Comparative absorption of curcumin formulations

BACKGROUND: The potential health benefits of curcumin are limited by its poor solubility, low absorption from the gut, rapid metabolism and rapid systemic elimination. The purpose of this study was the comparative measurement of the increases in levels of curcuminoids (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin) and the metabolite tetrahydrocurcumin after oral administration of three different curcumin formulations in comparison to unformulated standard. METHODS: The relative absorption of a curcumin phytosome formulation (CP), a formulation with volatile oils of turmeric rhizome (CTR) and a formulation of curcumin with a combination of hydrophilic carrier, cellulosic derivatives and natural antioxidants (CHC) in comparison to a standardized curcumin mixture (CS) was investigated in a randomized, double-blind, crossover human study in healthy volunteers. Samples were analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS. RESULTS: Total curcuminoids appearance in the blood was 1.3-fold higher for CTR and 7.9-fold higher for CP in comparison to unformulated CS. CHC showed a 45.9-fold higher absorption over CS and significantly improved absorption over CP (5.8-fold) and CTR (34.9-fold, all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A formulation of curcumin with a combination of hydrophilic carrier, cellulosic derivatives and natural antioxidants significantly increases curcuminoid appearance in the blood in comparison to unformulated standard curcumin CS, CTR and CP

Change in carbon monoxide exposure among water pipe bar patrons

Introduction: Water pipe (also known as hookah ) smoking is increasing around the world, including the United States, where water pipe bars have sprung up rapidly around college campuses. Users are exposed to several toxicants, including carbon monoxide (CO). We evaluated change in exhaled CO and estimated carboxyhemoglobin levels among water pipe bar patrons in Tampa, FL. Methods: Exhaled breath samples were obtained immediately before entering and after leaving 6 water pipe bars in Tampa, FL to measure CO boost and factors affecting CO change. Demographics, cigarette use status, and characteristics of water pipe use during the bar visit also were assessed. Results: Among the sample of 166 participants, mean CO increased from 6.5 parts per million (p.p.m.) to 58.2 p.p.m. (a 795% relative boost; p \u3c .001). CO change was higher for patrons who were dual (water pipe plus cigarette) smokers compared with water pipe-only smokers, and significant factors of CO change were frequency of water pipe use, number of charcoals, number of tobacco bowls, and time spent in the bar (all p-values \u3c .05). Conclusion: U.S. water pipe bar patrons are exposed to considerable amounts of CO, which could put them at risk of acute illness and chronic heart and lung diseases. Environmental and policy controls are needed to curb this increasingly popular tobacco use method in the United States. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. All rights reserved