BCM-95 curcumin exhibits anti-inflammatory properties

Sep 17 2010

Top researchers at the Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Lab at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas are exploring the clinical applications of BCM-95®, a new patented extract of curcumin with unprecedented potency, and bioavailability.

Previous studies have shown that BCM-95 curcumin was 7-10 times more bioavailable than other forms of curcumin, and had a retention time in the bloodstream between 8 to 12 hours. At all points in the study, BCM-95 curcumin levels were higher than any other form of curcumin tested. This superior absorption and retention is attained by a patented process that involves homogenization and micronization with turmeric essential oil which is then bound to natural plant phospholipids.

"We have the most fascinating and convincing scientific laboratory evidence from thousands of  studies finding that curcumin has potent anti-inflammatory properties," said Ajay Goel, Ph.D., Investigator at the Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Lab at Baylor University. "Abundant data point to the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory efficacy of curcumin – and these benefits are essentially drawn from its ability to suppress and inhibit the activities of two major pro-inflammatory targets within our cells: NF-kB and COX-2." Dr. Goel's  group was the first to demonstrate that curcumin acts as a specific COX-2 inhibitor, and hence, plays an important role in not only alleviating everyday pain, but has the potential to prevent many chronic diseases that manifest themselves in the background of increased inflammation.

While curcumin holds huge promise as an anti-inflammatory, pain relieving substance, in the human body curcumin is poorly absorbed.  "However, BCM-95 amplifies and potentiates its effectiveness," Dr. Goel explained. "Not only is BCM-95 curcumin absorbed up to 10 times better than conventional curcumin, it also is retained in the body longer. Currently, we have several scientific studies underway in our laboratory on BCM-95, and we are extremely encouraged by the new promising discoveries we are making with this miracle herb."

According to Dr. Goel, inflammation is a factor in 80-90% of all disease. Curcumin demonstrates superior antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and provides liver and heart-protective benefits as well. It is a potent anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-allergenic, and has anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties.