Did you know that …
… turmeric root extract (Curcuma longa L) has been used in Asia, and more particularly in India, for its multiple health benefits for more than 2000 years? Several international studies have demonstrated the efficacy of turmeric in several fields, including joint function. It offers a great many advantages:
- Reduced inflammation1
- Reduced pain2
- Reduced stiffness in joints2
- Rapid action2
- Optimal tolerance2
What exactly is turmeric?
Turmeric, that is also called Curcuma longa L., Indian saffron or even wild turmeric, is a herbaceous plant which can grow up to 1 metre high and flowers at ground level. The interesting part is its tubercular rhizome which contains all the active ingredients associated with the benefits of turmeric.
Turmeric contains three main active ingredients called curcuminoids (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and demethoxycurcumin), as well as essential oils with turmerone, atlantone and zingiberene.
In order for it to be effective, this bright yellow spice with its characteristic odour has to be absorbed into the body.
Which formulation promotes the absorption of turmeric into the body?
A 2008 survey revealed that the combination of turmeric and essential oils promotes the absorption of turmeric into the body, making it 6.93 times more bioavailable than when taken alone or when combined with piperine from black pepper3.
This graph shows that the absorption of curcumin is faster when combined with essential oils and starts acting after the first hour. Maximum concentration in the blood occurs after 4.5 hours whereas the absorption of curcumin combined with piperine or curcumin alone practically disappears by this stage. Only the combination of curcumin and essential oils remains widely quantifiable in blood after 8 hours.
Which form of turmeric?
- Powdered: turmeric is an ideal complement to soup, rice or pasta and can also be used to spice up fish or meat.
- Fresh: turmeric can be cut into small pieces and used cooked or raw, or even added to a juice or smoothie recipe.
- As a food supplement: natural turmeric is also available from pharmacies in capsule form, to be taken with a glass of water at mealtimes.
When is turmeric recommended?
- Some physical conditions can damage joint function:
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Intensive sports
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Physical work
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Excess weight
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Prior accidental injury
- Maintaining optimal and durable joint comfort is essential therefore during recreational, domestic and professional activities. Turmeric extract helps maintain supple and flexible joints!
1Chandran B. et al., 2012 as per the classification of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)
2Kuptniratsaikul V. et al., 2014 / Panahi Y. et al., 2014
3Anthony B. et al., 2008, A pilot Cross-Over Study To Evaluate Human Oral Bioavailibility of BCM-95®
Source of the schema : Anthony B. et al., 2008, A pilot Cross-Over Study To Evaluate Human Oral Bioavailibility of BCM-95®