Curcumin-galactomannoside complex inhibits pathogenesis in Ox-LDL-challenged human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Review: bioavailability and efficacy of 'free' curcuminoids from curcumagalactomannoside (CGM) curcumin formulation

The golden spice turmeric with its main bioactive component curcumin is one of the most popular and extensively studied nutraceuticals. Despite numerous pre-clinical studies reporting positive pharmacodynamics of turmeric extracts and curcumin, the main issues in translating the pharmacological effects to clinical efficacy have been to overcome its poor pharmacokinetics and to deliver significant amounts of the biologically relevant forms of the actives to various tissues. This review is aimed at providing a first critical evaluation of the current published literature with the novel curcumagalactomannoside (CGM) formulation of curcumin using fenugreek galactomannan dietary fibre, specifically designed to address curcumin poor pharmacokinetics. We describe CGM and its technology as a food-grade formulation to deliver 'free' unconjugated curcuminoids with enhanced bioavailability and improved pharmacokinetic properties. The therapeutic relevance of improving bioavailability of 'free' curcuminoids and some of the technical challenges in the measurement of the 'free' form of curcuminoids in plasma and tissues are also discussed. A total of twenty-six manuscripts are reviewed here, including fourteen pre-clinical and twelve clinical studies that have investigated CGM pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy in various animal models and human conditions. Overall current scientific evidence suggests CGM formulation has improved bioavailability and tissue distribution of the biologically relevant unconjugated forms of turmeric actives called 'free' curcuminoids that may be responsible for the superior clinical outcomes reported with CGM treatments in comparison with unformulated standard curcumin across multiple studies.

Innovative Delivery Systems for Curcumin: Exploring Nanosized and Conventional Formulations

Curcumin, a polyphenol with a rich history spanning two centuries, has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent targeting multiple signaling pathways and exhibiting cellular-level activities that contribute to its diverse health benefits. Extensive preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated its ability to enhance the therapeutic potential of various bioactive compounds. While its reported therapeutic advantages are manifold, predominantly attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, its efficacy is hindered by poor bioavailability stemming from inadequate absorption, rapid metabolism, and elimination. To address this challenge, nanodelivery systems have emerged as a promising approach, offering enhanced solubility, biocompatibility, and therapeutic effects for curcumin. We have analyzed the knowledge on curcumin nanoencapsulation and its synergistic effects with other compounds, extracted from electronic databases. We discuss the pharmacokinetic profile of curcumin, current advancements in nanoencapsulation techniques, and the combined effects of curcumin with other agents across various disorders. By unifying existing knowledge, this analysis intends to provide insights into the potential of nanoencapsulation technologies to overcome constraints associated with curcumin treatments, emphasizing the importance of combinatorial approaches in improving therapeutic efficacy. Finally, this compilation of study data aims to inform and inspire future research into encapsulating drugs with poor pharmacokinetic characteristics and investigating innovative drug combinations to improve bioavailability and therapeutic outcomes.

Regulatory effects of curcumin on nitric oxide signaling in the cardiovascular system

The continuously rising prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) globally substantially impacts the economic growth of developing countries. Indeed, one of the leading causes of death worldwide is unfavorable cardiovascular events. Reduced nitric oxide (NO) generation is the pathogenic foundation of endothelial dysfunction, which is regarded as the first stage in the development of a number of CVDs. Nitric oxide exerts an array of biological effects, including vasodilation, the suppression of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and the functional control of cardiac cells. Numerous treatment strategies aim to increase NO synthesis or upregulate downstream NO signaling pathways. The major component of Curcuma longa, curcumin, has long been utilized in traditional medicine to treat various illnesses, especially CVDs. Curcumin improves CV function as well as having important pleiotropic effects, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, through its ability to increase the bioavailability of NO and to positively impact NO-related signaling pathways. In this review, we discuss the scientific literature relating to curcumin's positive effects on NO signaling and vascular endothelial function.

A potential therapeutic target in traditional Chinese medicine for ulcerative colitis: Macrophage polarization

Intestinal macrophages are the main participants of intestinal immune homeostasis and intestinal inflammation. Under different environmental stimuli, intestinal macrophages can be polarized into classical activated pro-inflammatory phenotype (M1) and alternative activated anti-inflammatory phenotype (M2). Its different polarization state is the “guide” to promoting the development and regression of inflammation. Under normal circumstances, intestinal macrophages can protect the intestine from inflammatory damage. However, under the influence of some genetic and environmental factors, the polarization imbalance of intestinal M1/M2 macrophages will lead to the imbalance in the regulation of intestinal inflammation and transform the physiological inflammatory response into pathological intestinal injury. In UC patients, the disorder of intestinal inflammation is closely related to the imbalance of intestinal M1/M2 macrophage polarization. Therefore, restoring the balance of M1/M2 macrophage polarization may be a potentially valuable therapeutic strategy for UC. Evidence has shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has positive therapeutic effects on UC by restoring the balance of M1/M2 macrophage polarization. This review summarizes the clinical evidence of TCM for UC, the vital role of macrophage polarization in the pathophysiology of UC, and the potential mechanism of TCM regulating macrophage polarization in the treatment of UC. We hope this review may provide some new enlightenment for the clinical treatment, fundamental research, and research and development of new Chinese medicine of UC.

Glutamine supplementation can reduce some atherosclerosis markers after exhaustive exercise in young healthy males

OBJECTIVES

Glutamine can be beneficial to athletes for its antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of glutamine supplementation on some atherosclerosis markers after exhaustive exercise in young healthy males.

METHODS

In an intervention study, 30 healthy males (case = 15 and control = 15) were randomly assigned into two groups. For 14 d, the intervention group received 0.3 g of glutamine per kilogram of body weight per day, with 25 g of sugar in 250 mL of water, and the control group received 25 g of sugar per 250 mL of water. At the end of the intervention, the participants completed one session of exhaustive exercise, and then fasting blood samples were taken to test serum levels of atherosclerosis markers.

RESULTS

In the intervention group, the serum levels of leptin, cholesterol, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein were lower than in the control group after 2 wk of glutamine supplementation (P < 0.05). Interleukin-6 serum levels were lower in the intervention group compared to the control group after supplementation, but not significantly. Serum levels of leptin, interleukin-6, cholesterol, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein, as well as the ratio of oxidized low-density lipoprotein to high-density lipoprotein, were significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to the control group after exhaustive exercise (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Glutamine supplementation has beneficial effects for athletes, particularly those doing strenuous physical exercise, through reducing atherosclerosis-related biomarkers and elevating serum adiponectin levels, and it can potentially play a role in decreasing the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis.

Chinese Herbal Medicines and Active Metabolites: Potential Antioxidant Treatments for Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a complex chronic disease that occurs in the arterial wall. Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the occurrence and progression of atherosclerotic plaques. The dominance of oxidative stress over antioxidative capacity generates excess reactive oxygen species, leading to dysfunctions of the endothelium and accelerating atherosclerotic plaque progression. Studies showed that Chinese herbal medicines and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) might regulate oxidative stress; they have already been used to treat diseases related to atherosclerosis, including stroke and myocardial infarction. This review will summarize the mechanisms of oxidative stress in atherosclerosis and discuss studies of Chinese herbal medicines and TCM preparations treating atherosclerosis, aiming to increase understanding of TCM and stimulate research for new drugs to treat diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Curcumagalactomannoside/Glucosamine Combination Improved Joint Health Among Osteoarthritic Subjects as Compared to Chondroitin Sulfate/Glucosamine: Double-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Study

Objective: A combination of curcumagalactomannosides (CGM) (400 mg) with glucosamine hydrochloride (GLN) (500 mg) was evaluated against a standard dietary supplement combination chondroitin sulfate (CHN) (415 mg)/GLN (500 mg) for their effectiveness in alleviating the pain and symptoms among osteoarthritic subjects. Design: Randomized, double-blinded and active-controlled study. Settings/Location: The study was conducted in a hospital-based research center in Vadodara, Gujarat, India. Subjects: Eighty subjects (38 males and 42 females), with confirmed osteoarthritis (OA) (Class I-III), were randomized into two parallel groups designated as Group I (CGM-GLN) and Group II (CHN-GLN). Interventions: All the study subjects were supplemented with their corresponding intervention capsules (ether CGM along with GLN or CHN along with GLN), as a single oral dose twice a day, once in the morning 10-15 min before breakfast and again in the evening before dinner, for 84 days. Outcome measures: A validated treadmill uphill walking protocol was used for the study, and the efficiency of supplementation was evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire at the baseline, 28th, and 84th day following the treatment. Mechanism of action of CGM-GLN combination was analyzed by measuring the levels of serum inflammatory markers interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM) at the baseline and 84th day. Results: CGM-GLN was found to offer significant beneficial effects to pain, stiffness, and physical function of OA subjects compared with CHN-GLN, which was evident from the improvement in walking performance, VAS score, KPS score, and WOMAC score. The efficiency of CGM-GLN was almost double compared with the CHN-GLN by the end of the study (84th day). A significant reduction of inflammatory serum marker levels was observed among CGM-GLN subjects compared with CHN-GLN subjects. Compared with the baseline, CGM-GLN produced 54.52%, 59.08%, and 22.03% reduction in IL-1β, IL-6, and sVCAM levels, respectively. Whereas CHN-GLN group of subjects expressed only 23.17%, 21.38%, and 6.82% reduction in IL-1β, IL-6, and sVCAM levels, respectively. Conclusions: In conclusion, the present study demonstrated the potential benefits of CGM-GLN supplements in alleviating the symptoms and function of OA subjects compared with the standard CHN-GLN treatment. The augmented efficacy of CGM-GLN combination could be attributed to the enhanced anti-inflammatory effect of CGM.

A prospective study in women: açaí (Euterpe oleracea Martius) dietary intake affects serum p-selectin, leptin, and visfatin levels

Introduction

Background: açaí is the fruit of the palm tree Euterpe oleracea Martius, which is native to the Amazon region. This fruit has been extensively studied due to its potential effects on human health. Studies have also evaluated the potential effect of açaí on the inflammatory response, but there are still few studies that have assessed this property in humans. Objective: in this study we aimed to evaluate the effects of 200 g of açaí pulp consumption per day during four weeks on a rich panel of inflammatory biomarkers. Methods: a prospective nutritional intervention study was conducted on forty apparently healthy women who consumed 200 g of açaí pulp per day for four weeks. A panel of serum inflammatory markers were evaluated before and after the nutritional intervention, namely, cell adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, IVAM-1, P-selectin, MCP-1, and fractalkine), interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-17) and adipokines (adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, and adipsin). The data were analyzed using paired Student's t-test to evaluate the effect of the intervention using PASW Statistics, version 17.0, and a p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: four weeks of açaí pulp consumption decreased p-selectin, leptin, and visfatin concentrations in the serum of the participating women. Conclusion: these results show that consumption of açaí pulp was able to modulate important biomarkers of the inflammatory process in apparently healthy women.