CurcuminCurcumin is a powerful antioxidant, which helps to prevent depression and strengthen cognitive ability and has even been found effective in relieving intestinal and joint infections.

All the reasons to add Curcumin to a daily ration and why liposomal curcumin is a better choice.

 

Curcumin, the active ingredient that found in turmeric root, has received tremendous attention in recent years.

Its health benefits are enormous: from relieving intestinal inflammations to strengthening the immune system and maintaining cognitive abilities.

Curcumin exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, supports skin health and appearance, improves bone density, helps manage diabetes and fight depression.

Curcumin's Proven Efficacy

Out of countless studies on curcumin, we have chosen to share with you 5 studies that demonstrate its tremendous power:

  • A 2017 study found curcumin, the active polyphenol found in turmeric, to have anti-inflammatory properties that allow it to function as a real drug [1].
  • According to a 2007 review, curcumin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to its potential preventive and therapeutic effects against various chronic diseases, including cancer, atherosclerosis, and degenerative disorders [2].
  • A 2017 study found curcumin had antidepressant-like effects and could improve neural circuit function through increased regulation of BDNF (a protein that plays a crucial role in the growth, development, and maintenance of neurons) in the brain. Curcumin also reduces inflammatory factors in the brain [3].
  • Another 2017 study reveals curcumin's ability to neutralize disease-leading processes. Processes such as: oxidative stress (disruption of the body's natural balance of free radicals and antioxidants), inflammation and abnormal cell death (apoptosis) in the heart [4].

 

Finally, a study published in 2012 evaluated curcumin's efficacy and safety in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis [5].

The study involved 45 patients with RA who were randomly assigned to three groups:

– Curcumin-only group

– Sodium diclofenac only (NSAID)

– A group taking a combination of curcumin and diclofenac sodium

The primary measure of effectiveness was a reduction in the disease activity score (DAS).

Secondary measures included reductions in sensitivity and swelling of joint scores according to criteria of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR).

Results showed that all three treatment groups showed statistically significant improvements in their DAS scores.

However, the curcumin group alone showed the highest percentage improvement in overall DAS and ACR scores.

These improvements were significantly better than those observed in the diclofenac sodium group.

It is important to note that curcumin treatment was found to be safe and did not produce side effects.

 

Absorption challenge

While curcumin offers a wealth of health benefits, one major obstacle to achieving these benefits is its limited bioavailability.

Naturally, much of it is metabolized and eliminated from the body before it can exert its therapeutic effects.

Standard curcumin supplements have low absorption rates due to their exposure to high stomach acidity, which can impair the structure of curcumin.

The good news is that recent research sheds light on an innovative and effective solution: liposomal curcumin.

 

What are liposomes?

Liposomes are microscopic vesicles composed of a bilayer of phospholipids that resemble the structure of our cell membranes.

Liposomal technology allows curcumin to be stored within them, providing it with protection against stomach acidity and safe passage to the intestine for absorption.

In other words, liposomes allow the transfer of nutrients such as vitamins and minerals to the target cells – the cells of the body, ensuring maximum absorption.

In doing so, they bridge the bioavailability gap.

 

Liposomal Curcumin vs Regular Curcumin

Numerous studies comparing liposomal curcumin to standard curcumin supplements have proven liposomal formula's superior absorption.

In some cases, liposomal curcumin has been found to have a 16-fold higher absorption rate!! From that of regular curcumin [6].

This enhanced absorption leads to increased availability of curcumin in the bloodstream and maximizes its potential benefits.

And that's not all!

The increased bioavailability ensures that more of the active compound reaches its destination.

This means smaller dosages can be used to:

  • Achieve the desired therapeutic effects
  • Reduce the load on the digestive system
  • Maximize the effectiveness of curcumin supplementation

 

A 2014 study found that liposomal curcumin specifically showed promising effects in inhibiting cancer cell growth and promoting apoptosis (self-destructive activation of cancer cells) [7].

 

References:

[1] Edwards RL, Luis PB, Varuzza PV, Joseph AI, Presley SH, Chaturvedi R, Schneider C. The anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin is mediated by its oxidative metabolites. J Biol Chem. 2017 Dec

[2] Menon VP, Sudheer AR. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2007

[3] Ga-Young Choi, Hyun-Bum Kim, Eun-Sang Hwang, Seok Lee, Min-Ji Kim, Ji-Young Choi, Sung-Ok Lee, Sang-Seong Kim, Ji-Ho Park. "Curcumin Alters Neural Plasticity and Viability of Intact Hippocampal Circuits and Attenuates Behavioral Despair and COX-2 Expression in Chronically Stressed Rats". Mediators of Inflammation, vol. 2017

[4] Jiang S, Han J, Li T, Xin Z, Ma Z, Di W, Hu W, Gong B, Di S, Wang D, Yang Y. Curcumin as a potential protective compound against cardiac diseases. Pharmacol Res. 2017 May

[5] Chandran B, Goel A. A randomized, pilot study to assess the efficacy and safety of curcumin in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. Phytother Res. 2012 Nov

[6] Bulboacă AE, Porfire AS, Tefas LR, Boarescu PM, Bolboacă SD, Stănescu IC, Bulboacă AC, Dogaru G. Liposomal Curcumin is Better than Curcumin to Alleviate Complications in Experimental Diabetic Mellitus. Molecules. 2019 Feb

[7] Prasad S, Tyagi AK, Aggarwal BB. Recent developments in delivery, bioavailability, absorption and metabolism of curcumin: the golden pigment from golden spice. Cancer Res Treat. 2014