Category Archives: Curcumin Liposomal Liquid

Curcumin, Curcumin Liposomal Liquid

Six of the best: 6 reasons you should try natural curcumin supplements

Spices… what would we do without them? How bland would our food be without them as ingredients? Take, for instance, a curry without turmeric – a yellowy-orange spice that’s a member of the ginger family – what would the impact of a curry be without it? That said, spices like turmeric do far more than merely flavour our food; consumption of them do our health a great deal of good too. For example, the highly active phytochemical in turmeric that’s curcumin (which, in fact, is what gives that spice its colour) is enormously beneficial to practically every part of our bodies. Yes, really. Indeed, so inexhaustible are the curcumin health benefits that you might want to consider introducing it into your diet right now – here are just six of its major benefits:

 

  1. Aids gut health

First up then, while playing a critical role in stimulating the gall bladder to generate and release bile1 (a fluid produced by the liver that aids the digestion of lipids – fats – in the small intestine), curcumin also eases discomfort caused by stomach ulcers because it inhibits stomach acid secretion as well as the activity of pepsin (a digestive enzyme)2.

 

  1. Combats autoimmunity – and autoimmune-related conditions

Research has found that curcumin is adept at ameliorating the effects of multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), all of which are either accepted as autoimmune diseases/ conditions or are strongly tied to autoimmunity3. Indeed, in terms of helping to treat IBD4, curcumin appears to be effective in aiding remission in those with inactive ulcerative colitis5, while for sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis, the phytochemical (in combination with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac) showed high efficacy6. And, if that’s not enough, it appears to help protect against autoimmune diabetes too7.

 

  1. All the ‘anti’s – anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal

Curcumin can also play an important role in combating infections because of its innate capacity to activate the body’s vitamin D (or calcitriol) receptor protein. Moreover, in anti-viral terms, it helps to combat influenza, adenovirus, coxsackievirus and HIV, as well as reduce hepatitis C gene expression8. Meanwhile, operating as an anti-fungal agent, curcumin (when combined with the alkaloid piperine, a common ingredient in traditional medicine) works effectively against the yeast Candida alcibans bacteria; so often harmful to the gut9. And, when putting its anti-bacterial hat on, it helps protect against septicaemia; as proved by a study on mice, in which subjects exposed to Vibrio vulnificus (a pathogenic bacteria responsible for cholera) experienced a reduction in mortality rates10.

 

  1. Helps treat obesity and diabetes

It’s also been proved through research that curcumin, in bioavailable forms, can considerably contribute to weight loss in overweight people11. And when it comes to treating diabetes, the phytochemical’s capable of lowering blood sugar levels thanks to it stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic cells12 and preventing insulin resistance. Moreover, it appears to drive up cardiovascular function while driving down oxidative stress in diabetic patients13, in addition to impeding obesity-induced inflammation14. Furthermore, curcumin can help reduce the chance of prediabetes evolving into type-2 diabetes and, at the same time, aid in the improvement of the overall functioning of pancreatic cells15.

 

  1. Fights oxidative stress and is anti-inflammatory

As noted already, the chemical possesses anti-inflammatory qualities; so much so, in fact, that it’s a more powerful anti-inflammatory agent than either of the over-the-counter synthetic treatments that are aspirin and ibuprofen – not least because it inhibits the chemokine interleukin 8 (IL-8) in lung cells16. Indeed, it appears its efficacy here for eye diseases is comparable to corticosteroid therapy17. Moreover, studies have discovered that it protects against oxidative stress, specifically, by impeding lipid peroxidation, as well as by boosting glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels and by driving up the activity of the oxidative-damage-combating enzyme that’s catalase in the brain, kidneys and liver.18

 

  1. Benefits the liver and kidneys

Finally, by being so effective at both moderating inflammation and lipid peroxidation as well as boosting antioxidant enzymes (like catalase), curcumin does great work in the liver, in particular, because it can help to prevent alcohol-driven oxidative stress19 – and it’s been proved to play a significant role in the fight to prevent liver disease19. Furthermore, when it comes to the kidneys, it can aid in averting kidney cell damage that would otherwise be caused by taking too much paracetamol20.

 

Supplements

So, with curcumin boasting all these fantastic benefits, you’ll doubtless be wondering just where you can get your hands on it – and easily at that. Well, as mentioned at the outset, curcumin can be found in turmeric, but what if – for any reason – you find it difficult to purchase this spice, or if you’d prefer not to, of course? What if, you’d prefer to purchase curcumin directly? In that case, curcumin natural supplements are undoubtedly your best bet. Indeed, you’re well advised to check out the ‘Curcumin’ page of The Finchley Clinic website, where you’ll find, for example, these three excellent supplements:


Curcumin (Liposomal liquid) – developed with a new nano-particle technology, this product ensures much higher absorption of its curcumin content.


Curcumin Forte (Epigenar) – features a micellar formula, which ensures the curcumin is both water- and fat-soluble (185 times more absorbable than standard powder, in fact).


BioCare Curcumin Plus – provides curcumin in a micellised form for maximum efficacy, with antioxidants from pine bark, ursolic acid, sage and ginger.

 

References:

  1. Rasyid A. and Lelo A. ‘The effect of curcumin and placebo on human gall-bladder function: an ultrasound study’. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1999 Feb; 13 (2): 245-9.
  2. Mei X., Xu D., Wang S. and Xu S. ‘Pharmacological researches of curcumin solid dispersions on experimental gastric ulcer’. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2009 Nov; 34 (22): 2920-3.
  3. Bright JJ. ‘Curcumin and autoimmune disease’. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2007; 595: 425-51.
  4. Holt P. R., Katz S. and Kirshoff R. ‘Curcumin therapy in inflammatory bowel disease: a pilot study’. Dig Dis Sci. 2005 Nov; 50 (11): 2191-3.
  5. Hanai H. et al. ‘Curcumin maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis: randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial’. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2006 Dec; 4 (12): 1502-6. Epub 2006 Nov.
  6. Chandran B. and Goel A. ‘A randomized, pilot study to assess the efficacy and safety of curcumin in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis’. Phytother Res. 2012 Nov; 26 (11): 1719-25. doi: 10.1002/ptr.4639. Epub 2012 Mar.
  7. Aggarwal B. B. and Harikumar K. B. ‘Potential Therapeutic Effects of Curcumin, the Anti-inflammatory Agent, Against Neurodegenerative, Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Metabolic, Autoimmune and Neoplastic Diseases’. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2009; 41 (1): 40–59. Published online 2008 Jul 9. doi:  10.1016/j.biocel.2008.06.010.
  8. Kim K. et al. ‘Curcumin inhibits hepatitis C virus replication via suppressing the Akt-SREBP-1 pathway’. FEBS Lett. 2010 Feb 19; 584 (4): 707-12. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2009.12.019. Epub 2009 Dec 17.
  9. Neelofar K. et al. ‘Curcumin as a promising anticandidal of clinical interest’. Can J Microbiol. 2011 Mar; 57 (3): 204-10. doi: 10.1139/W10-117.
  10. Na H. S. et al. ‘Protective mechanism of curcumin against Vibrio vulnificus infection’. FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol. 2011 Dec; 63 (3): 355-62. doi: 10.1111/j.1574-695X.2011.00855.x. Epub 2011 Sep 8.
  11. Di Pierro F. et al. ‘Potential role of bioavailable curcumin in weight loss and omental adipose tissue decrease: preliminary data of a randomized, controlled trial in overweight people with metabolic syndrome. Preliminary study.’ Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2015 Nov; 19 (21): 4195-202.
  12. Abdel Aziz M. T. ‘The effect of curcumin on insulin release in rat-isolated pancreatic islets’. Angiology. 2010 Aug; 61 (6): 557-66. doi: 10.1177/0003319709356424. Epub 2010 Apr 14.
  13. Usharani P. et al. ‘Effect of NCB-02, atorvastatin and placebo on endothelial function, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, 8-week study’. Drugs R D. 2008; 9: 243–250.
  14. Woo H. M. et al. ‘Active spice-derived components can inhibit inflammatory responses of adipose tissue in obesity by suppressing inflammatory actions of macrophages and release of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 from adipocytes’. Life Sci. 2007; 80: 926–931.
  15. Chuengsamarn S. et al. ‘Curcumin extract for prevention of type 2 diabetes’. Diabetes Care. 2012 Nov; 35 (11): 2121-7. doi: 10.2337/dc12-0116. Epub 2012 Jul 6.
  16. Biswas S. K. et al. ‘Curcumin induces glutathione biosynthesis and inhibits NF-kappaB activation and interleukin-8 release in alveolar epithelial cells: mechanism of free radical scavenging activity’. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2005 Jan-Feb; 7 (1-2): 32-41.
  17. Lal B. et al. ‘Efficacy of curcumin in the management of chronic anterior uveitis’. Phytother Res. 1999 Jun; 13 (4): 318-22.
  18. Agarwal R. et al. ‘Detoxification and antioxidant effects of curcumin in rats experimentally exposed to mercury’. Onlinelibrary.wiley.com. 2010 Mar. doi: 10.1002/jat.1517.
  19. Varatharajalu R. et al. ‘Protective Role of Dietary Curcumin in the Prevention of the Oxidative Stress Induced by Chronic Alcohol with respect to Hepatic Injury and Antiatherogenic Markers’. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2016; 2016: 5017460. doi: 10.1155/2016/5017460. Epub 2016 Jan 5.
  20. Kheradpezhouh E. ‘Curcumin protects rats against acetaminophen-induced hepatorenal damages and shows synergistic activity with N-acetyl cysteine’. Eur J Pharmacol. 2010 Feb; 628 (1-3): 274-81. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2009.11.027. Epub 2009 Nov 15.
Curcumin, Curcumin Liposomal Liquid, Curcumin Plus

Curcumin – beyond the curry: an extremely beneficial nutrient

Turmeric. That’s that exotic yellowy-orange spice that pops up a lot in Indian cooking, right? Yes, indeed; but if you thought all turmeric’s good for is to flavour a curry then you’re in for a surprise. For, thanks to one of the nutrients it contains, namely curcumin, this humble spice offers a dazzling array of health benefits for the body. So much so there’s a very good chance you’ll be aiming to incorporate it into your everyday diet far more often from this point on.

Curcumin is a diarylheptanoid chemical and, within turmeric, is responsible for the spice’s vibrant pigmentation. More pertinently, though, when consumed, digested and properly absorbed into our bodies it actively seeks to provide therapeutic assistance in a wide range of ways – that is, everything from acting as an antioxidant to aiding wound healing and everything from soothing irritated tissue to maintaining good function of the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and immune systems1.

Curcumin benefits

In greater detail then, curcumin’s many health-friendly benefits include:

  • Antioxidant properties – thanks to the fact it’s an antioxidant, curcumin is an effective combater of oxidative stress (which sees harmful ‘free radicals’ roam about the body causing problems by seeking out various molecules with which to ‘pair off’); so, as an antioxidant compound, curcumin inhibits the success of these free radicals, enabling the body to heal itself of any damage done naturally. Indeed, research suggests that curcumin’s antioxidant potential is at least 10 times greater than that of resveratrol, the often talked-about antioxidant present in red wine – moreover, it appears curcumin even enhances other antioxidants’ positive contributions in the body1.
  • Aids the cardiovascular system – in actual fact, it’s also thanks to curcumin’s antioxidant properties that the cardiovascular system benefits from the nutrient, as – in combating the hazardous toxicity that some particularly aggressive, if necessary medical treatments expose to the body – it helps to support normal and healthy functioning of the heart2
  • Good for gastrointestinal health – not only does curcumin promote normal, healthy gallbladder function and the flow of bile (which is critical for the digestion of fats), it’s been found through studies that it plays an important role in supporting the health of stomach cells1 
  • Promotes liver health – recent research highlights curcumin’s efficacy for protecting the liver from several different toxins and promoting regular functioning of this organ3; indeed, the latest studies in the area indicate it may also be able to address fatty liver disease4 
  • Fights fungi – curcumin is also effective in preventing the body from being harmed by unwanted organisms; for instance, different kinds of fungi1, 5 – in vitro testing has discovered that turmeric extracts (containing curcumin, obviously) can prevent such organisms from growing and making the digestive system their home, where they go on to wreak havoc1
  • Soothes swollen tissue – it appears curcumin is also capable of soothing irritation to tissue caused by swelling; moreover, by consuming the chemical – within turmeric or via supplementation – on a daily basis, so many studies attest, tenderness, stiffness and joint-swelling can be reduced1
  • Helping to heal wounds – finally, research suggests that both wound repair and the natural production of skin cells are successfully encouraged by the presence of curcumin in the body – in fact, whether the chemical’s applied to the wound itself or consumed orally seems to make no difference in terms of efficacy1

Bioavailability and nanocurcumin

So, the above surely makes it abundantly clear that curcumin is incredibly nutritious and useful for the human body. And it undeniably is, yet it may too come with a drawback – its bioavailability. What does this mean? It’s a term that refers to how ‘available’ to different parts of the body that needs its goodness a specific nutrient is; in other words, how effectively all of a nutrient’s goodness is absorbed once it’s digested, broken down and transported around the body.

And, like it or not, the bioavailability levels of curcumin unfortunately aren’t as high as they might be. However, that’s not to diminish the fact that it’s a very beneficial nutrient. Moreover, work is presently taking place to find ways to improve its bioavailability. For instance, one line of research is looking into nanocurcumin, a form of the chemical in which its particles are contained in a kind of emulsion.

The thinking with nanocurcumin is that the bioavailability – the absorption – should be improved because (on a microscopic scale) this curcumin compound features a larger surface area, which means its physical stability is improved, thus requiring less energy on the digestive system’s part to break it down and process it6. And, away from nanocurcumin, research also shows that, by adding to the nutrient alkaloid piperine (which features in black pepper), ordinary curcumin’s bioavailability soars by up to 2,000%7. Something to think about!

Supplementation

Fair enough, it could be that you might struggle to work turmeric into your diet on a daily basis (possibly you might find it a little monotonous?), so you may be on lookout for another way to get your regular fill of curcumin. Naturally-derived supplements then are undoubtedly the answer here – the following curcumin supplements are all highly recommended and available through us at The Finchley Clinic:

liposomal-curcumin

Curcumin (Liposomal liquid) – this supplement’s unique and dynamic liposomal process (involving nano-particle technology) overcomes curcumin’s absorption issues, ensuring the supremely beneficial and entirely natural nutrient is effectively delivery throughout the body at the cellular level.

curcumin-forte

Curcumin Forte – offering curcumin in micellar form (thus boosting its availability to at least, if not in excess of, that achieved via the liposomal process), this supplementary curcumin is both water- and fat-soluble, as well as pH stable, and 185 times more absorbable than standard forms of the nutrient.

curcumin-plus

Curcumin Plus – a supplement that presents the nutrient in micellised form for maximum efficacy, along with additional naturally-derived antioxidants from the likes of pine bark, ursolic acid, sage and ginger.

References:

1. Braun L. and Cohen M. ‘Herbs and Natural Supplements: An Evidence-Based Guide: Volume 2.’ Australia, Churchill Livingstone. Nov 2014.

2. Wongcharoen W. and Phrommintikul A. ‘The Protective Role of Curcumin in Cardiovascular Diseases’. International Journal of Cardiology., vol. 133, no. 2, 24, Feb 2009, pp. 145–51.

3. Rivera-Espinoza Y. and Muriel P. ‘Pharmacological Actions of Curcumin in Liver Diseases or Damage’. Liver International, vol. 29, no. 10, Nov 2009, pp. 1457–1466.

4. Kuo J.J. et al. ‘Positive Effect of Curcumin on Inflammation and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Obese Mice with Liver Steatosis’. International Journal of Molecular Medicine, vol. 30, no. 3, July 2012, pp. 673–9.

5. Wang Y. et al. ‘Study on the Antibiotic Activity of Microcapsule Curcumin Against Foodborne Pathogens’. International Journal of Food Microbiology., vol. 136, no. 1, Sept 2009, pp. 71–4.

6. Jaiswal M., Dudhe R. and Sharma P. K. ‘Nanoemulsion: An Advanced Mode of Drug Delivery System’. 3 Biotech 5.2 (2015): 123-127.

7. Shoba G., et al. ‘Influence of Piperine on the Pharmacokinetics of Curcumin in Animals and Human Volunteers’. Planta Medica., vol. 64, no. 4, June 1998, pp. 353–6.