Liposomal Curcumin/Resveratrol
NutriStart is proud to present the first Liposomal Turmeric and Resveratrol product available in Canada. In this blog I will give an overview of the health benefits of both turmeric and resveratrol, and then discuss the distinct advantages of the liposomal delivery form.
TURMERIC
Whether used as a food or a supplement, turmeric has a solid scientific base of evidence showing it to have widespread benefits for health and longevity. In fact, it has so many healing properties that there are currently over 6,000 peer-reviewed studies published proving the benefits of turmeric, and the turmeric-derived compound, curcumin.
While there are many scientific studies proving the effectiveness of curcumin, some studies have indicated that long-term use can increase free radical damage. This may occur because curcumin is one isolated fraction of the plant, and is missing its naturally occurring co-factors. For that reason, NutriStart uses a turmeric extract that is standardized to contain 95% “curcuminoids”, and while the amount of isolated curcumin may seem low, the other curcuminoids also have medicinal properties, making this a highly effective product, proven to be so in clinical studies.
BENEFITS OF TURMERIC EXTRACTS
– Powerful antioxidant properties.
– Anti-inflammatory; more effective than both aspirin and ibuprofen.
-Anti-cancer agent; most effective at killing bowel, breast, skin, and stomach cancer cells.
-Antidepressant; shown to be as effective as Prozac for mild depression.
-Reduces symptoms of both Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
-Helps prevent diabetes; improves insulin sensitivity more effectively than Metformin.
-Treats inflammatory bowel diseases, including IBS, Crohn’s, and ulcerative colitis.
-Pain Relief; activates the opioid system which body uses to relieve all kinds of pain.
-Protects against radiation from the environment and from radiation therapy.
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE SCIENCE
Anti-Inflammatory
One of the foremost benefits of turmeric, and one than may in fact be responsible for many of its other health protective functions, is its ability to dramatically reduce inflammation. Studies have shown that curcumin is a more powerful, and much safer, anti-inflammatory than both aspirin and ibuprofen. (Curr Pharm Des. 2016 Oct 6. “Curcumin: An effective inhibitor of interleukin-6.” Ghandadi M, Sahebkar A.) Read the study here
Antidepressant
A recent study compared patients treated with curcumin against those treated with fluoxetine (Prozac). They discovered curcumin was as effective as Prozac in managing depression.
According to the authors, “This study provides first clinical evidence that curcumin may be used as an effective and safe therapy for treatment in patients with Mild Depression.” (Sanmukhani J, et al. “Efficacy and Safety of Curcumin in Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Phytother Res 2013) Read the study here.
Arthritis
A study was done with 45 volunteers who had rheumatoid arthritis, in order to compare the benefits of curcumin to an arthritis drug (diclofenac sodium), that had dangerous side effects. The group who received curcumin showed significantly better improvement in symptoms than those on the drug and did not experience any adverse side effects. In another study, patients with osteoarthritis showed clear improvements in pain, physical function, and quality of life after taking curcumin. (Phytother Res. 2012 Nov;26(11):1719-25. “A randomized, pilot study to assess the efficacy and safety of curcumin in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis.” Chandran B1, Goel A.) (Drug Des Devel Ther. 2016 Sep 20;10:3029-3042. “The spice for joint inflammation: anti-inflammatory role of curcumin in treating osteoarthritis.” Chin KY.) Read the study here.
Cancer
Laboratory studies on cancer cells have shown that curcumin has strong anticancer effects, both killing cancer cells and prevent more from growing. Turmeric extracts have been shown to be most effective at killing breast cancer, bowel cancer, stomach cancer, and skin cancer cells. (Anticancer Res. 2016 Nov; 36(11):5639-5647. “Molecular Mechanisms of Anti-metastatic Activity of Curcumin.” Deng YI1, et al.) Read the study here.
Diabetes
A study done in 2009 discovered that curcumin is about 400 times more potent than Metformin (a diabetes drug) at improving insulin sensitivity, which can help reverse Type 2 Diabetes. And, as well as correcting the causes of diabetes curcumin has been proven to help reverse many of the issues related to insulin resistance, including diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy. (Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2009 Oct 16; 388(2):377-82. “Curcumin activates AMPK and suppresses gluconeogenic gene expression in hepatoma cells.” Kim T.) Read the study here.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
IBS, Crohn’s disease, and Ulcerative Colitis, are usually treated with corticosteroids, which might reduce the pain, but in the long run damages the intestinal lining, ultimately worsening the condition. However, many studies done on treating these ailments with turmeric extract have found them to be so effective that many patients were able to stop taking their steroid medications. And, curcumin did not damage the intestinal lining, but actually helped heal the gut and supported the growth of good bacteria. (Ng SC, et al. “Therapeutic strategies for the management of ulcerative colitis.” Inflamm Bowel Dis 2009; 15(6): 935-50.) Read the study here.
Pain Control
Studies have shown that curcumin activates the opioid system in diabetic rats. Commonly induced by pharmaceutical drugs, the opioid system is the natural process that the body uses to relieve all kinds of pain. For example, curcumin has been used to treat burn victims, instead of opioid drugs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. (Cheppudira B, et al. “Curcumin: a novel therapeutic for burn pain and wound healing. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2013; 22(10): 1295-303.) Read the study here.
Radiation
Curcumin studies show it reduces DNA damage and tumor formation in rats, and increases survival times in animals exposed to high levels of radiation. Also, in cultured human white blood cells, curcumin has been shown to reduce DNA damage and lipid peroxidation which are both symptoms of radiation damage. This means that, aside from protecting us from radiation in the environment due to the Fukushima meltdown, turmeric extract would be of great benefit for those undergoing radiation therapy for cancer treatment. (Srinivasan M, et al. “Protective effect of curcumin on gamma-radiation induced DNA damage and lipid peroxidation in cultured human lymphocytes.” Mutat Res. 2006 Dec 10;611(1-2):96-103.) Read the study here.
CAUTIONS
Occasionally some people have an allergic reaction to turmeric, especially after skin exposure; usually this is experienced as a mild, itchy rash. Turmeric may interfere with anti-coagulants like aspirin, clopidogrel and warfarin. It also can affect medications such as non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs.
LIPOSOMAL CURCUMINOIDS
In humans, both turmeric and the extract curcumin, taken orally, are poorly absorbed and rapidly metabolized and eliminated. Therefore, the potential of curcumin as a therapeutic agent is limited by its poor bioavailability.
There are a few methods used to increase the absorption of turmeric. One is to ensure that the turmeric is cooked or extracted in a fat-medium, since its elements are fat-soluble. Another is to include a black pepper extract (piperine) with turmeric, either in food or supplemental form, which has been shown to increase absorption. But the most absorbable form of turmeric extract is the liposomal form.
This was demonstrated in a rat study where the animals were poisoned with carbon tetrachloride. In this study the curcumin-phospholipid (liposomal) complex significantly protected the liver by restoring the enzyme levels of liver glutathione system, as well as that of other antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase, and catalase.
The liposomal complex provided better protection to rat liver than free curcumin at same doses, and the blood levels of curcumin was also twice as high in the group receiving the liposomal form than in those rats that received just pure curcumin. As well, the liposomal curcumin remained in the bloodstream 1.5 times longer than pure curcumin. (Int J Pharm. 2007 Feb 7;330(1-2):155-63. Epub 2006 Sep 23. “Curcumin-phospholipid complex: Preparation, therapeutic evaluation and pharmacokinetic study in rats.” Maiti K, et al.) Read the study here.
RESVERATROL
Resveratrol is considered to be a longevity agent, which helps to prevent a wide range of age-related health issues. Certain antioxidant compounds found in various plants are known as polyphenols, and resveratrol is of that family. Plants that contain resveratrol include blueberries, bilberries, peanuts, rhubarb, pomegranate, grapes, and Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica).
Resveratrol is used by these plants to protect them from fungus, viruses and ultraviolet radiation, and, in a similar manner, its antioxidant properties will protect us against certain diseases when we ingest it. Japanese Knotweed is the common source for resveratrol products, as it contains much more resveratrol than any other plant.
BENEFITS OF RESVERATROL
- Powerful antioxidant effects, including raising SOD and glutathione levels in the body.
- Protects the endothelial lining of blood vessels.
- Prevents platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of stroke and heart disease.
- Protects against cancer.
- Mimics a calorie restricted diet aiding with weight control.
- Enhances longevity by prolonging the life of cells and reducing telomere fraying.
- Helps to prevent plaque formation in the brain related to Alzheimer’s disease.
- Helps to prevent insulin resistance, a cause of diabetes.
- Increases energy product in the mitochondria, helping to treat Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE SCIENCE
Resveratrol and Longevity
Research has indicated that Resveratrol increases the life span of fish, fruit flies, mice, yeast, and nematode worms, and it is believed that it may have this effect on humans as well. In these studies resveratrol both prevented telomere fraying and increased telomere length (a component of DNA replication), thereby affecting longevity. (Curr Biol. 2006 Feb 7;16(3):296-300.“Resveratrol prolongs lifespan and retards the onset of age-related markers in a short-lived vertebrate.” Valenzano DR, et al.) Read the study here.
Calorie Restriction
Resveratrol supplementation can mimic a calorie-restricted diet, offering benefits for both longevity and weight loss. A study published in the journal Nature looked at 3 groups of middle-aged mice. To quote the study: “Here we show that resveratrol shifts the physiology of middle-aged mice on a high-calorie diet towards that of mice on a standard diet and significantly increases their survival. Resveratrol produces changes associated with longer lifespan, including increased insulin sensitivity…These data… point to new approaches for treating obesity-related disorders and diseases of ageing.” (Nature 444, 337-342 (16 November 2006) Resveratrol improves health and survival of mice on a high-calorie diet.” Joseph A. Baur, et al.) Read the study here.
Resveratrol and Cancer
Resveratrol is considered to be an anti-cancer agent, helping to prevent the initiation and progression of cancer by inhibiting abnormal cell proliferation. It can also restrict blood flow to tumors and promote the death of unhealthy, cancerous cells. A recent study showed that resveratrol can help to destroy pancreatic cancer cells by reaching to the cell’s mitochondria, and crippling its function. Read the study here.
Heart Disease
Resveratrol has shown to support heart health through the mechanisms of reducing total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, raising HDL cholesterol, reducing blood pressure, and preventing plaque formation in the arteries. It has also been shown to help reduce incidence of stroke. (Mol Nutr Food Res. 2012 May;56(5):810-21. “Consumption of a grape extract supplement containing resveratrol decreases oxidized LDL and ApoB in patients undergoing primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: a triple-blind, 6-month follow-up, placebo-controlled, randomized trial.” Tomé-Carneiro J, et al.) Read the study here.
Anti-Inflammatory
Resveratrol serves as an anti-inflammatory by preventing the expression of inflammatory signals in the body. Inflammation is a serious issue for victims of brain or spinal cord damage, as well as for those simply with joint or organ inflammation. Resveratrol can decrease the inflammation response by blocking pathways that allow inflammation to take place. (FASEB J. 2009 Aug;23(8):2412-24. “Resveratrol attenuates C5a-induced inflammatory responses in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting phospholipase D and sphingosine kinase activities.” Issuree PD, et al.) Read the study here.
Diabetes
At the University of Texas research was carried out on the effects of resveratrol on diabetes. The 2009 study suggests that resveratrol can help lower blood sugar levels, and help the body maintain better insulin levels in diabetic mice. (Endocrinology. 2009 Dec;150(12):5326-33. “Central administration of resveratrol improves diet-induced diabetes.” Ramadori G, et al.) Read the study here.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Recent research from Cornell University, shows that resveratrol has the unique ability to decrease plaque formation in animal brains as they age, highlighting the potential for the same in Alzheimer’s patient. (Neurochem Int. 2009 Feb;54(2):111-8. “Dietary supplementation with resveratrol reduces plaque pathology in a transgenic model of Alzheimer’s disease.” Karuppagounder SS, et al.) Read the study here.
Resveratrol Dosage
In studies done by BioMarker Pharmaceuticals, mice demonstrated positive anti-aging gene expression changes when receiving the human equivalent of 20 mg of resveratrol per day (roughly equal to the amount of resveratrol found in 40 glasses of red wine). Studies indicate that there is a wide range of potential dosages, starting as low as 20 mg and ranging up to hundreds of milligrams. Since it is a safe substance that we cannot overdose on, the actual dosage will be a personal choice.
SUPERIOR RESVERATROL ABSORPTION
Resveratrol is a difficult substance to absorb into the body, with most of it being destroyed by stomach acids, and the remainder only circulating for a short period of time. Our product gets around this problem in three ways.
First, being in a liquid form, our resveratrol product can absorb through the mucous membranes in the mouth, essentially being sublingually absorbed. This approach of bypassing the digestive juices can allow more of the active elements to enter the blood stream undamaged by stomach acids, an advantage that it has over capsules.
Secondly, since this product is in a liposomal form, even if you just swallow it, it will pass through the digestive fluids intact and undamaged, again offering far better absorption than pills. Finally, studies have indicated that by simply combining resveratrol with curcumin the absorption of resveratrol will increase by 300%. (“Combination Effects of Quercetin, Resveratrol and Curcumin on In Vitro Intestinal Absorption.” April 1, 2014; Journal of Restorative Medicine, Volume 3, Number 1, 1 April 2014, pp. 112-120(9): Lund, Kaleb C., et al.)
WHAT DOES LIPOSOMAL MEAN?
Liposomal technology was pioneered for pharmaceutical drugs, and the improved therapeutic value and greatly increased delivery of liposome-encapsulated drugs and nutrients has been consistently validated scientifically. Until recently, liposomes were used exclusively by the drug industry, but now liposomes are beginning to be used for the specific oral delivery of certain dietary and nutritional supplements.
Currently, liposomes are believed to be the most bioavailable oral way to deliver nutrients to the body, and they are especially effective for herbs and nutrients that are poorly absorbed, and/or easily damaged by the digestive system.
Making a liposome starts with liquid micro particles of the material one wishes to use, in this case curcuminoids and resveratrol, which are then inserted into phosphatidylcholine, which is a fat-soluble medium. This essentially creates micro-bubbles (just a few millionths of an inch in diameter), which are capable of entering through the gut lining without being digested, or damaged by harsh stomach acids.
These bubbles then travel through the blood stream and are absorbed as needed by various cells in the body. Because the liposomes are made with similar material as the cells are (phosphatildylcholine is a phospholipid, which is a component of all cell membranes) the nutrients that they carry are easily delivered directly into the cell.
Creating liposomes is an expensive and time consuming process, which is why such products cost more than simple encapsulated drugs or nutrients, and why few companies produce liposomal products. NutriStart’s Liposomal Curcumin/Resveratrol product is manufactured using the proprietary Cold Structure Technology™. This means that the product was never exposed to high temperatures or pressure, which could damage delicate nutrients found in these herbs.