid absorption in humans.