The rhizome is rich in starch, over 50%, and contains an essential oil, predominantly composed of sesquiterpenes like turmerones and to a lesser extent monoterpenes, along with curcuminoids such as curcumin, dimethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin, responsible for the characteristic color and therapeutic properties.
From the earliest studies, the low bioavailability of curcuminoids after oral administration emerged, with extremely low blood concentrations. The absorbed curcuminoids are rapidly metabolized mainly by the liver, with 99% transformed into curcumin glucuronide and only 1% into sulfate. Most of the metabolites are excreted through bile, with only a small amount reaching tissues through the bloodstream.
Various strategies have been developed to improve the effectiveness of turmeric. The association with small amounts of piperine has been shown to increase plasma concentrations of curcuminoids by reducing their hepatic metabolism.
However, it was the formulation with phospholipid complexes, such as soy lecithin, that showed a remarkable increase in absorption and plasma concentrations of polyphenolic compounds and triterpenoid acids. For this reason, “phospholipid curcuminoids” are considered one of the most effective ways to administer turmeric.
In the graph below, we can observe the difference in blood concentration between powdered turmeric metabolites and phospholipid curcuminoids:
The curcuminoids, when complexed in this way, are incorporated into a lipid matrix, and extracellular fluids can transport them through biological membranes, increasing cellular uptake (FITOMINA®).
This particular form of curcumin with lecithin and arabic gum has been shown to increase the oral absorption of curcuminoids up to 30 times; this allows for achieving a functional response at significantly lower dosages compared to non-complexed curcuminoids.
The success of bioavailability lies in releasing the curcuminoids (active ingredient) at the optimal absorption point of the intestinal wall; most “normal curcuminoids” suffer during the separation phase (they are unstable) in the stomach, as the pH is 1-2, very acidic.
A dissolution study, replicating gastric pH and body temperature conditions, revealed that most turmeric extracts cause turbidity at the gastric level, thus compromising the optimal absorption of curcuminoids in the intestine.
However, FITOMINA®, unlike other extracts, demonstrates stability at gastric pH, causing no turbidity in the study, as no separation occurs. This allows for complete release along the intestinal wall and optimal absorption of curcuminoids, which remain present in the plasma for over 24 hours.
From the graph, it can be deduced that the best sources for absorbing curcuminoids are in FITOMINA® form.
Benefits, Usage, and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Curcuminoids
Turmeric extracts are known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunostimulant activities, with well-defined mechanisms of action that include the inhibition of cyclooxygenase type 2 and lipoxygenase, two fundamental mediators of inflammation.
Common indications for the use of turmeric extracts include functional dyspepsia, gallstone, biliary dyspepsia, chronic liver diseases (with inhibition of collagen deposition in the liver), and inflammatory diseases.
Curcuminoids, the main components of turmeric, play a significant role in vascular protection, as evidenced by a study on postmenopausal women that showed an improvement in vascular reactivity through flow-mediated vasodilation.
Treatments with curcuminoids have been shown to accelerate wound healing time, increasing collagen deposition and consequently vascular density.
Curcuminoids directly act as scavengers on free radicals, not only at the liver but also intestinal levels.
It is important to note that curcuminoids possess anti-inflammatory activity comparable to cortisone drugs in the acute phase of inflammatory processes. Furthermore, at high doses, curcuminoids seem to stimulate the adrenal glands to produce more cortisone, thus manifesting an indirect anti-inflammatory action.
Unlike non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen, curcuminoids do not have significant side effects, and clinical studies have even demonstrated an improvement in symptoms associated with gastric ulcers with the intake of turmeric. Irritable bowel syndrome can also benefit from turmeric intake.
In one study, it was observed that curcuminoids significantly inhibited the production of matrix metalloproteinases, enzymes that play a critical role in inflammation.
If your company wants to create products with the effectiveness of curcuminoids, FITOMINA technology is the ideal solution. It maximizes the bioavailability of curcuminoids