The Truth

About Curcumin
SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

The skinny
on aor’s
free form
curcumin

THE TRUTH SERIES

 the truth series
As a discerning user of natural health products, you want what is best for your health.
However, misinformation and deceptive marketing often makes it challenging to identify
fact from fiction. The Truth Series was created by Advanced Orthomolecular Research
(AOR) to share the evidence-based truth about the most controversial and confusing topics
within the natural health industry. At AOR, we believe that truth and transparency are the
most important values for any organization to uphold. As visionaries, we are committed
to continuous innovation so that we can advance the world of natural health. As such, the
Truth Series aligns with our vision of providing optimal products without compromise.

Published in Canada by:  Advanced Orthomolecular Research Inc.

Lead Author: Taz Janeen, Brand Education Manager
Co-Authors: Dr. Christopher Hillyar, Ph.D (Oxon), Scientific Consultant
Dr. Anjan K Nibber, Ph.D (Oxon), Scientific Consultant
Dr. Pamela Ovadje, Ph.D, Lead Research Scientist
Dr. Paul Hrkal, B.Kin ND, Medical Director
Dr. Traj Nibber, BSc. MSc. Ph.D, CEO/Director of Research
Copy Editor:  Zoya Konoff, BA. BComm.
Associate Editor:  Randall Heilik, BCoMS CHNC, Marketing Manager
Scientific Figure Consultant:  Dr. Jonathan Ferrier, Ph.D
Publication Design / Art Production:  Laura Mensinga (laura-mensinga.com)
AOR Creative Director:  William Hosier

DISCLAIMER: The information in this publication is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis,
or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information is for general information purposes only. You are strongly
encouraged to talk to a healthcare professional (naturopath, family physician, registered dietitian, pharmacist, etc.) about your interest
in, questions about, or use of dietary supplements, and what is best for your overall health. Any mention in this publication of a specific
brand name is not an endorsement of the product.

2 Make an informed decision | It’s your Health

Table of contents

Setting The Record Straight  .......................................................................................................................................................  4

The Wisdom of The Past: A History of Turmeric  ......................................................................................   10

Curcumin—A Research-backed Botanical Powerhouse  .............................................................   13

Getting Curcumin Into The Body: Understanding Bioavailability  ..............................   14

Understanding Different Types of “Enhanced” Curcumin  ......................................................   16

An Overview of Bioavailable Curcumin Formulas  ................................................................................   18

Safety Concerns  ........................................................................................................................................................................................   23

Delving Into The Science: Breaking Down Clinical Research  ..............................................   24

The Next Step in Curcumin Evolution  .....................................................................................................................   28

References  .........................................................................................................................................................................................................   30

3
Setting
The Record Straight
The Skinny on AOR’s Free Form Curcumin

Now that curcumin is the hottest thing since sliced bread, it’s time to set the record
straight, and get down to the nitty gritty science-based facts of what makes a truly
superior, effective curcumin formulation.

So, let’s take a few steps back and start at the water and many fats. This means that it has a hard time
beginning. Curcumin—one of the active ingredients in dissolving, making absorption exceptionally difficult.
turmeric root, is one of three bright pigments that give
turmeric its beautiful golden colour. As a whole, these For example, when turmeric powder is added to
pigments are known as curcuminoids. water or pressed juice, you are often left with this
yellow sediment at the bottom of your glass, because
Traditionally, turmeric root has many medicinal uses: as it has so much trouble dissolving. This results in
a digestive aid, preservative, and blood purifier, but it’s poor bioavailability, which refers to how much of a
best known for its anti-inflammatory abilities. It’s also substance is absorbed into the bloodstream.
widely recognized as a potent antioxidant.
Practitioners of Ayurveda figured this out quickly,
Unfortunately, turmeric’s success as an anti-inflammatory and came up with ways to assist in absorption by
requires extremely high doses, because it’s insoluble in slightly altering it. Turmeric was usually boiled or

5
FIGURE 1. heated before ingestion, or heated and The first in a series of “altered” curcumin
suspended in a fat, such as clarified butter formulations is standardized Curcumin-95.
Turmeric and or milk. While these noted methods are Here, turmeric undergoes an extraction
its curcuminoids:
helpful at improving the medicinal benefits process, where the curcumin is standardized
Turmeric Rhizome
(Curcuma longa L.), of turmeric, they do little to increase the from 2% to 95%. Although this produces a
Turmeric powder, absorption of actual curcuminoids, the stronger curcumin formulation, the buck
Curcuminoid extract. substances mostly responsible for its doesn’t just stop here. Granted, the higher
Turmeric’s 3 Curcuminoids: anti-inflammatory activity. This is because amount of curcumin is now concentrated
Curcumin, Demethoxycurcumin, turmeric’s curcuminoids only make up and therefore more potent, but the issue of
and Bis-demethoxycurcumin. about 2-6% of the total content of the root. absorbability/bioavailability has not been
Furthermore, because curcuminoids are correctly addressed.
little “powerhouses”—particularly curcumin,
researchers wanted to find a way to increase The human body is a complex organism that
their concentration for maximum benefit. undergoes extremely finite processes each
These factors led the industry to create more second. Many of these processes are governed
bioavailable curcumin formulas with a higher by the liver—the metabolic centre. It is
concentration of curcuminoids. responsible for many things, most importantly
detoxification. Simply put, the liver breaks

6 Make an informed decision | It’s your Health

down and removes substances from the the stage for what is known as Free Form FIGURE 2.
body. One step in this process is known as Curcumin, aka unbroken, unadulterated
conjugation, where specific liver enzymes curcumin, with AOR being the first company in Breakdown of
Biotransformation:
essentially “tag” a substance by attaching Canada to bring it to market back in 2006.
The structure of Free Form
themselves to it; readying the substance for Curcumin vs. curcumin
removal from the body. Conjugation is often Now here’s the real deal—the skinny. To
conjugates resulting from
referred to as biotransformation because not date, the only two curcumin formulations biotransformation by the
only is the structure altered, but the substance in the world that successfully evade rapid liver. Conjugates are much
also loses its original potency (i.e. strength in breakdown by the liver and produce larger than their Free From
Free Form Curcumin are Longvida® and counterparts.
effect). Moreover, the body loves to readily
conjugate curcumin and seal its fate as what CurQfen®. These two raw materials are the
we call “broken” and or “chained” curcumin. only ones with peer-reviewed clinical trials to
We use this analogy because it’s as if the body prove this. Also, study results for numerous
literally takes curcumin prisoner and shackles curcumin formulations are often skewed
it with a ball and chain during conjugation, when it comes to naturally occurring Free
ensuring that it’s not free to incite a healing Form Curcumin vs. conjugated curcumin. In
revolution within. Thus, a clear understanding many cases, an enzyme is used to literally de-
of this process of rapid breakdown sets conjugate the tagged curcumin in the blood

7
 samples taken from study participants! Unfortunately, These formulas miss the mark with their claims to higher
this practice generates manipulated test results, and absorbability/bioavailability because they are producing
does not accurately reflect the process curcumin conjugated curcumin—not Free Form Curcumin,
undergoes within the body. This has also led certain regardless of how much better absorbed each formula
companies to claim that the body naturally undergoes is. So, although more curcumin is absorbed, it’s in a form
this process at a site of inflammation, resulting in all that is less active, and therefore less therapeutic, which
curcumin formulas producing Free Form Curcumin. Not inevitably results in a less effective product.
only is this extremely unlikely, it has never been proven
in humans regarding curcumin, and goes against the So, what kind of curcumin do you want coursing
laws of human biochemistry. However, this is not to say through your veins? One that is “broken and chained,” or
that many of the curcumin formulas on the market don’t one that is whole and free to move around uninhibited?
work. They do, and many have excellent ingredients That said, let’s explore the truth about curcumin.
and well-designed studies to boot; they’re just not as
effective, fast acting and long lasting as their Free Form
counter parts.

8 Make an informed decision | It’s your Health

what kind of curcumin
do you want coursing
through your veins?
One that is “broken and
chained,” or one that is
whole and free to move
around uninhibited?
The Wisdom
of the Past
A History of Turmeric

Turmeric root, aka Curcuma longa L. agent in paint, and why it stains so easily. These
pigments are truly unique and very special, seeing they
is a Rhizome that belongs to the are mostly responsible for turmeric’s therapeutic activity.
Zingiberaceae/Ginger Family. It has
There are three active curcuminoids present in
a long history dating back to 250 BCE turmeric: curcumin, demethoxycurcumin (DMC), and
and is used primarily as a spice in most bis-demethoxycurcumin (BDMC), with curcumin being
the most concentrated. It comprises approximately 2/3
South/Pan Asian cuisine. of total curcuminoids, while the other two comprise
the remaining 1/3 (Nardo et al., 2011).

In Sanskrit, turmeric root has many names associated

with it such as, “auspicious or lucky,” “to give a fair
complexion” and “killer of poison” denoting how
It possesses a rich, deep, bright orange/golden revered this substance is.
colour due to its high content of pigments known as
curcuminoids. These beautiful pigments are known It has been used in Ayurveda—India’s Traditional
as fluorochromes, meaning they are fluorescent! This Medical System for 4000 years and like its gorgeous
explains why turmeric has been used as dye, a colouring colour, is literally worth its weight in gold!

10 Make an informed decision | It’s your Health

Traditionally, turmeric is used for both prevention
and treatment of disease. Its traditional uses include:
treating inflammation, managing pain, treatment
of skin ailments like acne and skin cancer; digestive In Sanskrit, turmeric
issues, such as colic; distention, and liver/gallbladder
complaints. In Ayurveda, it is used to strengthen overall
Prana or Life Force, regulate menstruation, purify
root has many names
blood, treat respiratory conditions and rheumatism;
and dissolve gallstones. associated with it such
Both Ayurveda and TCM consider turmeric as a highly
supportive digestive bitter.
as, “auspicious or lucky,”
Turmeric is the most clinically studied natural substance “to give a fair complexion”
in the world. With over 4000 publications to date, its
proven therapeutic benefits are vast. Studies have
confirmed that curcumin has potent anti-oxidant,
and “killer of poison.”
anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumour
properties (Ireson et al., 2001; Sandhur et al., 2007).

11
 Multiple areas that Furthermore, studies suggest that curcumin acts on
multiple tissues in many diseases, including: cancer,
diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurological diseases,
curcumin has been and rheumatoid arthritis (Gupta et al., 2012).

studied Curcumin’s issues of absorbability and bioavailability

have led to an array of products with varying
technologies that address these two factors.
Unfortunately, while their aim is good, they still miss
the mark. Although bioavailability and absorbability
are important factors in evaluating the effectiveness of
curcumin, the key lies in its ability to remain Free.

When curcumin is formulated to not only solve issues

Cancer of bioavailability and absorbability, but address rapid
breakdown within the body, the result is Free Form
Curcumin. Because curcumin retains its free “unbroken”
form, it is taken up directly through the bloodstream
where it is stable, concentrated and able to cross the
blood brain barrier.

Cardiovascular disease

Infection

Inflammation

Lifestyle Factors

12 Neurological disease
The liver is the major organ responsible for metabolizing or are only one side of a very complex coin when it comes to
breaking down substances. When something is ingested, it is curcumin. When the whole picture is in view, we are able
normally absorbed into the bloodstream through the hepatic to gain clarity into the present state of curcumin within our
portal vein. The first stop for this “portal blood” is the liver. industry. What you might believe is a high quality, effective
Here, these substances have phase II enzyme groups known product, might not be, and products with superior formulation
as glucuronide or sulphate added to them. This process is are often highly misunderstood. However, once the process of
known as conjugation or biotransformation (hepatic first pass biotransformation is better understood, it becomes clear that all
metabolism) and makes a substance extremely soluble. These of curcumin’s benefits significantly increase when it retains its
newly formed metabolites are then carried to our kidneys and Free Form. Thus, resulting in a highly potent, bio active product.
bowel and ready for excretion.

When curcumin is able to avoid this rapid breakdown, it

retains its activity. Furthermore, a true understanding of Free
Form Curcumin clarifies how bioavailability and absorbability

Curcumin — A Research-backed
Botanical Powerhouse
In more recent years, the anti-carcinogenic activity of curcumin both in prevention and treatment
has been studied in colon, bone marrow, breast (Liu et al., 2013), prostate, and lung cancer (Sharma
et al., 2001; Gomez-Bougie et al., 2015; Tieten et al., 2010; Tsai et al., 2015). While curcumin has been
established as safe and nontoxic at high doses in humans (Krishnakumar et al., 2015), how curcumin has
such a diverse range of medicinal effects is less understood.
Getting Curcumin
Into the Body
Understanding Bioavailability

It is now clear that poor bioavailability Trials have shown that low levels of curcumin are present
in the blood samples of participants administered high
limits curcumin’s use. With respect to doses of curcumin (Anand et al., 2007). Some estimates
the whole food approach in particular, suggest that only about 2% of curcumin taken orally is
transported via the blood to the tissues. Furthermore,
large quantities of turmeric powder Pan and colleagues showed that 99% of curcumin in the
can be consumed and may not bloodstream is conjugated curcumin (Pan et al., 1999).
Studies have shown that conjugated curcumin has
result in beneficial concentrations of significantly lower bioactivity as compared to Free Form
Curcumin and is readily excreted by the kidneys (Ireson
curcumin in the blood.
et al., 2001; Pal et al., 2014; Shoji et al., 2014; Choudhary et
al., 2015). Moreover, conjugated curcumin is also bulkier
since it has a glucuronide or sulphate group attached,
so less able to cross the lining of blood vessels and the
blood brain barrier (BBB) (Krishnakumar et al., 2015).
 FIGURE 3.

The curcumin conundrum: Because curcumin is insoluble in water, it has a hard time dissolving in the stomach. Furthermore, due to its acidic pH,
curcumin begins to clump and is largely unable to pass through the stomach lining into the bloodstream (Kharat et al., 2017).

FACTORS FOR POOR CURCUMIN BIOAVAILABILITY ARE:

INSOLUBILITY / INSTABILITY: RAPID ELIMINATION / SHORT HALF-LIFE:
Turmeric is highly insoluble and has a very hard time The rapid elimination of curcuminoids through the bowel
dissolving in water, much like sand. Its curcuminoids are further reduces curcumin’s bioavailability since its half-life
hydrophobic and lipophilic (i.e. water hating, fat loving), is less than two hours, with little curcumin previously
and as a result, have a high tendency to clump and absorbed into the bloodstream (Sharma et al., 2001). Half-
then crystallize as the pH gradient shifts through the life refers to the time at which half the amount (50%) of
digestive process. This significantly inhibits absorption an ingested substance will have been eliminated.
into the gut and bloodstream.

RAPID BREAKDOWN:
Unfortunately, what does manage to escape this
ill-fated process, is readily broken down by the liver
through biotransformation.

15
Understanding
Different Types
of “Enhanced”
CURCUMIN

Curcumin just can’t

seem to get a break.
This has led researchers worldwide to try and effectively remedy the profound
conundrum curcumin faces as a therapeutic, multi targeted medicine. How
could Nature bestow one little spice with such propensity for healing, yet have
it almost be completely unable to achieve its biochemical goal once ingested?
It’s ever perplexing to say the least and takes us to the ins and outs of modern
curcumin delivery methods and formulation.

Modern delivery methods include: micronization and nanoparticles; micelles,

enhancing agents, and fibre complexes.
MICRONIZED NANOPARTICLES: TURMERIC ESSENTIAL OIL
Turmeric Essential Oil, like all essential oils, is classed as
This is a when a particle is significantly reduced in size,
a volatile oil. Because of its solubility issues, it is made
and is defined as less than 100 nanometers in diameter,
by a solvent extraction process. Furthermore, they are
or 0.1 micrometers. There is also a process known as
termed volatile for a reason, seeing they are extremely
sub-micronization, where although particle size is
potent and generally only regarded as safe when
significantly reduced, it is still larger than a nanoparticle.
ingested in tiny amounts. Usually only 1-2 drops are
In the case of curcumin, size reduction aids with
suggested short term, not large doses for extended
absorption into the bloodstream.
periods. Because the vast majority involved in
botanical medicine tend to be cautious with volatile
MICELLES: oil consumption, one can’t help but wonder if there
These little “fat” spheres are generally made of isn’t a risk at higher doses, long term. The research is
phosphatidylcholine aka lecithin. These coated conflicting as well, seeing some of it regards turmeric
curcumin particles have increased stability within essential oil as safe, while other data notes high
digestive juices, and are able to absorb into the toxicity (Funk et al., 2006, 2010; Joshi et al., 2003). Until
bloodstream more easily. Curcumin micelles can either there is enough well-established data in humans
have standard curcumin particles or nanosized ones. confirming safety at high doses, long term, the use of
this enhancing agent is questionable.

ENHANCING AGENTS: TWEEN 80

There are a variety of enhancing agents used in Tween 80, also known as Polysorbate 80, is another
modern formulations to address the issue of poor questionable enhancing agent used in modern
absorption and rapid breakdown such as: piperine, formulation. It is a detergent classed as a surfactant/
turmeric essential oil, Tween-80, and galactomannan. emulsifier and commonly used in processed foods,
cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, etc. Although known
PIPERINE to be well tolerated up to 100 mg per day, it is
Piperine is the most common and widely banned in Japan, while Taiwan and Korea have set
documented enhancing agent used because it limits to less than 2%. Interestingly, there has also
inhibits the biotransformation of curcumin by the been some research correlating Tween-80 with
liver. Neat little trick, right? Although this sounds like the aggravation of autoimmune diseases, such as
a “magic bullet” cure to the curcumin conundrum, colitis. It was also shown to potentiate obesity and
it looks better on paper, than in actual application. metabolic syndrome (Chassaing et al., 2015). Do you
Because piperine inhibits the phase II liver enzymes find it ironic that an agent designed to enhance an
(necessary gatekeepers), the liver’s ability to do its anti-inflammatory might be the possible cause of
job correctly is significantly diminished. So although pro-inflammatory conditions?
one would have “free form” curcumin coursing
through their veins, the body is now vulnerable to GALACTOMANNAN
unwanted invaders, such as toxins, pesticides, and Galactomannan aka Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-
carcinogens. Thus, a truly intelligent formulation graecum L.), is the latest breakthrough in effective
would find a way to evade this rapid breakdown, curcumin delivery, stability and absorption. Due to
without disarming the body’s defences and the fact it is a water soluble dietary fibre, yet highly
endangering it as a whole. branched and gum like, it is able to offer superior
protection to ensure absorption into the bloodstream.

17
 An Overview of
Bioavailable Curcumin
Formulas
Theracurmin™ is a nanosized curcumin formula made Meriva® uses micelle technology to create a patented
from a mixture of micronized curcumin and gum ghatti Phytosome® complex of curcumin and lecithin
solution. Theracurmin’s particle size is reduced via a without altering the size of the curcumin particles. The
wet mill grinding process and then dispersed using a curcuminoids and lecithin are combined in a 1:2 ratio.
high-pressure blending technique. This creates a colloidal This improves curcumin’s stability in the slightly alkaline
suspension that is highly water soluble. environment of the small intestine (pH 7-8), where the
majority of curcumin absorption occurs.
BCM-95® is a patented curcumin formula that combines
curcumin and volatile agents in turmeric essential oil to NovaSOL® is a micelle formulation that uses Tween-80
increase bioavailability. The formula is also comprised instead of lecithin and micronized curcumin to
of lecithin and medium chain triglycerides to further enhance bioavailability.
assist in this process. Turmeric essential oil constitutes
approximately 9% of the formulation.

18 Make an informed decision | It’s your Health

 Although all the delivery methods discussed above do have accurate studies to prove this. So what on earth
effectively address issues of absorbability/bioavailability, makes these two so very special in comparison to the rest?
and have studies to prove this, they still can’t successfully
evade rapid break down. They absolutely do not yield Longvida® is based on Solid Lipid Curcumin Particle (SLCP™)
Free Form Curcumin—only conjugated curcumin, Technology. This consists of a unique combination of highly
regardless of whatever marketing pitches are given. purified lipids that coat the micronized curcumin particles.
This is different from a micelle, as there are lipids other than
Again, there is no clinical data to support this claim just lecithin involved. This combination of minute particles
for the aforementioned formulas, and data results is organized in such a way as to increase bioavailability and
are often manipulated to show falsified “free form” absorption, and remarkably avoid rapid break down. This
values. This is done by using an enzyme known as unique formulation allows for each SLCP™ to be taken up
Beta-glucuronidase. This processes de-conjugates the through the lymph system as opposed to being absorbed
curcumin metabolites by removing the glucuronide directly into primary circulation and broken down by the
or sulphate chain from study blood samples before liver; therefore, successfully evading rapid breakdown.

To date, there are only two formulas that

yield true Free Form Curcumin.

analysis. Talk about sneaky! Furthermore, the claim that As mentioned, the liver—our master organ, governs most
all curcumin is Free Form Curcumin is also in the vein functions in the body and is responsible for the primary
of fake news. The hypothesis that Beta-glucuronidase metabolism of substances. This process is known as first
is excreted at sites of inflammation and can therefore pass metabolism. However, depending on the molecular
de-conjugate curcumin at the site is just not sound. structure of a substance, a secondary, intermediate process
This idea goes against the laws of human biochemistry known as enterocyte first pass metabolism comes into
and has never been proven with curcumin in humans. effect. When a substance has a high molecular weight
For the sake of argument, however, let’s just say this and is comprised of very specific lipids, such as fatty acids
were true. If so, then how would Beta-glucuronidase and phospholipids, it is taken up through the enterocytes
know to only to liberate curcumin and not other (nutrient absorption cells) that line the small intestine. It
hazardous substances that have been tagged for is then carried into the lymph system, which is how it is
removal? If this process was actually natural in humans, able to successfully evade rapid breakdown. Unlike the
then would it not render the entire detoxification portal blood, the intestinal lymph empties directly into the
processes obsolete? If someone ingested a known primary circulation without first passing through the liver.
carcinogen which was then logically conjugated for Once in the lymph, it is transported directly to the heart.
safe removal, and then de-conjugated again, would it The heart will then pump this newly “enriched blood” to
not create a rogue carcinogen? sites of therapeutic activity such as the brain, lungs, tissues,
etc. before it returns to the liver where it will eventually
Moreover, would it not then just freely reign and undergo metabolism. Longvida® was the first formulation
immediately induce disease? Lastly, if all of this were to successfully achieve this world-wide.
indeed true, the “Free Form” created would have lost
almost all of its therapeutic activity, seeing conjugated Now, fast forward to 2015 where a ground breaking
curcumin is much less bioactive than true Free Form formula came to life, embodying the next step in Free
(Shoji et al., 2014). Without having a legitimate leg to Form Curcumin delivery.
stand on, this nonsensical assumption seems like more CurQfen® is comprised of fenugreek-curcumin
for the sake of a fake argument, than anything else. fibre complexes. These little whole food wonders,
To date, there are only two formulas that yield true Free not only tremendously enhance absorption and
Form Curcumin: Longvida® and CurQfen®, and both bioavailability, they also successfully evade rapid

20 Make an informed decision | It’s your Health

 FIGURE 4.

CurQfen® at a glance: A fenugreek-curcumin fibre complex with its highly branched

“arms” that hide and protect the curcumin deep within.

breakdown. Fenugreek is a highly branched, gum The answer is in how it evades rapid breakdown.
like fibre that is extremely sticky. Therefore, it allows Because the complexes are so tightly wound, and the
a high concentration of sub-micronized curcumin to fenugreek so highly branched, curcumin particles are
bind deep within the fibre. Here, it remains safe from able to literally hide deep within the complex. This
digestive juices and can be readily absorbed by the gut is also a result of the strong bonding between the
and then into the bloodstream. Because the nature and fenugreek and curcumin. Furthermore, the fibre has a
structure of these complexes are so unique, they allow hydrophobic (fat-loving) side that faces inward which is
for rapid, yet sustained release into the bloodstream. strongly bound to the hydrophobic curcumin particles.
This is due to the tightly wound, sticky nature of the Conversely, the fenugreek fibre also has a hydrophilic
water soluble fenugreek fibre, which adheres to the (water-loving) side that faces outward in the direction
gut lining like a glue. This glue creates a slow, sustained of the water molecules, making the complex more
release effect, because fibre naturally takes longer to water soluble. Thus, it is this tightly weaved tapestry
break down in the digestive tract. Now you might be that acts like a Trojan horse, as it carries its precious
wondering how exactly does it absorbs rapidly, if the curcumin cargo right to and through liver, ensuring
glue creates a long lasting effect? they remain undetected during first pass metabolism!

21
FIGURE 5. Pretty neat, right? Apart from fenugreek’s on the tissue distribution kinetics of Free
incredible ability to protect curcumin, the very Form Curcumin, showing actual uptake of
Evading rapid breakdown: fact it is a highly soluble, well tolerated, gentle CurQfen® by target tissues. Moreover, due to
Methods of preserving
fibre opens the doors to the potential healing the fact it is a truly synergistic formula, studies
Curcumin’s “Free Form”.
of a vast array of inflammatory bowel disorders. have demonstrated positive effects with
Left: CurQfen® is taken up
anxiety, energy levels and depression due to
through primary circulation. Unlike Longvida® which bypasses phase II
Due to its structure, it effectively
the presence of fenugreek (Kumar et al., 2016;
enzymes by escaping to the lymph system, Sudheeran et al., 2016). Lastly, several health
shields the curcumin from phase
II liver enzymes.
this simple, food-based delivery method tricks benefits are also attributed to fenugreek,
the liver’s guard dogs as it passes by! In turn, including maintaining healthy blood glucose
Right: Longvida® is taken up
through the enterocyte into
this ensures the effective delivery of Free and reducing elevated blood lipid levels
secondary circulation, i.e. lymph. Form Curcumin to all tissues. Believe it or not, (Sharma and Raghuram, 1990;
It’s carried to the heart and then CurQfen® actually goes one step further with
the organs, effectively retaining evidence proving bioaccessibility. In 2016, Al-Habori and Raman 1998;
its Free Form. Because standard Kumar and colleagues were able to prove that Neelakantan et al., 2014).
curcumin doesn’t have the
curcumin not only gets into the bloodstream
fenugreek shield, it goes through
the liver; wherein, most of it is in its Free Form, it is able to penetrate and
conjugated and excreted. saturate various organs and tissues within
the body. This is the first study of its kind

22 Make an informed decision | It’s your Health

 Safety
Concerns
Unfortunately, there are certain curcumin
formulations being sold that have safety
issues regarding the selection of raw
materials and efficacy of study design.

One capsule of NovaSOL® contains over six

times the amount of Tween-80 normally
found in our diet. Again, Tween-80 is known
to be well-tolerated up to 100 mg per day, but
the health issues with consumption of larger
quantities on a regular basis are unknown.

SIDE EFFECTS
Most curcumin products have excellent safety
profiles, however, Schiborr (2014) reported
side-effects from the use of NovaSOL® within
a group of 23 human participants including:

1 Mild nausea (seven females, three males)

2 Vomiting (one female)

studies have 3 Mild fatigue (one female)

demonstrated positive 4 Mild headache (one female)

5 Mild stomach ache (one female)

effects with anxiety,
6 Incidental regurgitation (one female)
energy levels and
depression due to the Unfortunately, NovaSOL’s® use of Tween-80
may be the cause of these side effects,
presence of fenugreek since there is no human biosafety data
with NovaSOL’s® serving size of Tween-80.
Furthermore, studies using BCM-95® have also
(Kumar et al., 2016;
Sudheeran et al., 2016) reported a higher incidence of side effects
including raised liver enzymes, blood thinning
effects and worsening of GI symptoms in one
study (Chandran and Goel, 2012).

23
Delving
into The Science
Breaking Down Clinical Research

Now that we have fully explored the nitty gritty bits of Free Form Curcumin, it is
time to delve a bit deeper to a place where many do not like to go—The Research.

Although interfacing with clinical data can even make This will inevitably skew what was actually measured
our heads spin at times, it’s important to have an in sample blood, versus what is reported in the
understanding of what actually makes a good, viable corresponding publication. Don’t forget about our little
study. Indeed, this is not very exciting per se, but will friend Beta-glucuronidase either, seeing the use of this
allow you to see through any skewed marketing tactics enzyme further skews results generating false values for
and make a truly informed decision. Free Form Curcumin. For the sake of accuracy, simple
honesty, and the varying potency of each form, it is
MEASUREMENTS: critical that all of the forms are clearly distinguished and
Unfortunately, many publications report the bioavailability measured correctly. These details can be confirmed in
of curcuminin without actually distinguishing between the materials and methods section of a study.
Free Form Curcumin, curcumin metabolites, and total
curcuminoids (curcumin, DMC, BDMC).

25
 Here is a loose outline of what a “curcumin” study looks likes to help you
imagine the process:
The importance 1 A set dose of a curcumin is administered to human subjects once a day.

of specific 2 Blood samples are collected before curcumin is administered at very specific
intervals over the course of 24 hours.

scientific 3 The concentrations of curcuminoids are measured in order to plot a concentration

time curve.
controlled Results include the following:

variables is • Cmax (Concentration maximum) is when a drug reaches its peak concentration in
the blood after administration. This is depicted by the highest point on a graph.

critical to a • Tmax (Time maximum) is the time a substance takes to reach maximum
concentration.
well-designed • AUC (Area Under the Curve) is the overall amount of a therapeutic agent in the
bloodstream after a dose. The AUC is dependent on the dose and the rate of
study. elimination from the body.

Some other important keys to a well-designed study are: human subjects, the number
of subjects, and appropriate controlled variables.

The human league should be the only league when it comes to study subjects.
Although there is merit in animal studies, humans are not rats, mice, or any other kind
of animal. We have entirely different anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. Thus,
data from a different species cannot accurately show what happens within humans
in all cases. This is why healthy human volunteers are used in bioavailability studies to
increase accuracy by removing factors such as disease, medication, smoking and other
lifestyle influences.

When it comes to sample size, the more the merrier. Although some studies with
smaller samples are still very well-designed and executed, it is even better when more
subjects are involved.

Larger sample sizes offer higher accuracy, seeing the result is demonstrated many more
times. This is a standard that all studies should strive for.

The importance of specific scientific controlled variables is critical to a well-designed

study. Unbiased studies incorporate positive and negative controls, including placebos,
randomization, blind and double-blind experiments.

FIGURE 6.

All in the Curve: Area under

the plasma concentration-
time curve, which depicts
the exposure of the body to
administered curcumin.
Making Sense of Curcumin
Bioavailability Claims
This is where things can get a little to use in any comparison. While comparing
technical. Instead of hiding behind altered to a standard is a good reference point, the
data and complex arguments, let’s clarify AUC method is dose dependent; therefore,
the research associated to some of the it is not possible to conclude with any
popular curcumin forms on the market. As accuracy what the effect of an increase or
mentioned, every curcumin on the market decrease in dose will have on the AUC.
has a bioavailability study that companies
base their absorption claims on, i.e. 100x Again, many publications report the
more bioavailable. bioavailability of curcuminin without
actually distinguishing between Free Form
Before comparing any two products, there Curcumin, curcumin metabolites, and total
are a few points to take into consideration. curcuminoids (curcumin, DMC, BDMC).
In general, studies investigating However, in Schiborr et al., (2014), each
bioavailability of curcumin have focused on individual curcuminoid (curcumin, DMC,
exploring the fold increase in comparison to BDMC) was investigated separately. Using
standard Curcumin-95, which we know has this same methodology, Kumar et al., (2016),
very poor bioavailability. AUC (area under highlight that CurQfen is 270x higher than
the curve) is considered the best method standard curcumin.

FIGURE 7.

A plotted graph:
Comparison of Free Form Curcumin plasma
concentrations of various curcumin
formulations. Using accurate experimental
methodology, the above data shows the
concentration-time-point curve for major
curcumin formulas, measuring the levels of
Free Form Curcumin. A comparison of the
area under the curve (AUC) for CurQfen® and
Longvida® reveals that CurQfen® is 6.7x more
bioavailable than Longvida® at equivalent
doses. Because correct adjustments are
used, levels of Free Form Curcumin for other
formulations are difficult to detect.

27
The Next Step in
Curcumin Evolution

With integrity informing every decision, we never settle which is comprised of highly water soluble sugar chains
for mediocrity by ensuring complacency never takes known as polysaccharides. AOR prioritizes Free Form
hold. Because if it were to do just that, evolution would Curcumin only; thus, reporting 48x more bioavailability
cease, and cutting-edge breakthroughs towards better in its marketing material.
medicine may never come to be. It is with this fierce
dedication to continuous, diligent innovations, we Kumar et al., (2016), also compared the ratio of Free Form
always pave the way forward, rather than simply imitate Curcumin to conjugated curcumin. Here, they reported
by following others. 75% Free Form Curcumin and 25% conjugated curcumin
in the plasma 5 hours after administration of CurQfen®
Because curcumin has literally hit a glass ceiling in (1000 mg). This exceedingly high concentration of Free
terms of truly innovative delivery methods, AOR was Form Curcumin suggests that the fenugreek-curcumin
inspired to challenge this and make something unique. complex effectively protects curcumin from rapid
This brings us to the next step in curcumin evolution, breakdown; thus, resulting in a fast acting, yet long
Curcumin Ultra®. lasting, highly potent effect.

Comprised of two truly innovative raw materials: While the conundrum of curcumin’s various solubility
CurQfen®, and Turmacin®, Curcumin Ultra® offers issues has been made clear, we have to take a step back
the benefits of a more whole food, truly botanical and remember that the South Asian population have been
formula, while showing a significant increase in using turmeric for thousands of years with effect. Indeed,
bioavailability. This is due to the addition of Turmacin®, not a therapeutic, drug like effect per se, but effective

28 Make an informed decision | It’s your Health

 FIGURE 8.

Curcumin Ultra is a complex of CurQfen®

and Turmacin®. Fenugreek-curcumin fibre
complexes are combined with Turmeric
polysaccharides to make Curcumin Ultra®.

nonetheless. Perhaps this has more to do with accessing period. Osteoarthritis patients showed the greatest
the synergistic constituents of the whole root, as opposed symptom improvement. This was measured by physical
to just curcuminoids, and isolated curcumin in many cases? performance, questionnaires and clinician assessment
when given Turmacin® over time. Turmacin® was well-
Traditionally, turmeric root is boiled in water and/or milk tolerated at high doses (Madhu et al., 2013).
before ingestion. With the former method, it is highly
unlikely it extracts any curcuminoids, seeing they are As you can see, there is benefit to incorporating traditional
hydrophobic. Rather, this water extraction method methods, while still adhering to an orthomolecular,
liberates water soluble components from turmeric, i.e. targeted, therapeutic approach. Curcumin Ultra®
polysaccharides. Conversely, the latter method most combines synergistic aspects of turmeric and a full
likely yields minimal amounts of curcuminoids, with a spectrum of curcuminoids, while still providing the
possible increase if clarified butter is added—remember highest Free Form Curcumin available on the market.
“fat loving”?
Now that we have finally set the record straight, it
The use of Turmacin® in osteoarthritic patients has is clear how truly complex curcumin is biologically
shown promising results. In a randomized, single-blind, speaking, and as the subject of research. However, now
placebo controlled trial, the effects of Turmacin® (1000 that we have taken this journey, we hope that everyone
mg/day) were compared to glucosamine sulfate (1500 can make a truly informed decision when choosing
mg/day), a combination of Turmacin® and glucosamine a modern curcumin formulation. What do you want
(1500 mg/day), and placebo (800 mg/day) over a 42-day coursing through your veins? The choice is yours.

29
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