Curcuminoid Herbal Supplements

A curcuminoid is a curcumin or a derivative of a curcumin with different chemical groups that have been formed to increase solubility of curcumins and make them suitable for drug formulation. Anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin and its derivatives are because of the hydroxyl and phenol groups in the molecules. These groups are essential for inhibition of prostaglandin synthetase and leukotrienes synthesis. Studies suggest that the bioavailability of curcumin and possibly its derivatives is greatest in the colon. The tissue in the gastrointestinal tract seems to be more exposed predominantly to unmetabolised curcumin than other tissues hence they could support clinical studies of curcumin as a colorectal cancer preventive agent.