BCM-95 curcumin extract harnesses potential to alleviate impact of Alzheimer’s disease, study finds

19 Aug 2021 --- Arjuna Natural’s BCM-95 turmeric extract could help to decrease damage from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) on organs other than the brain. Results showed that BCM-95 reduced enlargement and degeneration of the spleen, inflammation in the kidney, lung and liver damage.

The results also showed a reduction in cell death in all these areas. In the brain, BCM-95 also decreased amyloid deposition, pTau, cell loss, and reductions in inflammatory markers.

This is according to a study conducted on male and female transgenic mice at the Field Neurosciences Institute, Central Michigan University, US.

“It was astonishing for researchers to find that a pleiotropic molecule like curcumin could simultaneously modulate multiple aspects of AD,” Benny Antony, joint managing director of Arjuna Natural, tells NutritionInsight.

“There was a reduction in amyloid protein levels, a reduction of morphological and structural changes in peripheral organs induced by inflammation, a reduction in DNA fragmentation and an improvement in cell survival.”

Study results
In the study, the subject mice orally received the equivalent of 100 mg/kg of Curcugreen BCM-95 for two months.

Cellular changes in the spleen, liver, kidney and lungs were investigated for cell death, amyloid deposition, pTau levels (nerve fiber markers of Alzheimer’s), pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers, and overall cell death or survival markers. Alzheimer’s disease involves damage to the peripheral organs, including the spleen, liver, lungs, kidneys and brain stem.

The study was published in the Science Journal, Antioxidants.

“BCM95 delivers free curcumin in peripheral tissues, brain and blood due to the presence of Ar-turmerones which inhibit the P-glycoprotein pathway in the gut thereby increasing bioavailability,” Antony explains.

“Only a strong anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory molecule like curcumin in turmeric extract can help to attenuate the overall peripheral organ dysfunction and also protect against further deterioration and disease progression associated with AD,” he adds.

One of the primary advantages of BCM-95 curcuminoid compounds is their unusually high bioavailability. Curcuminoid compounds typically have poor solubility in most body fluids, limiting their bioavailability.

However, free curcumin levels achieved with the bioavailable formulation of curcuminoids and essential oil of turmeric in BCM-95 proved to be approximately 200 to 300 times more prevalent in the blood, brain, liver and kidney than levels reported for natural curcumin in other studies, demonstrating unprecedented bioavailability.

Alzheimer’s disease and healthy aging
With the global population of seniors poised to double by 2050, concern about Alzheimer’s is of importance to a third of the world’s population, making its prevention and relief from its symptoms critical issues.

AD is the cause of around two-thirds of dementia cases worldwide. It is marked by a progressive deficit in memory and cognitive ability, leading to mood, motivation, language, immunity and behavioral deterioration.

It involves damage to the peripheral organs, including the spleen, liver, lungs, kidneys and brain stem. These co-pathologies are what makes Alzheimer’s ultimately fatal.BCM-95 reduced enlargement and degeneration of the spleen, inflammation in the kidney, lung and liver damage.

According to Innova Market Insights, 68 percent of senior consumers are concerned about their health due to the pandemic. Additionally, food and beverage launches that feature an “aging well” claim experienced a 32 percent average annual growth between 2017 to 2020.

“The COVID-19 pandemic made the world population understand the importance of natural ingredients like turmeric, amla, elderberry and ashwagandha in improving immune health,” notes Antony.

“This renewed interest in turning to nature for improving health and immunity is evidenced by the several-fold growth of the nutraceutical market since the rise of the pandemic.”

The potential of natural remedies is further revealed as Vitamin K2 was previously identified as a potential solution for AD “protection,” according to a recent study published by NattoPharma.

Turmeric shakes up wellness sector
Industry players have been voicing the potential of the turmeric extract in assisting the elderly population.

Previously, Arjuna Natural’s BCM-95 turmeric extract was found to have neuroprotective properties in a mouse study.

Meanwhile, Sirtmax, Tokiwa Phytochemical’s black turmeric extract may help support healthy aging and metabolic conditions, new research published in April found.

Innova Market Insights has also flagged that herbal ingredients featured in supplements, such as turmeric extract, experienced a 46.1 percent average annual growth between 2015 and 2019.

By Nicole Kerr