ProbioticSmart study reveals metal-curcumin synergy enhances bioavailability and antioxidant power

13 Aug 2021 --- A new study has concluded that metal-curcumin complexes can enhance curcumin’s bioavailability while providing additional antioxidant properties, which curcumin alone cannot. The results could shed light on new synergistic ways to utilize curcumin’s well-established bioactive properties.

The study examined curcumin’s enhanced health benefits when combined with various metals, including the zinc-curcumin complex found in TurmiZn-OS. TurmiZn-OS is a core ingredient in products by US-based 24hr Supplement, a subsidiary of ProbioticSmart.

“When curcumin is organically combined with zinc and tetrahydrocurcumin (white turmeric), a powerful complex is formed that is much more bioavailable and effective than regular curcumin,” Prafulla Kumar, scientific advisor at ProbioticSmart, tells NutritionInsight. 

“Another differentiation of the zinc-curcumin complex is its stability and efficacy is multifold compared with regular curcumin. Therefore, TurmiZn-OS technology can help to increase the efficacy of various health solutions.”

The peer-reviewed study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences was co-authored by nutraceutical researcher Rajiv Lall, who is also the CEO of ProbioticSmart.

Chelating curcumin with different metals yields varying health benefits, note the researchers.Tackling a range of ailments
The zinc-curcumin complex is positioned to target a range of disease states due to its “multi-anti” functionality, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antimicrobial effects. 

The complex has also been shown to significantly increase the body’s ability to absorb both curcumin and zinc, with zinc being an important mineral for the function of the immune system. 

ProbioticSmart notes that the neuroprotective and immunomodulatory properties of TurmiZn-OS address a host of disease states, such as cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, neurological disorders, diabetes and ulcers. 

“The future of these curcumin-metal complexes undoubtedly shows great promise for better treatment and prevention in a wide variety of health conditions,” write the researchers. 

Innovation on the horizon
Determining which metals combined with curcumin have more beneficial effects for certain diseases is the subject of future research. This recent study details many curcumin-metal complexes for specific conditions, such as:

• Copper- and zinc-curcumin complexes for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
• Copper-curcumin complexes for antimicrobial activity.
• Boron-curcumin complexes for antiviral activity.
• Copper-, zinc- and ruthenium-curcumin complexes for cancer.
• Lanthanide-curcumin complexes for osteoporosis.
• Copper-, zinc- or iron-curcumin complexes for neurological disorders. 

However, Kumar notes that for now, ProbioticSmart’s next area of our R&D will focus on mood and brain health supplements utilizing TurmiZn-OS’s antioxidant properties.

ProbioticSmart’s zinc-curcumin complex features in 24 Hour Supplement’s Immunity product, launched in March. The product is designed for daily use, particularly for those over the age of 12. The company also leverages TurmiZn-OS in supplements designed for joint and digestive health. 

By Missy Green