DolCas Biotech’s curcumin may protect gut barrier integrity, reveals study

19 Feb 2021 --- A new clinical study examining DolCas Biotech’s Curcugen suggests curcumin’s anti-inflammatory pathway could support both mood and digestive health through the gut-brain axis.

Researchers found that DolCas Biotech’s curcuminoids formula, Curcugen, significantly reduced both self-reported gastrointestinal symptoms (reflux, abdominal pain, indigestion, diarrhea and constipation) and scores on the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scale.

The findings propose a botanical solution for dealing with the established link between negative life events, anxiety and stress and the exacerbation of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. 

“The study was the first to study curcumin’s effects on functional gut disorders, like IBS, as a full-spectrum, standalone ingredient,” Dr. Shavon Jackson-Michel, director of medical and scientific affairs at DolCas Biotech tells NutritionInsight.

Specifically, results showed an average 28 percent reduction in overall digestive symptoms in the Curcugen group, compared to 18 percent in the placebo group. There was an impressive 52 percent reduction in anxiety levels with Curcugen, compared to a 16 percent reduction in the placebo group.

Curcugen does not exclude the synergistic bioactives native to curcumin.Interestingly, the researchers did not find any significant change in the bacterial make-up of the small intestines or lower bowels between the study groups.

“Results from this study indicate that changes in intestinal bacteria were not responsible for its positive gut action,” says Dr. Adrian Lopresti, lead investigator of the study. 

“Nevertheless, there are other potential mechanisms at play that are associated with curcumin’s GI-supporting effects.” 

Beyond bacterial balancing
The study follows previous research into curcumin’s positive effects on lower bowel conditions, which found inflammation to be an important element. 

“We know that a variety of inflammatory and neuroendocrine metabolites and chemicals can impair gut barrier integrity,” affirms Jackson-Michel. 

“Perhaps Curcugen’s role in reducing some of the mood-related parameters could be protective of or help to regenerate the gut barrier. However, this was not assessed specifically.” 

Addressing gut barrier integrity issues is an important element of many acute and chronic conditions from local gut discomfort, to food intolerances, autoimmunity and skin disorders, continues Jackson-Michel. 

Modulation of immune responses could be another potential connection point, but it was also not a point of measurement for this study. 

“For the purposes of studying the dynamic effect [of gut barrier integrity] in humans and opportunities to address it with natural therapeutics, researchers will have to be very clear about the study populations and testing methods they choose to minimize confounding factors,” she stresses.

Researchers did not find any significant change in the bacterial make-up of the small intestines or lower bowels between the study groups.Measuring the effects
The eight-week, double-blind and placebo-controlled study published in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies was conducted on 78 adult volunteers with self-reported digestive complaints. 

Participants were recruited and randomized to receive either a placebo or 500 mg of Curcugen, DolCas’ patented, oleoresin-based, 50 percent curcuminoids extract. 

In addition to self-reporting GI symptoms and stress levels, researchers measured upper and lower microbial overgrowth at baseline and end-of-study via two methods. 

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) was assessed via contrasting measurements of CO2, hydrogen and methane in breath samples, while lower bowel bacterial changes were gauged with the use of at-home stool sample collections.

While no significant changes in bacterial make-up were noted between the intervention and control group, curcumin consumption was associated with a significantly greater improvement in GI symptoms and mood, highlighting the link between the gut-brain axis. 

Seeking synergy
DolCas’ curcumin formulation is positioned as a uniquely derived curcuminoids extract sourced from the oleoresin of turmeric. 

Its composition contrasts to highly concentrated turmeric extracts at 95 percent (C-95) that is the common default of the industry. 

Instead of purifying the turmeric curcuminoids, Curcugen does not exclude any of the other synergistic bioactives native to the spice.

The industry has been moving toward this concept of full-spectrum for years, explains Jackson-Michel. 

There have been independent investigations done on actives other than the curcuminoids, including turmeric essential oils and turmeric polysaccharides – as well as differentially between the curcuminoid analogs – curcumin, DMC and BDMC. 

“Curcugen development has taken much of this into consideration, showing the benefit of synergism over isolation/high purification in terms of bioavailability, bioactivity and functionality,” she concludes. 

Focus on the gut barrier
The nutrition industry continues to innovate curcumin to reach superior bioavailability and anti-inflammatory benefits as a “spiceutical.” 

Last month Akay Group’s curcuminoid-fenugreek complex, CurQfen, was shown to improve memory and concentration compared to unformulated curcumin (UC) or a placebo. 

Also in the space, Robertet launched curcuRouge last November, a “groundbreaking” curcumin that has shown 93 times greater absorption than traditional extracts, according to forthcoming research.

By Missy Green