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Best Curcumin C3 Complex w/ BioPerine®
(1000mg) 120 Tabs
Protects Cells and Tissues by Fighting Free Radicals*
Suitable for vegetarians
Best Curcumin C3 Complex® with BioPerine® contains a potent standardized extract of Curcuma longa root, commonly known as turmeric. Turmeric is the yellow spice that gives flavor to curried dishes. The herb has been used in the Ayurvedic healing tradition for centuries as a folk remedy. The active ingredients in Curcuma longa are plant substances called curcuminoids, compounds that demonstrate potent antioxidant properties in scientific studies.* Curcuminoids may benefit the joints, brain, heart and the circulatory system by helping to neutralize free-radicals.*
Best Curcumin C3 Complex® supplies 95% total curcuminoids, including curcumin, bisdemethoxy curcumin and demethoxy curcumin. BioPerine® is an extract of Black Pepper fruit that contains 95-98% piperine. BioPerine® is added as a natural bioenhancer to promote absorption.*
Best Curcumin C3 Complex,
What Makes It Super
There have been reports of turmeric extracts being contaminated with lead or harmful synthetic dyes. Therefore, being confident of the source is very important For optimal health benefits, it is important that the curcuminoids are pure and free from other components of crude turmeric, because other components in crude turmeric extract, including essential oils, are reported to reduce the protective effect of curcuminoids. Curcumin C3 Complex is a patented, special extract of Curcuma longa, and its mark signifies tested quality and authenticity. The ingredient and its manufacturing facilities are quality certified by NSF International, so its purity is assured from the raw material growth and collection stage, through processing, extraction and finished product storage and handling. The roots are meticulously cultivated and extracted at dedicated farms and facilities.
Curcumin: The Latest Scoop
Recent studies point to an ability of curcumin to support the function of collagen and cartilage cells. A 2005 paper showed that curcumin, when given to human cartilage cells or chondrocytes, exerted a protective effect on cell function and inhibited degradation of these cells in vitro. Another in vitro experiment, showed it had positive effects at enhancing synovial cell health. Curcumin has also been shown to maintain cholesterol and lipid levels that are already normal. In one study, curcumin given to animals consuming a high-fat diet attenuated the normal rise in lipid levels. The decrease in total cholesterol in these animals was 21 % when compared to controls. In vitro studies also suggest curcumin possesses a vasorelaxant effect on endothelial tissue. Studies published in the last 5 years suggest a highly beneficial role for curcumin in supporting neural cells in response to oxidative damage. Curcumin apparently mediates this anti oxidative protection through regulation of important immune factors and proteins to promote an optimal balance necessary for enhanced function of important brain tissues.
Antioxidants Are Heroes!
While the body is able to counteract free radicals, they can gradually overwhelm our built-in defensive reaction as we age. We can assist our natural defenses by taking antioxidant supplements. Antioxidants, nutrients and other natural substances are able to neutralize free radicals and, with free radicals linked to chronic unwellness and perhaps the aging process itself, keeping them in check is a key strategy for effective long-term health maintenance. The antioxidant effects of curcuminoids combined with their known inhibitory effects on cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) enzyme render them useful as ingredients in anti-aging formulations, and in topical formulations designed to maintain general skin health and integrity. Curcumin has been the subject of numerous test-tube studies and animal experiments which have shown various effects linked to reduction of free radicals and control of free radical-based abnormalities. Preliminary human trials bolster these findings, suggesting that curcumin helps keep joints soothed and flexible, while protecting cells and tissues from free radical attack.
Naturally Enhanced Powers
Curcumin is poorly absorbed in the GI tract, which can limit its effectiveness. But, nature has an answer, in the form of piperine, a component of black pepper. Piperine has been shown to increase curcumin absorption by as much as 2000% when the two are consumed together. For this reason Doctor's Best has combined curcumin with BioPerine, a patented black pepper extract supplying 95-98% piperine.
Knowledge is Power, For more details about Curcumin C3 Complex, visit:
Protects Cells and Tissues by Fighting Free Radicals*
Here Is What The Research Shows
Supports Joint Function*
The numerous beneficial effects attributed to turmeric stem in large measure from the antioxidant properties of curcumin. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are highly unstable molecules that can damage cellular structures through abnormal oxidative reactions. Curcumin is a potent “scavenger” of the superoxide radical, a free radical that initiates potentially harmful oxidative processes such as lipid peroxidation.5 Through this activity, curcumin has been shown to protect skin cells from the injurious effect of nitroblue tetrazolium, a toxin that generates superoxide radicals. Curcumin also increases survival of cells exposed in vitro to the enzyme hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase, which stimulates superoxide and hydrogen peroxide production. Curcumin is not toxic to cells, even at high concentrations. “Pure” curcumin was shown to be less protective than a mixture of curcuminoids, indicating a possible synergism among the curcuminoids.6 Because free radicals are involved in aging and exert harmful effects on skin, these results suggest curcumin may help slow skin aging.
Curcumin demonstrates several other in vitro effects linked to free radical scavenging. Curcumin scavenges nitric oxide, a compound associated with the body’s inflammatory response.7 Pure curcumin and turmeric extracts protect red blood cells from lipid peroxidation induced by hydrogen peroxide.8 Curcumin has been shown to protect DNA from oxidative damage, inhibit binding of toxic metabolites to DNA, and reduce DNA mutations in the Ames’ test.9 Although additional studies suggest an anticarcinogenic effect of curcumin, through protection of DNA,10 one in vitro study found that curcumin induced DNA damage in human gastric mucosal cells.11 It is speculated that curcumin may act as a pro-oxidant in the presence of transition metal ions such as copper and iron. (This is true for other antioxidants, including vitamin C.) Curcumin also demonstrates in vitro inhibition of COX-I and COX-II enzymes, which are involved in the inflammatory reaction.12 Together these results strongly suggest that curcumin is a potent bioprotectant with a potentially wide range of therapeutic applications.
Animal Studies- In Vivo Protective Effects
Through its free radical scavenging properties, curcumin has shown bioprotective effects in animals. In one study, rats were treated with isoproterenol, a chemical that cause cardiac hypertrophy (enlargement of the heart) due to abnormal collagen metabolism. Co-treatment with curcumin reversed the degradation of collagen and cardiac hypertrophy induced by isoproterenol.13 Curcumin protects mice from detrimental effects of radiation, by stabilizing the glyoxalase system, a biological system that regulates cell division.14 Curcumin protects livers of rats from the damaging effects of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), a potent hepatoxin that injures the liver via its free radical metabolite, CCl3.15,16 Curcumin protected rats from alcohol-induced brain damage, in a study in which oral administration of curcumin reversed lipid peroxidation, reduced levels of free-radical metabolites and increased levels of glutathione, a major physiologic antioxidant.17 Curcuma long extracts have shown anti-inflammatory effects in rats.18
Additional studies have shown that curcumin administered to rats following the administration of pro-oxidant chemicals reduced serum levels of ALT, a prominent liver enzyme indicator of inflammation, as well as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), which are major indicators of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress.19 These results suggest that curcumin can enhance the detoxifying ability of the liver.
Several in vitro investigations point to the ability of curcuminoids to regulate immune mediators involved in promoting normal joint function and promoting a balanced immune response in joint tissue. In vivo results from animal studies support this potential action of curcumin. In a rat model of impaired joint function, oral administration of curcumin was shown to decrease elevated levels of a glycoprotein involved in the joint immune response, thereby alleviating swelling in joint tissue. Another study conducted in rats showed that curcumin administration that was initiated before the onset of joint swelling in these animals had a continued preventive effect and served to enhance joint comfort and mobility.20
Human Trials
Curcumin exhibits free-radical scavenging ability when administered to humans. In an open trial (uncontrolled), 18 healthy individuals ranging in age from 27 to 67 years consumed a Curcuma longa extract, at a dose supplying 20 mg curcuminoids, for 45 days. Before and after blood tests showed a statistically significant decrease in lipid peroxides.21 Preliminary trials have tested the joint-supportive actions of curcumin, with results that verify the traditional use of turmeric for maintaining joint function. In a short-term double-blind, cross-over, comparative study, 18 people received curcumin (1200 mg daily) or phenylbutazone for two week periods. Both curcumin and phenylbutazone produced measurable improvements in joint flexibility and walking time. The subjects reported results only with phenylbutazone, which may be explained by the short duration of the trial.22 In a small placebo-controlled trial comparing curcumin to phenylbutazone, 45 patients with post-operative inflammation received curcumin, phenylbutazone or placebo. The anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin and phenylbutazone were comparable and superior to placebo.23 Curcumin has not been found to produce an analgesic (pain relieving) effect.
Supports Healthy Brain Aging and has Potent Neuroprotective Activity*
A more recent line of research has investigated the ability and potential of curcuminoids to support healthy brain aging and maintain cognitive function. A large number of in vitro and animal studies confirm the neuroprotective effects of curcumin, many of which derive from the free radical scavenging abilities of this compound. Studies in animals administered CNS infusions of compounds with known brain toxicity have shown that subsequent administration of curcumin led to significant reductions in brain oxidative damage and a significant neuroprotective effect when compared to control animals.24 Curcumin is able to clearly produce these antioxidant effects in brain tissue due to its ability to readily cross the blood-brain barrier.
Further studies suggest that curcumin is one of the few compounds that are actually likely to support youthful brain aging. Tetrahydrocurcumin, a major metabolite of curcumin, has shown the ability to increase life span in middle-aged mice. Additional animal research has shown that chronic administration of curcumin resulted in decreased lipid peroxidation and decreased accumulation of the brain-aging marker known as lipofuscin. Curcumin has also been shown to increase the activity of numerous enzymes that support antioxidant defenses.25 These findings support the ability of curcumin and its metabolites to promote healthy brain aging and protect the brain and other tissues from age-related oxidative damage.
Turmeric has been used in liberal quantities since ancient times as a spice in curry dishes and as a cosmetic and coloring dye, as well as being used for centuries as an herbal remedy and tonic. Animal studies assessing the safety of curcumin have yielded no toxic effects. Human clinical trials using doses between 1 to 8 grams per day of curcumin for periods of 6 to 8 months have also shown this compound to have an excellent safety profile.19
BioPerine® - Nature’s Absorption Enhancer Boosts Curcumin Absorption*
Traditional Ayurvedic herbal formulas often include black pepper and long pepper as synergistic herbs. The active ingredient in both black pepper and long pepper is the alkaloid, piperine. Experiments carried out to evaluate the scientific basis for the use of peppers have shown that piperine significantly enhances bioavailability when consumed with other substances.26 Several double-blind clinical studies have confirmed that BioPerine® increases absorption of nutrients.27
Curcumin is poorly absorbed in the intestinal tract, limiting its therapeutic effectiveness. Oral doses are largely excreted in feces, and only trace amounts appear in the blood. Concomitant administration of 20 mg of piperine with 2 grams of curcumin increases the bioavailability of curcumin by 2000%.28
The Curcumin Complex:
At the Interface of Nutrition and Medicine
by Parris M. Kidd, Ph.D. and Lakshmi Prakash, Ph.D.
Human populations have been using spices to preserve and flavor their food all through recorded history. One of the earliest known spices is turmeric, which gives curry its yellow color. This distinctive color and taste come from a group of curcumin substances, often termed "curcumin complex." These are also very ancient folk medicines. Spanning the spectrum from traditional foods to modern medicines, the curcumins are under intense research scrutiny for their exciting potential in many areas of human health. These plant-derived chemicals ("phytochemicals") are concentrated in the rhizome or underground stem of the turmeric plant. Quality curcumin dietary supplements contain mainly three compounds--curcumin (curcumin I, the major ingredient), demethoxy-curcumin (curcumin II), and bisdemethoxy-curcumin (curcumin III)-conveniently termed "curcumin complex."
History and Traditional Usage
The turmeric plant (Curcuma fonga) is a tall tropical shrub, a relative of ginger (Family Zingiberaceae) with an extensive branching rhizome system. When dried and cured for commercial use, these have a curcumins content of 2.5-5.0 percent. The turmeric powder is used as a dye for cloth and a coloring agent in foods and cosmetics, due to its bright yellow color. Turmeric with its curcumins is a revered folk medicine across Asia. Over thousands of years it has been used as a digestive aid, for dental problems, for lung problems, liver disorders, blood sugar control, in wound healing, as an analgesic and antiseptic, to provide relief from cold and sore throat, for
rheumatism and sprains, and for various eye, ear or skin problems. Many of these traditional uses are now validated by modern research.
Chemically, the curcumins are polyphenol substances endowed with highly potent antioxidant, antitoxic, and other properties beneficial to health. The first human clinical study on curcumins was published in 1937 in the prestigious English medical journal, The Lancet. The reported benefits of curcumins for gall bladder function were confirmed by a later double-blind trial. The past decade has seen greatly accelerated scientific interest in the curcumins, with more than 1,875 articles published between 1996 and 2005.
Potent Cell and Tissue Protection
The curcurnins are versatile and powerful antioxidants. They protect against free radical attack from toxins in the food, water, air, and total daily living environment. They also block oxygen free radicals and others generated internally, including superoxide, hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide. Pure curcumin I is a less potent antioxidant than the three curcumins in combination, suggesting a natural synergy within the complex.
The curcumins have important antioxidant effects in our tissues. They protect DNA against oxidative attack and also inhibit binding of toxins to DNA, thereby lowering the risk for mutations and other genetic damage. They scavenge excess nitric oxide and other free radical metabolites, to quench runaway oxidation that could destroy tissues. Through these and other potent antioxidant actions the curcumins help conserve the body's natural antioxidant defenses.
After numerous animal experiments, the curcumins have proved to be versatile biological protectants. They protect the liver against solvent toxicity, protect the brain against alcohol, protect the heart and the kidney against damage from pharmaceutical drugs. Topically applied, they protect the skin against damage from experimental edema.
The curcumins provide another layer of biological protection through their molecular-specific binding with key proteins. Some of the categories they help regulate are (a) free radical- generating enzymes, (b) cytokine messengers, (c) cell adhesion mediators, (d) COX-2 (cyclo-oxygenase-z) and other highly oxidative enzymes, (e) receptors, and (f) growth factors. By interacting with such catalytic proteins, the curcumins help maintain gene integrity, facilitate detoxification, support hormonal regulation, and generally underpin the homeostatic processes that maintain life.
Benefits For The Digestive System
The curcumins' digestive benefits have been recognized for millennia. They support healthy functioning of the stomach, intestines, gall bladder, liver, and pancreas. In recent clinical studies, people who consumed curcumin supplements experienced reductions in the numbers and sizes of colon polyps. The curcumin complex also lowered the levels of damaged DNA in their colon cells, thereby reducing mutation risk.
Support for Memory and Brain Adaptability ("Plasticity").
The human brain is wonderfully adaptable by displaying great "neuroplasticity." Its circuits are continually repatterned in response to incoming information; circuits that become damaged can be partly substituted by neighboring circuits; new circuits may be formed under the influence of growth factors. Curcumins support growth factor actions, and protect the brain against stress. They also protect the brain against attack from metabolic toxins such as homocysteine.
A recent population study of more than 1,000 elderly Asians found that those who consumed curry "occasionally" and "often or very often" scored significantly better on a recognized test of memory function, compared against those who "never or rarely" consumed curry. A clinical trial is in progress that tests curcumin complex for memory support in healthy people.
Circulatory Support
Toxins that enter the body or are produced in the body can trigger lipid peroxidation and other "free-radical" processes that damage our vessel walls and sometimes also our circulating blood cells. In animal and human studies, curcumin complex reduced lipid peroxide levels in the blood. In two human studies LDL cholesterol was lowered and HDL cholesterol was elevated.
Joint Health
In a preliminary clinical trial that lasted just two weeks, there were indications curcumin complex could improve joint flexibility and walking time. Curcumin complex also can down-regulate troublesome COX-2 overactivity, and without adverse effects. A longer-term human trial would clarify the value of the curcumins for joint health
Skin Health
Turmeric powder has been used as a cosmetic for over 2000 years. It is used in poultices to dress wounds, to treat bites, burns and other skin problems, ease itching, even to soothe the perineal area during childbirth. Experimentally, the curcumin complex protects skin cells against radiation and other types of free radical attack, therefore may help slow skin aging.
Support for Immunity
Curcumin complex supports immunity by inhibiting inappropriate cell proliferation. Substances that damage DNA, cause mutations, modify cell growth programs, or stimulate unneeded cell division all can trigger uncontrolled cell proliferation. In animals the curcumins blocked these unwanted effects. In related experiments with cultured human cells, the curcumins down-regulated the telomerase enzyme linked to loss of cell growth control. In other animal experiments, the curcumins boosted macrophage activity and antibody responses. Also curcumin III partially corrected defective function in macrophages cultured from human blood.
The Curcumins Are Versatile Gene Regulators
Curcumin complex has a dimension of activity beyond classical metabolism, that is, regulating the activity of vital human genes. "Nutrigenomic" research using cutting-edge gene probe techniques has established that the curcumins contribute to healthy functioning of many genes. The curcumins favorably influence genes involved with:
>- Regulation of cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme activity
>- Control over apoptosis (programmed cell death)
>- Triggering the cell cycle into and out of division mode
>- Management of cell proliferation
>- Growth factor balance for new blood vessel formation.
Bioperine Dramatically Improves Curcumin Absorption
The curcumins are relatively poorly absorbed when taken by mouth. Piperine, extracted from black pepper fruit, is proven via multiple double-blind trials to enhance nutrient absorption. In one human study, the administration of 2000 mg of curcumin complex together with 20 mg of piperine boosted bioavailability by 20 times (2000 percent). When consumed with a small amount of Bioperine (95 percent standardized piperine), a 1,000 to 1,500 mg daily intake of curcumin complex can access the blood and circulate to the tissues. Although their bioavailability is low, when consumed daily by mouth the curcumins eventually may benefit all the body's organs.
Curcumin Complex Has A Brilliant Future
Currently more than 16 clinical trials are underway on curcumin complex, and many more are planned. Bioavailability continues to be an issue, but when suitably potentized (as with bioperine) the curcumins do get into human. tissues. Using the colon as an example, just a minimal level of curcumins in the tissue was linked to polyp reduction and a reduction of mutated DNA.
One factor contributing to the bioavailability problem is the wide variation in potency of commercial curcumin sources. This makes standardized preparations most desirable (preferably a minimum 95 percent in curcumins I, II, and III). Also curcumin dietary supplements should be free of iron and copper, which could cause free radical problems. For curcumin complex, as with all dietary supplements, the consumer is well advised to deal only with
reputable and proven suppliers.
Curcumin complex has moved beyond traditional human staple to being the focus of rapt attention in both Illustration courtesy Sabinsa the nutritional and the medical fields. Its huge range of traditional applications and its many potentially beneficial actions are systematically becoming validated by modern basic and clinical research. Curcumin complex has emerged as a breakthrough for whole-body health, healing, and quality of life into old age.
Parris M. Kidd, Ph.D. is a biomedical consultant and nutrition educator. For a list of scientific references on the curcumins, or for information on the clinical trials in progress, contact the author at dockidd@dockidd.com. Lakshmi Prakash Ph.D. is Vice President of Innovation and Business Development at Sabinsa. Dr. Lakshmi Prakash received a BSc degree in chemistry, and BSc and MSc degrees in food technology from the University of Mumbai, India. Her Ph.D. degree is in food science from Rutgers University, New Jersey. Dr. Prakash has over 25 years of combined research and management experience.
Scientific References
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Rao, N.S., Rao, M.N.A. Free radical scavenging activity of curcuminoids. Arzneim.-Forsch./Drug Res. 1996;46(2):169-171.
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Bonté. F. et al. Protective effect of curcuminoids on epidermal skin cells under free oxygen radical stress. Planta Medica 1997;63:265-66.
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Lalitha, S., Selvam, R. Prevention of H2Os-induced red blood cell lipid peroxidation by aqueous extracted turmeric. Asia Pacific J Clin Nutr 1999;8(2):113-14.
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Deshpande, S.S., Maru, G.B. Effects of curcumin on the formation of benzo[a]pyrene derived DNA adducts in vitro. Cancer Letters 1995;96:71-80.
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Subramanian, M., et al. Diminution of singlet oxygen-induced DNA damage by curcumin and related antioxidants. Mutation Research 1994;311:249-55.
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Nirmala, C. Anand, S., Puvanakrishnan, R. Curcumin treatment modulates collagen metabolism in isoproterenol induced myocardial necrosis in rats. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry 1999;197:31-37.
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Choudhary, D., Chandra, D. Kale, R.K. Modulation of radioresponse of glyoxalase system by curcumin. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 1999;64:1-7.
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Deshpande, U.R. et al. Protective effect of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in rats. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 1998;36:573-77.
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