• HOME
  • Blog
  • Why Is Curcumin So Popular? Exploring Its Effects and Enhancing Absorption!

Why Is Curcumin So Popular? Exploring Its Effects and Enhancing Absorption!

November 21, 2023



In our fast-paced world, where health challenges like arthritis and chronic inflammation are all too common, it's no surprise that many are turning to natural remedies for relief. Among these, curcumin stands out as a beacon of hope, backed by extensive medical research. Despite its rising popularity, the secrets of maximizing curcumin's potency and bioavailability are still not widely known. Let’s dive into the world of turmeric and curcumin, uncovering their benefits and learning how to enhance their absorption.

curcumin
 

Turmeric vs. Curcumin: Understanding the Difference

Turmeric, with its 4000-year legacy, plays a crucial role in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine. It's utilized for an array of conditions including inflammation, liver disorders, skin diseases, and wounds, often revered as a herbal counterpart to aspirin.
 

Turmeric powder, made by grinding the plant's rhizomes, is a staple in culinary arts as a spice and natural dye, and is the essence of curry's vibrant yellow hue. In contrast, curcumin, turmeric's primary active ingredient, accounts for about 3.14% (with an average of 1.51%) of turmeric powder and a mere 0.29% in curry powder. The high-grade curcumin extracts are capturing the spotlight in health supplements. Here are the three primary forms of curcumin and their approximate percentages, which may vary in different curcumin extracts:

  • Curcumin C1 (Curcumin): About 80%
  • Demethoxycurcumin C2 (DMC): About 18%
  • Bisdemethoxycurcumin C3 (BDMC): About 2%

With specialized extraction and concentration techniques, the purity of certain curcumin forms can reach up to 95%, significantly enhancing their health benefits and making them vital ingredients in health supplements.
 

The Vast Benefits and Efficacy of Curcumin

Curcumin is not just another supplement; it's a powerhouse of health benefits. It presents over 160 potential advantages, as substantiated by extensive scientific research. Here's a glimpse into the myriad of ways curcumin can enhance your health:
 

     Symptom Improvement Explanation References
1 Anti-Inflammatory Reduces Chronic Inflammation Exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, lowering C-reactive protein and interleukin-6. PubMed 23922235
PubMed 27392742
PubMed 27025786
PubMed 25936448
2 Antioxidant Combats Oxidative Stress Lowers malondialdehyde levels, enhances antioxidant enzymes, especially effective when combined with piperine. PubMed 31724938
3 Joint Health Beneficial for Osteoarthritis Alleviates knee osteoarthritis pain, improves quality of life. PubMed 28470851
4 Pain Relief Reduces Pain Perception Curcumin controls inflammation by inhibiting enzymes and pro-inflammatory cytokines. PubMed 26814259
5 Liver Protection Improves Liver Function Markers Oral curcumin/turmeric supplements help improve liver function indicators such as AST and ALT. PubMed 37178581
6 Brain Health Enhances Cognitive Function Increases brain-derived neurotrophic factors, elevates serum BDNF levels, aids in Alzheimer's prevention. PubMed 31279955
7 Cardiovascular Health Benefits in Regulating Lipids Improves lipid profile, including lowering triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and elevating HDL cholesterol. PubMed 31212316
8 Digestive Function Improves Digestion, Reduces Gastric Inflammation Known in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine as a digestive aid, curcumin has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties, stimulates bile secretion, improves fat absorption, reduces bloating, and ameliorates ulcers. PubMed 36514270
9 Mood Regulation Eases Symptoms of Depression Curcumin aids in alleviating depression symptoms, oral intake can enhance life quality, especially with high bioavailability formulations. PubMed 33418373
PubMed 33038707
10 Skin Health Promotes Wound Healing Topical turmeric ointments help reduce the area of diabetic foot ulcers. PubMed 36514270
11 Neuroprotection Prevents or Treats Neurodegenerative Diseases Curcumin stimulates neurogenesis, preventing neurodegenerative diseases. PubMed 17569212


Though these benefits of curcumin are supported by research, it's crucial to note that these findings are often conditional, necessitating further trials to ensure more precise validation.

nano-micronization curcumin
 

Maximizing Curcumin Bioavailability: Cutting-Edge Techniques

While curcumin is a treasure trove of benefits, its low natural bioavailability can be a hurdle. Its clinical advantages are limited when used in everyday cooking due to its inherently low bioavailability – typically about 1% of the consumed curcumin is effectively absorbed, even in 95% concentrated supplement forms.
 

Tackling this issue, experts, notably from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, have dedicated research to boosting curcumin's bioavailability. Let's explore these innovative approaches:
 

Method Function Description
Black Pepper Enhancement Increases curcumin absorption by 2000% through piperine. Piperine alters curcumin's excretion rate, raising blood concentration and absorption.
Liposomal Encapsulation Boosts absorption via liposomal curcumin encapsulation. Can be an effective emulsifier with egg yolk and coconut oil.
Fat Co-consumption Enhances absorption when curcumin is ingested with fats. Optimal with fatty foods like coconut oil or avocados, aiding in better intestinal absorption.
Heat Activation Improves curcumin's solubility and absorption through heating. Best results obtained after boiling; overcooking should be avoided, and consumption is advised within 4 hours for maximum potency.
Nanotechnology Application Utilizes nanosizing for better curcumin absorption. Smaller nanoparticles can more easily permeate cell membranes, increasing absorption.
PLGA Combination Combines curcumin with PLGA for improved absorption. PLGA, a bio-friendly and degradable polymer, enhances curcumin's water solubility and offers controlled release for increased effectiveness.


Exploring and optimizing these methodologies further can significantly impact curcumin's practical use and overall efficacy, ensuring the full spectrum of its health benefits is harnessed.
 

Curcumin Usage and Safety: Key Guidelines for Optimal Benefits

While curcumin's benefits are plentiful, like any powerful remedy, it must be used wisely. The World Health Organization suggests a curcumin intake of 0 to 3 milligrams per kilogram of body weight daily for adults, ideally capping it at 200 milligrams daily. Embracing curcumin's advantages also involves understanding its safe usage limits and possible interactions with other drugs and specific medications.
 

Certain demographics should be particularly cautious about curcumin usage, proceeding only under medical supervision. Especially those with unique digestive sensitivities or allergic responses to curcumin must consult healthcare professionals before initiating any curcumin supplementation. To harness its full potential safely, here are some essential guidelines and precautions to keep in mind:
 

  • Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mothers: To avoid unknown effects on babies or fetuses.
  • People Under Medical Treatment: Due to the risk of interactions with ongoing treatment.
  • Users of Specific Medications: Particularly those on anticoagulants, considering curcumin's blood-thinning effects.
  • Individuals with Iron Absorption Challenges or Anemia: Curcumin in high doses might hinder iron absorption.
  • Children and Infants: Their distinct developmental and nutritional needs must be considered.
  • Pre- and Post-Surgery Patients: Owing to curcumin's influence on blood clotting.
  • People with Gallstones or Biliary Tract Disorders: Curcumin's effect on bile production.
  • Those with Calcium Oxalate Kidney Stones: Curcumin could potentially aggravate this condition.
  • Individuals with Liver or Kidney Conditions: Monitoring curcumin's impact on these organs is crucial.
  • Diabetics: As curcumin can influence blood glucose levels.
     

Incorporating curcumin into your wellness plan can be highly beneficial, but it requires informed and cautious application, especially for the mentioned groups. Consulting with health experts is vital to customize curcumin use according to your unique health needs and medical history.
 

Enhancing Curcumin Absorption: Boncha Bio's Next-Gen Technologies

At Boncha Bio, we're at the forefront of maximizing curcumin absorption. Our innovative 'Enhancer' formula and micromization technology are not just breakthroughs in science – they're your gateway to the full spectrum of curcumin's benefits. Also, Our patented candy capsule not only preserves the bioactivity of active ingredients but also ensures their proven potency for health impacts.
 

Boncha Bio's candyceutical combines highly effective curcumin with avant-garde scientific developments. In partnership with esteemed biotech professors at Yangming Jiaotong University, our formula has undergone rigorous certification experiments, ensuring its effectiveness and supporting the health needs of each individual.
 

Curcumin's journey from traditional medicine to modern health staple is an exciting one, and it's just beginning. If you're looking to explore the benefits of curcumin or have insights to share, we at Boncha Bio are eager to hear from you. Together, let's unlock the full potential of curcumin and pave the way for a healthier life. Contact Boncha Bio and become part of this health revolution!
 

〈Extended reading: Harnessing the Power and Efficacy of Functional Candies: A New Era in Nutritional Supplements with ODM Candy-like Capsules


保健品代工需求請諮詢糖化生醫

Article keywords

Keyword Search

Subscribe to Newsletter

Name
E-mail