Turmeric Bioavailability
On the bioavailability of turmeric
Turmeric has been a dual-purpose material for medicine and food since ancient times, and it contains many medicinal values. However, the issue of turmeric bioavailability is often discussed by Fang family.
Although the active ingredients in turmeric, such as curcumin, have excellent effects of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor, the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion process in the body after oral administration are quite limited, resulting in poor bioavailability. The reason is that due to the chemical structure characteristics of curcumin, it has poor solubility in the gastrointestinal tract and is easily decomposed by gastric acid and intestinal flora. In addition, the first-pass effect of the liver is significant, which also greatly reduces the amount of medicine it enters the systemic circulation.
In order to improve the bioavailability of turmeric, many strategies have emerged. First, the improvement of preparation technology. The application of nanotechnology can prepare turmeric active ingredients into nanoparticles, increase its specific surface area, improve solubility and dispersion, and promote absorption. For example, the preparation of curcumin nanomicelles can significantly improve its solubility in water and enhance cell uptake. Second, the method of combined medication. Combined with piperine, piperine can inhibit the activity of liver drug enzymes, reduce the metabolism of curcumin, and improve bioavailability. Furthermore, optimize the route of administration. In addition to oral administration, percutaneous administration, injection administration, etc. may avoid the first-pass effect of gastrointestinal tract and liver, and improve bioavailability. When administered percutaneously, select a suitable transdermal enhancer to help curcumin penetrate the skin barrier and exert its medicinal effect.
In summary, improving the bioavailability of turmeric is the key to giving full play to its medicinal potential. Through continuous exploration and innovation, and the comprehensive application of various strategies, it is expected to open up a new path for the wide application of turmeric in the field of medicine and benefit patients.
