If you are reading this article, you are probably familiar with the spice Turmeric and it’s incredible health benefits. If you take turmeric in the form of supplements, you probably look for one with 95% curcuminoids or bioperine for improved absorption.
As a practicing musculoskeletal physician who has used turmeric for over 10 years now, I find the obsession with curcumin and black pepper interesting.
Most scientific research on turmeric has focused on curcumin and its tremendous benefits, and has contributed greatly to our understanding of its mechanistic activity. However, a quick glance at traditional medicine textbooks will tell you that nature never intended for us to isolate the various molecules present in natural ingredients. Turmeric contains over 200 other bio-active molecules, which are as important as curcumin. A review of the published literature will reveal thatcurcumin performs well in pre-clinical studies, but turmeric, which includes curcumin and the other bio-active ingredients performs significantly better and at a much lower dose. This can be attributed to the synergies among the various bio-active ingredients which combine various sub potent individual components into a vastly more potent combination.
While a full spectrum extract is more efficacious in my belief, the form of delivery (pill/capsule) is equally important. This is because the compounds in turmeric are not water soluble, they are rapidly broken down and converted into other less active products by the gut and the liver.
Many formulations in the market add black pepper to increase the bio-availability or absorption of turmeric. However, black pepper does nothing to change the insoluble nature of turmeric/curcumin. Black pepper simply delays the action of the liver so that the compounds can linger for a little longer. In our lab, we have managed to improve the absorption of natural compounds by encasing them in a gel. This keeps the ingredients stable and improves its absorption.
To read more about our product, SONA Turmeric pastilles, check http://www.avetabiomics.com/faqs/ and http://www.avetabiomics.com/sona/
Dr. Mudgal is a practicing musculoskeletal physician and the Chief Medical Officer of Aveta Biomics. She is one of the developers of SONA Turmeric pastilles, and takes 1 pastille a day to promote immune health. Her research focuses on harnessing the goodness of natural products by leveraging her training in medicine. If you have any questions on turmeric or Dr. Mudgal’s work, send her a mail at betterhealth@avetabiomics.com
