OmniActive’s curcumin linked to “joint comfort and mobility benefits in five days”

21 Jun 2023 --- OmniActive Health Technologies’ Curcuwin Ultra+ improved joint mobility, flexibility and knee muscle strength in patients with mild knee osteoarthritis while it reduced joint discomfort, cartilage degradation, inflammation and the use of rescue medication for pain.

In an 84-day clinical trial, participants received the company’s curcumin supplement at either a 250 mg or 500 mg dose, while a third group used a placebo.

“This study provides confidence in the benefits of a low-dose, bioavailable curcumin-type product for individuals looking for early onset and long-term natural support for joint health comfort,” Deshanie Rai, VP of global scientific and regulatory affairs at OmniActive, tells Nutrition Insight.

“Clinically studied Curcuwin Ultra+ targets critical areas for healthy, active lifestyles in one low efficacious 250 mg dose. Curcuwin Ultra+ can provide joint comfort and mobility benefits in as little as five days.” 

Curcuwin Ultra+ is a proprietary technology that enhances the absorption and bioavailability of curcuminoids, the active compounds found in turmeric (Curcuma longa). 

In the clinical trial, 134 participants received Curcuwin Ultra+ at a 250 mg or 500 mg dose or a placebo.Reducing osteoarthritis and pain
The 134 clinical trial participants were divided into three groups: one group received Curcuwin Ultra+ at 250 mg (50 mg curcuminoids) per capsule, the second used a higher dose at 500 mg (100 mg curcuminoids) per capsule and the third group consumed a placebo. 

“OmniActive is an established brand that shows efficacy in the three pillars of joint health in one study: mobility, muscle (strength), cartilage (degradation),” notes Rai. 

Both groups using Curcuwin Ultra+ reduced osteoarthritis, related stiffness and physical function, lowered pain and increased walking performance and knee extension and flexion muscle strengths from day 28. 

The use of rescue medication – prescribed for patients that could not withstand the pain – reduced significantly in groups using the curcumin supplement. 

In addition, the group consuming a higher dose of Curcuwin Ultra+ showed significant improvements in osteoarthritis, pain, walking performance, range of motion and muscle strength from day five. 

Knee flexion improved for both groups, but this occurred eight weeks earlier in the group that consumed a higher supplement dose. 

Bioavailability and efficacy  
The latest clinical trial follows earlier bioavailability and efficacy studies on the product. 

“Our bioavailability data for both the 250 mg and 500 mg doses of Curcuwin Ultra+ translated to its efficacy for managing joint discomfort associated with mild knee osteoarthritis.”

“We have completed a pharmacokinetic study to confirm that the curcuminoids present in the Ultra+ formulation are absorbed and can be measured in the blood,” Rai continues. “We also have a mechanism of action data to support how Curcuwin Ultra+ works for joint health.” 

In previous research, Curcuwin Utra+ has shown to be 144 times more bioavailable than standard curcumin. It is also absorbed 40% faster than standard curcumin. 

Use of Curcuwin Ultra+ improved joint mobility, flexibility and knee muscle strength in patients with mild knee osteoarthritis.Rai notes that OmniActives aims to advance the science of its ingredient portfolio. The company has “anywhere from one to three studies underway at any time.” 

Curcuwin Ultra+ can be used in capsules, tablets, gummies and dry beverage powder (ready-to-mix) formulations. 

Joint health issues   
In the study, published in the Journal of Orthopedic Research and Therapy, researchers assessed joint health and comfort on days 5, 28, 56 and 84 with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index. The pain was evaluated by a visual analog scale. 

The researchers note that osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of joints, often associated with underlying inflammation and progressive cartilage degradation. It affects an aging population and is the leading cause of morbidity and healthcare costs globally. 

Current medicinal therapies provide temporary relief from pain and may improve physical function, but do not address underlying conditions. Moreover, the researchers note the medicines are associated with adverse events over long-term use. 

Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin has been used extensively to treat knee osteoarthritis, according to the study’s authors. 

Other products have also been linked to joint health benefits, such as hydrolyzed cartilage matrix supplements and collagen peptides. 

By Jolanda van Hal