posted on 2018-08-09, 10:29authored byJagdish Mahale, Rajinder Singh, Lynne M. Howells, Robert G. Britton, Sameena M. Khan, Karen Brown
SCOPE: Curcumin (from turmeric), has been extensively investigated for potential beneficial properties in numerous diseases. Most work has focused on supra-dietary concentrations/doses that would necessitate curcumin supplementation. However, much evidence instigating curcumin research is underpinned by epidemiological data based on low dietary intake via turmeric consumption. METHODS AND RESULTS: Here, a novel, highly sensitive liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) method for detection of curcuminoids is described. Assay sensitivity is demonstrated in a pilot pharmacokinetic volunteer study following ingestion of foodstuffs containing a standardized mass of turmeric, representative of daily consumption by certain South Asian populations. Free parent curcumin was detectable in plasma from one individual, reaching maximal plasma concentrations (Cmax ) of 3.2 nm. Curcumin conjugates were detected in all volunteers; Cmax for curcumin glucuronide is 47.6 ± 28.5 nm 30 min post-food, while Cmax for demethoxycurcumin glucuronide and curcumin sulfate is ≈2 nm. Curcumin and its major metabolites persist in plasma for at least 8 h. CONCLUSION: Despite poor absorption and rapid conjugation, dietary intake of standard culinary turmeric within complex food matrices furnished human plasma with detectable levels of curcuminoids. Whether sustained low systemic concentrations of these non-nutritive, biologically active, dietary components may have pharmacological activity for human health benefit, warrants further research.
Funding
This work was supported by Cancer Research UK in conjunction with the Department of Health as part of an Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre grant [C325/A15575]. Clinical research space for PK blood draws was provided by the Hope Clinical Trials Facility. The authors would also like to thank the University of Leicester's Head Chef and Chief Operating Officer Bob Bean, and the Residential and Commercial Service team, who were responsible for the University's Spice for Life campaign.
History
Citation
Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, 2018, 1800267
Author affiliation
/Organisation/COLLEGE OF LIFE SCIENCES/School of Medicine/Cancer Research Centre
The file associated with this record is under embargo until 12 months after publication, in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. The full text may be available through the publisher links provided above.