Abstract
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. 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 3.2nm. Curcumin conjugates were detected in all volunteers; Cmax for curcumin glucuronide is 47.6±28.5nm 30min post-food, while Cmax for demethoxycurcumin glucuronide and curcumin sulfate is ≈2nm. Curcumin and its major metabolites persist in plasma for at least 8h. 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.
Highlights
There are many dietary-derived compounds with biological activity which have been studied for potential health benefit
In order to further establish whether consumption of turmeric generates detectable systemic levels of curcuminoids in plasma, we developed a new sensitive LC-ESIMS/mass spectrometry (MS) method and undertook a pilot pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers who had ingested known quantities of turmeric (~3 g) within a food matrix, equivalent to a total curcumin intake of ~100mg
We sought to develop an LC-electrospray ionization (ESI)-MS/MS method that would be sensitive enough for detection of plasma curcuminoids after administration of turmeric-rich foodstuffs to healthy volunteers
Summary
There are many dietary-derived compounds with biological activity which have been studied for potential health benefit. Whilst most clinical studies conducted to date focus on the potential benefits of high dose curcuminoids for treatment of established disease, there has been less emphasis on disease prevention in healthy populations. There is currently little evidence to suggest pharmacologic effect from the extremely low concentrations of curcuminoids that would arise from turmeric intake. This is partly because low dose effects have not been well studied and it is automatically assumed that ‘more is better’. Recent evidence has demonstrated that the polyphenol resveratrol is more effective at preventing intestinal adenoma development in a mouse model and modulating certain signalling pathways at low dietary achievable doses compared to supra-dietary doses 200-fold higher 8
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