Curcumin-Based Food Supplements: Challenges and Future Prospects

Abstract Curcumin, derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa , has been in use for medicinal and therapeutic purposes since Ayurvedic times. It possesses proven anticancer, antioxidative, hepatoprotective, and apoptotic properties and regulates transcription factors. The exploitation of these properties has been hindered to an extent because of its poor bioavailability. This is now being overcome by novel drug delivery systems. Curcumin is available abundantly in the form of supplements, combined with substances that would enhance its bioavailability. The most common supplements available are Meriva®, Longvida®, BCM-95®, Theracurmin®, Sabinsa's Curcumin C 3 complex®, and MicroActive Curcumin®. These supplements have been tested clinically and have shown curative effects in osteoarthritis, Alzheimer's disease, improving vascular endothelial function, etc. Studies on its toxicity and side effects have shown minimal negative effects upon usage. In all, curcumin, besides its low bioavailability, has many promising effects and curcumin-based supplements are becoming important for preventing and/or treating a variety of medical conditions inflicting humans.