Comparative bioavailability of curcuminoids from a water-dispersible high curcuminoid turmeric extract against a generic turmeric extract: a randomized, cross-over, comparative, pharmacokinetic study

Abstract

Objectives The therapeutic utility of turmeric (Curcuma longa L., Zingiberaceae) is limited due to low bioavailability of its active principal curcuminoids. This study evaluates the pharmacokinetic characteristics of a natural, water-dispersible turmeric extract containing 60% curcuminoids (TurmXtra 60N), referred to as WDTE60N, compared to standard turmeric extract 95% (STE95). Methods This open-label, two-way crossover, single oral dose, comparative pharmacokinetic study, randomized 14 subjects to receive one capsule of WDTE60N (150 mg curcuminoids) or three capsules of STE95 (500 mg curcuminoids each). The resulting dose ratio of actives for WDTE60N:STE95 was 1:10. Key findings Peak plasma levels of free curcumin, total curcuminoids, tetrahydrocurcumin and demethoxycurcumin were similar (P > 0.05). Cmax of total curcumin was higher (P = 0.0253) for WDTE60N at a 10-fold lower dose compared to STE95 (43.5 ± 28.5 vs. 21.3 ± 10.7 ng/ml). Mean AUC0-t was higher (P < 0.001) for free curcumin and comparable for total curcumin and total curcuminoids with WDTE60N than with STE95. Five adverse events were reported in three subjects (mild in severity) and were unrelated to study products. Conclusion WDTE60N showed higher absorption and comparable exposure for free curcumin, total curcumin and total curcuminoids at a 10-fold lower dose than STE95.

Review of Curcumin and Its Different Formulations: Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Interactions

“…The Cmax of WDTE60N was 43.5 ng/ml compared to 21.3 ng/ml for STD95. WDTE60N had a higher level of AUC0-t for free curcumin, total curcumin, and total curcuminoids than STD95, and a 10-fold lower dose [89].…”

Efficacy and Safety of TurmXTRA® 60N in Delayed-onset Muscle Soreness in Healthy, Recreationally Active Subjects: a Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial

“…(15) These results have been reciprocated in a comparative pharmacokinetic study that evaluated pharmacokinetics of WDTE60N compared to standard turmeric extract 95% in healthy subjects. (16) Findings of this study indicate that water dispersibility of WDTE60N aids in absorption of active moieties resulting in higher levels of plasma-free curcumin, total curcumin and total curcuminoids compared to standard turmeric extract 95% when subjects were administered a 10-fold lower quantity of curcuminoids in WDTE60N. Recently, we assessed efficacy of WDTE60N in alleviating symptoms of chronic knee pain.…”

Phytochemicals in Skeletal Muscle Health: Effects of Curcumin (from Curcuma longa Linn) and Sulforaphane (from Brassicaceae) on Muscle Function, Recovery and Therapy of Muscle Atrophy

“…Besides CU+ was 40% faster absorbed, it possesses superior bioavailability even at lower concentrations (250 and 500 mg) in comparison with higher doses of TUR 1800 (1900 mg) in healthy volunteers under fasting conditions [ 30 ]. The water-dispersible turmeric extract containing 60% curcuminoids (TurmXtra 60N), referred to as WDTE60N, using a concentration of 150 mg of curcuminoids, demonstrated a higher absorption and exposure for free curcumin, total curcumin, and total curcuminoids at 10-fold lower dose than standard turmeric extract 95% (STE95) (1500 mg) [ 31 ]. Additionally, other substances were utilized to enhance absorption, such as piperine, which increased curcumin bioavailability up to 2000% when administering 2 mg of curcumin plus 20 mg of piperine compared with curcumin alone in rats and humans, with no adverse effects [ 32 ].…”