Other
adaptogens
Curcumin & Curcuminoids
Introduction to Curcumin & Curcuminoids
Curcumin is the primary active compound in turmeric (Curcuma longa). Curcuminoids, the family of compounds to which curcumin belongs, are responsible for turmeric's bright yellow color and are associated with health-supporting properties.
Curcumin is known for its antioxidant and inflammation-supporting properties and has been studied for its role in supporting joint, cardiovascular, and brain health (1).
Due to its low bioavailability, Axolt is using what is likely the best solution on the market today: HydroCurc®. This curcumin form has been shown in human studies to achieve 807 ng/mL curcuminoids in blood plasma, significantly outperforming other curcumin supplements with only 200–250 ng/mL (2).
Curcumin is known for its antioxidant and inflammation-supporting properties and has been studied for its role in supporting joint, cardiovascular, and brain health (1).
Due to its low bioavailability, Axolt is using what is likely the best solution on the market today: HydroCurc®. This curcumin form has been shown in human studies to achieve 807 ng/mL curcuminoids in blood plasma, significantly outperforming other curcumin supplements with only 200–250 ng/mL (2).
Role in Brain Health
A 2023 meta-analysis conducted by a team of researchers found that curcumin supplementation was associated with improvements in working memory and processing speed (3). A 2021 study found that curcumin supports brain health by influencing inflammation and oxidative stress pathways, both associated with brain function (4). Curcumin supports brain health by reducing oxidative stress and influencing inflammatory pathways, two factors associated with brain health (1). In its bioavailable form, such as HydroCurc, it crosses the blood-brain barrier, supporting the health of neurons and glial cells. Curcumin is associated with supporting the brain’s natural cleanup system (glymphatic system), which helps maintain healthy brain function (5).
Axolt Formulation Principles
Bioavailability is essential for any supplement to be effective. This means that the substance you consume must successfully cross the gut barrier to enter the body. However, not everything you eat is readily absorbed. Even highly nutritious supplements may have little to no effect if they aren't bioavailable. A prime example is curcumin, a beneficial compound that is notoriously difficult to absorb. Axolt employs HydroCurc®, a curcumin form scientifically proven to enhance bioavailability by coating the surface of curcuminoids, making them water-soluble and significantly improving absorption.
Core Benefits and Claims
- Strengthens the brain's protective shield, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) (6).
- Supports the brain’s natural cleanup system (glymphatic system), which removes waste like amyloid-beta protein (5).
- Supports healthy inflammatory responses in the brain, contributing to a resilient nervous system in Axolt's formulation (4).
Resources
- Dehzad MJ, Ghalandari H, Nouri M, Askarpour M. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation in adults: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Cytokine. 2023 Apr;164:156144. doi: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156144. Epub 2023 Feb 15. PMID: 36804260.
- Briskey D, Sax A, Mallard AR, Rao A. Increased bioavailability of curcumin using a novel dispersion technology system (LipiSperse®). Eur J Nutr. 2019 Aug;58(5):2087-2097. doi: 10.1007/s00394-018-1766 Epub 2018 Jul 4. PMID: 29974228.
- Tsai IC, Hsu CW, Chang CH, Tseng PT, Chang KV. The Effect of Curcumin Differs on Individual Cognitive Domains across Different Patient Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2021 Nov 28;14(12):1235. doi: 10.3390/ph14121235. PMID: 34959636; PMCID: PMC8708668.
- Benameur T, Giacomucci G, Panaro MA, Ruggiero M, Trotta T, Monda V, Pizzolorusso I, Lofrumento DD, Porro C, Messina G. New Promising Therapeutic Avenues of Curcumin in Brain Diseases. Molecules. 2021 Dec 31;27(1):236. doi: 10.3390/molecules27010236. PMID: 35011468; PMCID: PMC8746812.
- Garcia-Alloza M, Borrelli LA, Rozkalne A, Hyman BT, Bacskai BJ. Curcumin labels amyloid pathology in vivo, disrupts existing plaques, and partially restores distorted neurites in an Alzheimer mouse model. J Neurochem. 2007 Aug;102(4):1095-104. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2007.04613.x. Epub 2007 Apr 30. PMID: 17472706.
- Wang YF, Gu YT, Qin GH, Zhong L, Meng YN. Curcumin ameliorates the permeability of the blood-brain barrier during hypoxia by upregulating heme oxygenase-1 expression in brain microvascular endothelial cells. J Mol Neurosci. 2013 Oct;51(2):344-51. doi: 10.1007/s12031-013-9989-4. Epub 2013 Mar 15. PMID: 23494637.
