Analysis of different innovative formulations of curcumin for improved relative oral bioavailability in human subjects

Abstract

PurposeThe optimal health benefits of curcumin are limited by its low solubility in water and corresponding poor intestinal absorption. Cyclodextrins (CD) can form inclusion complexes on a molecular basis with lipophilic compounds, thereby improving aqueous solubility, dispersibility, and absorption. In this study, we investigated the bioavailability of a new γ-cyclodextrin curcumin formulation (CW8). This formulation was compared to a standardized unformulated curcumin extract (StdC) and two commercially available formulations with purported increased bioavailability: a curcumin phytosome formulation (CSL) and a formulation of curcumin with essential oils of turmeric extracted from the rhizome (CEO).MethodsTwelve healthy human volunteers participated in a double-blinded, cross-over study. The plasma concentrations of the individual curcuminoids that are present in turmeric (namely curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin) were determined at baseline and at various intervals after oral administration over a 12-h period.ResultsCW8 showed the highest plasma concentrations of curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and total curcuminoids, whereas CSL administration resulted in the highest levels of bisdemethoxycurcumin. CW8 (39-fold) showed significantly increased relative bioavailability of total curcuminoids (AUC0−12) in comparison with the unformulated StdC.ConclusionThe data presented suggest that γ-cyclodextrin curcumin formulation (CW8) significantly improves the absorption of curcuminoids in healthy humans.

Bioavailability of Terpenes and Postprandial Effect on Human Antioxidant Potential. An Open‐Label Study in Healthy Subjects

“…They demonstrated that boswellic acids are bioavailable but food intake as well as type of formula affects their bioavailability demonstrating that food matrix plays a critical role . The analysis of different formulations of curcumin for improved relative oral bioavailability in humans by Purpura and coworkers showed that an innovative γ‐cyclodextrin curcumin formulation significantly improved the absorption of curcuminoids in healthy humans subjects. Quercetin aglycone derived from onion skin extract powder was shown significantly more bioavailable than that from quercetin dihydrate powder filled hard capsules .…”

Clinical isolates of Trichophyton rubrum are completely inhibited by photochemical treatment with a γ‐cyclodextrin formulation of curcuminoids

“…A crucial obstacle to a more efficient medical applicability of curcumin and probably also to an enhancement of its biologic effects is its very poor water solubility. In the search for a curcumin compounding with improved water solubility, we had come across an innovative formulation of curcuminoids (mainly composed of curcumin) with γ‐cyclodextrin that is freely available and approved for the administration in humans (Cavacurmin ® ) . Capsules with Cavacurmin ® can be purchased and used for dietary supplementation of curcumin.…”

“…Capsules with Cavacurmin ® can be purchased and used for dietary supplementation of curcumin. Cavacurmin ® is characterised by considerably enhanced water solubility, a very high tolerability and lack of toxicity . These favourable characteristics prompted us to start a series of preliminary tests with Cavacurmin ® as agent in various photochemical protocols to check its antimycotic potential.…”

“…Another compound of Cavacurmin ® is γ‐cyclodextrin. This cyclic oligosaccharide is generated from starch and has no known adverse effects upon humans in the course of external or internal application . Curcumin itself is also a well‐tried safe substance .…”

Curcumin – A review on multipotential phytocompound

“…Curcumin might be beneficial by acting against gut microbiota thus evading the condition for systemic circulation [28]. The gut microbiota also plays a significant part in curcumin metabolism and its bio-transformation because the microbiota is proficient at converting curcumin formulations into a range of catabolites [29].…”