Curcugen, was evaluated as a stand-alone botanical intervention in subjects with self-reported digestive discomfort
A new clinical study establishes curcumin’s potential for supporting digestive health, with a subsequent positive effects on mood and quality of life. In the study, US based DolCas Biotech, LLC.’s proprietary branded curcuminoids formula, Curcugen, was evaluated as a stand-alone botanical intervention in subjects with self-reported digestive discomfort. The study’s researchers proposed the botanical’s established anti-inflammatory activity held capacities for enhancing gut health and improving intestinal barrier function.
The 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, led by Adrian Lopresti, PhD and published in January in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, was conducted on 78 adult volunteers with self-reported digestive complaints. Participants were recruited and randomized to receive either a placebo or 500 mg Curcugen, DolCas’ patented, oleoresin-based, 50%-curcuminoids extract. Outcome measures included the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), intestinal microbial profile, and assessment on the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scale. The GSRS subset of categories evaluated gastrointestinal (GI) clusters of reflux, abdominal pain, indigestion, diarrhea, and constipation.
Additional investigations into underlying mechanisms, such as upper and/or lower microbial overgrowth were evaluated at baseline and end-of-study via two methods. SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) was assessed via contrasting measurements of CO2, hydrogen, and methane in breath samples, while lower bowel bacterial changes were gauged with use of at-home stool sample collections.
While no significant changes in bacterial make-up were noted between the intervention and control group, curcumin consumption was associated with a significantly greater improvement in GSRS total scores in comparison to the placebo, as was subsequent improvement in mood dysregulation. Specifically, results showed an average 28% reduction in overall digestive symptoms in the Curcugen group, compared to only 18% in the placebo group. There was an impressive 52% reduction in anxiety levels with Curcugen, compared to only a 16% reduction in the placebo group.
“According to scientific literature, negative life events, stress, and anxiety are known triggers for, and exacerbators of, functional gut disorders, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Functional Dyspepsia,”2 notes Dr. Shavon Jackson-Michel, Director of Medical & Scientific Affairs at DolCas Biotech, LLC. “The findings of this study on Curcugen offer an interesting, botanical solution to dealing comprehensively with a potential causal link between these two factors.”
“The beneficial role of curcumin and many of its co-actives, including turmeric essential oils and polysaccharides, has been described in research and additionally observed to work in complement with other curcuminoids when formulated together,” adds Shavon-Michel. “Curcugen’s revolutionary preparation delivers turmeric’s full-spectrum benefits while facilitating enhanced bioavailability.”