Increasing the bioavailability of turmeric

These methods are intended to increase the bioavailability of turmeric

In order to increase the bioavailability of turmeric, manufacturers use other methods in addition topiperine , such as combining turmeric with phospholipids, micelles, and liposomes. These molecules are intended to help the fat-soluble curcumin dissolve better in the watery environment of the intestine. How do these methods work, what are the differences and which is the most effective when it comes to increasing bioavailability ?

Curcumin and phospholipids: A good combination for greater bioavailability?

After combining turmeric with its own essential oils only increased bioavailability by a factor of 6.93 [1], attempts were made to combine curcumin with so-called phospholipids, which are fat molecules that can dissolve in both fat and water.

These molecules containing curcumin can be formed in the digestive tract with the help of enzymes and bile acids into the body's own micelles, which pass through the intestinal mucosa more easily. The effectiveness of this method has also been confirmed by research. A study from 2011 showed that the bioavailability of curcumin was increased by a factor of 29 through the use of phospholipids. [2] This method was then expanded to achieve better results.

What is micellar technology?

Micelle technology is a further development of the idea of ​​combining turmeric with phospholipids to enable increased absorption in the intestine. The starting substance of the micelle is similar to that of phospholipids. It is both fat- and water-soluble and can form into spherical structures in aqueous environments due to this structure. The substance directs its water-soluble part outwards and the fat-soluble part inwards. The curcumin is enclosed in the fat-soluble part.

The efficiency of this method of imitating the natural digestive process was confirmed by a study in 2014. The result showed a 185-fold bioavailability of curcumin. A result that has not been surpassed to date. [3] This makes micellar technology the most efficient method when it comes to increasing the bioavailability of turmeric. However, there is another form of curcumin-fat compounds that is partly similar to micellar technology.

What is liposomal curcumin?

Liposomal curcumin is characterized by the fact that the curcumin inside is surrounded by not just one but two layers of water- and fat-soluble particles. The procedure of combining curcumin with liposomes is used particularly for intravenous administration. The double layer of liposomes resembles the cell membranes of the body's cells and is intended to protect our body from breaking down the administered substances.

However, a measurable bioavailability of liposomal curcumin could not be demonstrated in various studies on humans and animals. When taken orally by humans, it is assumed that the liposomes are "trapped" in the mucous film of the intestine and thus cannot be absorbed by the body. [4]

What are the differences between micellar turmeric and liposomal turmeric?

Liposomes and micelles differ in that micelles are part of the digestive process and occur naturally in the intestines. Liposomes are foreign to this site and are not absorbed well. For this reason, they are not a real alternative to micellar turmeric.

In summary:  

• Curcumin is a fat-soluble substance
• Phospholipids, liposomes and micelles are fat components that are combined with curcumin to increase bioavailability
• Micellar turmeric is the best way to increase bioavailability
• The combination of curcumin and phospholipids represents a weaker alternative compared to micelles
• A measurable bioavailability of liposomal curcumin could not be scientifically proven

Sources:

[1] Antony, B., Merina, B., Iyer, VS, Judy, N., Lennertz, K., & Joyal, S. (2008). A Pilot Cross-Over Study to Evaluate Human Oral Bioavailability of BCM-95CG (Biocurcumax), A Novel Bioenhanced Preparation of Curcumin. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 70(4), 445-449. https://doi.org/10.4103/0250-474X.44591

[2] Cuomo, J., Appendino, G., Dern, AS, Schneider, E., McKinnon, TP, Brown, MJ, Togni, S., & Dixon, BM (2011). Comparative absorption of a standardized curcuminoid mixture and its lecithin formulation. Comparative Absorption of a Standardized Curcuminoid Mixture and Its Lecithin Formulation., 74(4), 664–669. https://doi.org/10.1021/np1007262

[3] Schiborr, C., Kocher, A., Behnam, D., Jandasek, J., Toelstede, S., & Frank, J. (2014). The oral bioavailability of curcumin from micronized powder and liquid micelles is significantly increased in healthy humans and differs between sexes. Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, 58(3), 516-527. https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201300724

[4] Liu, W., Zhai, Y., Heng, X., Che, FY, Chen, W., Sun, D., & Zhai, G. (2016). Oral bioavailability of curcumin: problems and advancements. Journal of Drug Targeting, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.3109/1061186X.2016.1157883