Pharmacokinetic Study on Three Formulations of Curcumin With Different Carriers

Curcumin is a molecule soluble in fat. It has multiple health benefits. Indeed, it has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Curcumin could play a role in preventing diseases such as cancer, inflammatory, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Omega-3 fatty acids are also important for good health, as they have positive effects on the cardiovascular and neurological systems. However, curcumin is poorly absorbed by the body when provided in supplements. In order to improve curcumin's absorption, a natural health product that combines curcumin and omega-3 fatty acids has been developped. The goal of this project is therefore to determine the absorption of curcumin when administered in combination with omega-3 fatty acids esterified in monoacylglycerol (MAG). This combination will be compared with a curcumin extract alone or in rice oil. A pharmacokinetic study will be carried out for each of the formulations. Pharmacokinetics (PK) is defined as monitoring the blood concentrations of curcumin over a 24-hour period after taking one of the three different supplements.