What is High Potency Curcumin Complex?

High potency Curcumin Complex is a blend of some of the most powerful natural anti inflammatory natural ingredients available with many positive effects of curcumin.

What does High Potency Curcumin Complex do?

Inflammation is a normal defence mechanism by the body which prevents further insult from triggers such as pathogens, metabolic stress or tissue damage. This response from the body to a harmful trigger is referred to as ‘acute inflammation’ which can last up to a few days, however, inflammation that has continued long-term and become un-controlled or excessive may lead to long term metabolic changes, health issues and chronic pain. Subsequently it may be linked to conditions such as headaches, lower back pain, arthritic pain, premenstrual pain, inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune diseases, and others.

Curcumin is the major curcuminoid component found in turmeric which is a member of the ginger family. Curcumin was discovered by Vogel and Pelletier who isolated the orange colour matter in turmeric (Curcuma longa). Other curcuminoids found in turmeric include demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Whole turmeric root also contains essentials oils, polysaccharides, proteins and many non-curcumin phytochemicals, which appear to be as active or important as curcumin itself. As well as its use as a spice, turmeric has been used in India for medicinal purposes for centuries.

Oral curcumin in combination with other anti inflammatory dietary supplements can have some excellent health benefits with things like Antioxidant effects, inhibitory Effects, cardiovascular disease, management of osteoarthritis with a high clinical effectiveness.

What is Boswellia good for?

Boswellia serrata is a tree found in India, North Africa, and the Middle East and is commonly known as Frankincense. Strips of bark are peeled away yielding a gummy oleo-resin that contains oils, terpenoids and gum. The gum resin from Boswellia has been used extensively in traditional and Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions. The anti-inflammatory properties of Boswellia is attributed to the presence of boswellic acids, in particular Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBBA) which has demonstrated inhibitory actions on the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme with more recent research suggesting prostaglandin E synthase -1(mPGES -1).

What is Ginger good for?

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a perennial plant that grows in India, China and Mexico with the rhizome being used as a popular spice and herbal medicine for thousands of years. It has a long history of use in Asian, Indian and Arabic herbal traditions. The active components of the ginger root are thought to be the volatile oils and pungent phenol compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols. These two constituents have been found to inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS).

What are Bioflavonoids?

Bioflavonoid is a term used to describe biologically active members of the group of plant-derived compounds known as flavonoids. Bioflavonoids were first discovered in 1936 by Nobel-prize winning scientist Albert Szent-Gyorgi. Now over 4,000 flavonoids have been identified and classified according to chemical structure. Citrus flavonoids have been shown to have several important anti-inflammatory effects, including iNOS, COX- 2 and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB). Citrus flavonoids have also been shown to inhibit the production of arachidonic acid derivatives, prostaglandins E2, F2, and thromboxane A2.

Activity of Curcumin in patients and ARTHRITIC PAIN

Boswellia serrata gum resin has been shown to have rapid pain relieving effects. A high-potency Boswellia serrata gum resin providing AKBBA at 100mg daily was reviewed for the management of the clinical symptoms of osteoarthritis in a 30 day, double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial. The results suggested that the Boswellia extract conferred clinically and statistically significant improvements in pain and physical function scores, which were noted within 5 days of the trial of curcumin in patients.

Boswellia extract (100mg daily, providing 30% AKBBA) effective for pain relief in osteoarthritis within 5-days.

In another double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study investigating a Boswellia serrata gum extract enriched with 30% AKBBA on symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee, it was concluded that the extract reduced pain and improved physical functioning significantly through reducing pro- inflammatory modulators, and potentially improving joint health by reducing the enzymatic degradation of cartilage. Significant effects were noted within just 7 days.

Boswellia extract (100mg daily, providing 30% AKBBA) effective for pain relief in osteoarthritis within 7 days (14% reduction) and at 90 days (40% reduction).

In the same study, Boswellia also reduced inflammatory markers.

There was a 28.69% reduction in synovial fluid matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) level at day 90. MMP-3 is a pro-inflammatory enzyme involved in destruction of cartilage.

Another double-blind cross-over RCT looking at patients with osteoarthritis of the knee received 333mg of Boswellia serrata extracted to a minimum of 40% boswellic acids for eight weeks, found that compared to placebo all patients receiving the Boswellia extract reported a decrease in knee pain, increased knee movement and improved walking distance.

Turmeric exhibits anti-inflammatory properties through the inhibition of the arachidonic cascade. This occurs via phospholipase, lipo-oygenase, COX-2, leukotrienes, thromboxane, prostaglandins, TNF-α and Interleukin-12.10 Therefore, traditionally turmeric has been used for painful disorders and subsequently experimental studies have revealed turmeric’s beneficial action on inflammation and analgesia in osteoarthritis.

A study compared the use of a 75-85% turmeric extract (six capsules daily of 250 mg curcuminoids) and ibuprofen for 4 weeks in knee osteoarthritic subjects. The turmeric extract group reported very similar improvements in pain, stiffness and function when compared to the ibuprofen group, leading the authors to conclude that turmeric extract produces comparable results in osteoarthritis in terms of pain reduction, reduced stiffness and improved joint mobility as ibuprofen.

A pilot study evaluated the activity of curcumin alone (500mg) and in combination with diclofenac in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The curcumin group showed the highest significant improvement in the disease activity score in addition this score was significantly higher than the combination group.

A safety and efficiency study on turmeric extract for knee osteoarthritis over 42 days demonstrated a significant decrease in pain severity compared to placebo.

A clinical trial of curcumin on a product containing both curcumin and Boswellia extracts at 500mg twice daily for 12 weeks compared to 100mg of the selective COX-2 inhibitor Celecoxib for osteoarthritic pain, found that the curcumin in combination with Boswellia product was more effective than the medication Celecoxib in improving walking distance and joint tenderness

What does Ginger do?

As part of the Zingiberaceae family, ginger has also demonstrated beneficial effects in relation to joint health. During a six week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study ginger extract equivalent to 2500mg dried ginger was ingested twice daily by patients with osteoarthritis. The percentage of responders experiencing a reduction in knee pain on standing and a reduction in knee pain after walking 50 feet was superior in the ginger extract group compared with the control group.

Ginger significantly reduced arthritic pain within 6-weeks.

A systematic review looking into the Zingiberaceae family, which includes both turmeric and ginger, investigated their hypo-analgesic effects. The outcome concluded that extracts from the Zingiberaceae family are clinically effective hypo-analgesic agents with available data showing a better safety profile than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

An efficiency and tolerability study looking into ginger intake on osteoarthritis of the knee concluded that ginger was a supportive add-on to the medication Diclofenac for reducing symptoms and expressed a good safety profile. Another study demonstrated ginger to be as effective as Diclofenac in reducing symptoms of knee and hip osteoarthritis but was considered safer and had no negative effects on gut mucosa.

As well as osteoarthritis, the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger have also been studied in relation to Rheumatoid arthritis. Six patients with Rheumatoid arthritis consumed 5 grams of fresh ginger or 0.5–1.0 grams of powdered ginger per day. After 3 months, all patients reported a reduction in pain, better joint mobility and less swelling and morning stiffness, even though they had stopped taking their anti-inflammatory medication. Twenty-eight patients with Rheumatoid arthritis who had tried powdered ginger for their symptoms completed a questionnaire. The usual dosage was 1–2 g/day and the duration of treatment ranged from three months to 2.5 years. More than 75% of the patients reported varying degrees of improvement in joint pain and swelling. In most cases, improvement was seen within 1–3 months of starting the treatment. No patient experienced side effects.

In a randomised, pilot study, curcumin was evaluated for efficiency and safety for the effectiveness of curcumin alone, and in combination with Diclofenac in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Forty-five patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis were randomised into three groups with patients receiving 500 mg curcumin and 50mg Diclofenac alone or in combination. The curcumin group showed the highest percentage of improvement in joint swelling and tenderness, furthermore the outcome was significantly better than the patients in the Diclofenac group with no adverse effects.

Ginger and DYSMENORRHEA relief/treatment

As well as joint pain, ginger has also been trialled for pain relief in primary dysmenorrhea, with results showing a significant effect on relieving intensity and duration. Other research has shown ginger to be as effective as ibuprofen in relieving pain in women with primary dysmenorrhea.

Can Ginger help with HEADACHES?

Ginger has been used to prevent migraines and headaches via the ability to inhibit thromboxane A2. A preparation containing ginger and feverfew in combination was used to treat migraine sufferers resulting in a significant reduction in migraine and headache pain.

A study evaluating the efficacy of ginger in the reduction of common migraine attack in comparison to the medication Sumatriptan found the efficiency to be equal with regards to headache severity with a better side effect profile.

Ginger was as effective as medication for acute (30mins) migraine relief.

Can Ginger be used for INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBS).

Given the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-oxidative benefits of turmeric it has been considered a suitable therapeutic spice for IBD. A review discussing the efficacy of turmeric in gastrointestinal diseases concluded that 1.6 grams daily of turmeric is considered to exert a biological effect.

An adjunctive study considered 1gram of turmeric twice daily alongside Sulfasalazine or Mesalamine for six months in an IBD population. In relation to the placebo group, the turmeric group had significantly fewer relapse patients and significantly fewer recurrent episodes. The turmeric group measured significantly higher for the clinical activity index and endoscopic index, therefore allowing the authors to conclude that turmeric can improve IBD biomarkers and quality of life when used as an adjunctive treatment in IBD.

Another study on patients expressing clinical features of peptic ulcer (erosions, gastritis and dyspepsia) used 600mg of turmeric five times daily for four weeks. Patients reported a reduction in abdominal pain and discomfort by week two, and that they were also able to take normal foods instead of soft meals. At the end of the study period (week four), ulcers were absent in 48% and by week 12, the number increased to 76%.

A perceptive study using 2 grams of curcumin daily for 15 days followed immediately by 15 days of 4g curcumin daily investigated the effect on colorectal tissues in an IBD group. It was reported that 4g curcumin daily significantly reduced a colon carcinogenic biomarker.

A further study investigated the effect of turmeric on Helicobacter pylori. Helicobacter pylori is an infection of the lining of the stomach that induces an array of inflammatory cytokine production, thus leading to gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. Patients received either a one week course of Omeprazole, Amoxicillin and Metronidazole treatment or four weeks of 2100mg curcumin daily. It was reported that 44% of the curcumin group showed a reduction in inflammatory markers.

Can High Potency Curcumin Complex help with CHRONIC INFLAMMATION?

Diseases associated with low-level chronic inflammation include obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, advanced pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, osteoporosis, depression and dementia and the low-grade inflammatory process is an important contributory factor. Mitigating chronic inflammation is therefore an important consideration for the prevention and management of these conditions.

Citrus flavonoids have been shown to be anti-inflammatory when administered in juice or as purified supplements. In patients with peripheral artery disease, orange juice (500 ml/day) for 28 days reduced circulating, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) by 11%. Leukocytes from healthy volunteers following 500 ml/day of orange juice or a control drink and hesperidin for four weeks displayed anti- inflammatory and anti-atherogenic gene profile, suggesting an epigenetic effect of citrus flavonoids.

A study also demonstrated that consumption of red orange juice for seven days reduced circulating cytokines such as CRP, interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFa) and improved endothelial function.36 Oral administration of hesperidin (500 mg/ day) for three weeks to patients with metabolic syndrome reduced the circulating inflammatory markers hsCRP, serum amyloid A (SAA) and soluble E-selectin.

Ginger has also demonstrated beneficial effects on the inflammatory markers CRP and PGE2 in type 2 diabetics. Subsequently ginger can be considered as an effective treatment for chronic inflammation.

Ingredients: One capsule provides:

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) root extract 250 mg providing 85% total curcuminoids (212.5mg)(as Curcumin 70-80%, Demethoxycurcumin 15 – 25%, Bisdemethoxycurcumin 2.5 – 6.5%)

Boswellin (Boswellia serrata) resin extract providing 30% 3-O-Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid Ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome extract equivalent to 500mg fresh ginger rhizome Citrus bioflavonoid complex providing 50% (50 mg) total bioflavonoids

Directions: Adults: one capsule daily with food or as recommended by a healthcare professional. In cases of severe pain, one capsule twice daily. Children aged 8 – 12 years: one capsule daily.

Potential uses for High Potency Curcumin Complex.

Pain relief, hypo-analgesia, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain, complementary management of osteoarthritis  headaches, migraines and pain related to primary dysmenorrhea.

Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding, due to a lack of sufficient data.

Interactions:

Turmeric and ginger have a theoretical interaction with anti-platelet and anti-coagulant medication. Turmeric should not be taken alongside Cyclophosphamide.

Useful Links to take alongside Curcumin Complex

Scandinavian Rainbow Trout oil, Joint Omega Oil, High Potency Glucosamine, Organic White Willow.

Directions: As a food supplement, take one capsule daily with food or as recommended by your healthcare practitioner.

one vegetarian capsule provides:

Curcuma longa) root extract

Ingredient	Weight	%EC NRV
	Turmeric (	250mg
providing 85% total curcuminoids [212.5mg] (as Curcumin 70-80%, Demethoxycurcumin 15 – 25%, Bisdemethoxycurcumin 2.5 – 6.5%).
Boswellin® (Boswellia serrata) resin extract	100mg
providing 30% 3-O-Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBBA)
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome extract	100mg
equivalent to 500mg fresh ginger rhizome
Citrus bioflavonoid complex	100mg

(as Curcumin 70-80%, Demethoxycurcumin 15 – 25%, Bisdemethoxycurcumin 2.5 – 6.5%).