Curcu-Gel, Better Bioavailability

ANGAMALY, India—Turmeric extract (Curcuma longa) as Curcu-Gel™ Softsules® (from Tishcon Corp.) was found to be 8.2 times more bioavailable than normal curcumin. In the study, four human volunteers (age 20 to 30) were selected and advised not to consume any food containing turmeric a day prior to and during the test; fasting blood was collected from all the volunteers. They were then advised to take four 500 mg capsules of curcumin as a single dose in the morning, and all were provided with similar diet on testing day. Blood samples were then collected at hours 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 10. After one week, the protocol was repeated with Curcu-Gel Softsules containing BCM-95™. Fasting blood was collected from all the volunteers; up to eight capsules Curcu-Gel Softsules containing BCM-95™ SG (from Dolcas Biotech) were taken as a single dose. Researchers concluded bioavailability of curcumin from Curcu-Gel Softsules was 8.2 times higher than normal curcumin, on average.