Improved Oral Bioavailability of Curcumin Incorporated Into Micelles

Novel Strategies for the Enhancement of the Potency of Nutraceuticals With Low Oral Bioavailability and Their Application in Novel Functional Foods for Optimum Protection of the Aging Brain

Curcumin, a lipophilic polyphenol derived from the plant curcuma longa possesses numerous health-promoting activities. The oral bioavailability of curcumin is low due to its poor aqueous solubility, limited gastrointestinal absorption, rapid metabolism and excretion. Therefore, we tested, in a randomized crossover study, simultaneous application of phytochemicals and micellar solubilisation, alone and together, as strategies to enhance the absorption of curcumin into the body. Furthermore, we investigated age and sex differences in curcumin pharmacokinetics.

Inclusion Criteria:

• healthy volunteers with routine blood chemistry values within the normal ranges
• Age: 18-35 years or > 60 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• overweight (BMI >30 kg/m2)
• metabolic and endocrine diseases
• pregnancy
• lactation
• drug abuse
• use of dietary supplements or any form of medication (with the exception of oral contraceptives)
• smoking
• frequent alcohol consumption (>20 g ethanol/d)
• adherence to a restrictive dietary regimen
• physical activity of more than 5 h/wk