CAVACURMIN®

Overview

CAVACURMIN®, developed by WACKER, is a curcumin complex that addresses the poor absorption of curcumin caused by its fat solubility.

Forming a complex between curcumin and gamma-cyclodextrin (CAVAMAX® W8), a naturally occurring oligosaccharide, significantly enhances absorption and bioavailability. A 40-fold increase in absorption and an 18-fold increase in bioavailability compared to standard turmeric extract are reported.

The product contains a complex formed by natural turmeric extract and gamma-cyclodextrin through non-covalent bonding; this structure improves not only bioavailability but also dispersibility and stability.

Applications

CAVACURMIN® comes as a dry, free-flowing powder.

This makes it especially well suited for dry or powder-form food supplement products such as tablets, capsules and nutrition bars.

Since it disperses easily in aqueous systems, it can also be used in beverages.

Key features

A 40-fold increase in absorption compared to standard turmeric extract is reported.

Thanks to the complexation process, it is reported to provide an 18-fold increase in the bioavailability of curcumin.

Thanks to complexation with gamma-cyclodextrin, it is a free-flowing, easily dispersible powder.

It enables effective dosages with lower amounts, creating a cost advantage in supplement formulations.

It can be incorporated into a wide range of products, including capsules, tablets, beverages and functional foods.

It is reported to contribute to cardiovascular health by improving endothelial function and reducing inflammation.

Through its antioxidant properties, it supports healthy aging by providing protection against oxidative stress.

Mechanism of action

Curcumin is a fat-soluble compound and is therefore poorly absorbed from the digestive tract.

In CAVACURMIN®, natural turmeric extract forms a complex with gamma-cyclodextrin (CAVAMAX® W8) through non-covalent bonding. This complex increases the water dispersibility and stability of curcumin, thereby enhancing its absorption.

Published studies report the following:

In vivo bioavailability in a rodent model (2009): Rats that received CAVACURMIN® had 8–20 times more total curcuminoids (the sum of free curcumin and its metabolites) in their blood plasma than those that received a commercial product or pure curcumin powder.

In vitro bioavailability in a human Caco-2 model (2011): CAVACURMIN® dissolved up to 5 times more efficiently than leading commercial curcumin supplements or pure curcumin powder.

Human bioavailability in a clinical study (2013): CAVACURMIN® was absorbed approximately 40 times more efficiently than leading commercial curcumin supplements or pure curcumin powder.