A new study shows that a powerful turmeric extract may help protect the brain against a range of neurodegenerative diseases. This includes aluminum-induced neurotoxicity caused by daily exposure to chemicals in some cookware, cosmetics, and medicines.
A turmeric extract and curcuminoids
The study by Indian and Saudi Arabian scientists has just been published in the Hindawi BioMed Research International Journal. It tested the neuroprotective effect of BCM-95 — a combination of turmeric extract called curcuminoids and purified turmeric essential oil.
Research has suggested that brain health can be compromised by exposure to neurotoxins. Aluminum is believed to be of particular concern. Major sources of aluminum exposure are cookware, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products.
Indeed, the average consumer takes approximately 10 mg of aluminum a day. Up to 1% undergoes absorption. It can traverse through the blood-brain barrier and is believed to exert a detrimental impact on the central nervous system, especially in older adults.
Oxidative stress and your brain
Chronic exposure can actuate a neuroinflammation response and rouse a state of oxidative stress. This raises the risk of neural damage. It has been implicated in a number of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. High concentrations of aluminum have been found to increase amyloid aggregation and deposition in neuronal tissues. This is a key feature of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Creating bio-availability
“Curcumin is known for its ability to bind to metals such as aluminum and thus could offer neuroprotective from the metal’s potentially toxic effects,” explains lead researcher David Banji, Ph.D. “But poor absorption and low blood levels of free curcumin after oral intake pose a major limitation for delivering its full clinical benefits. Curcumin’s characteristic low solubility, rapid metabolism, and quick elimination hampers its absorption into the bloodstream nor readily penetrates the blood-brain barrier. This is what spurred us to examine BCM-95 of Arjuna Natural where curcumin, the key turmeric extract, is combined with the purified essential oil component of turmeric as a bioavailability enhancer.”
Protecting the brain
Lead researcher David Banji, Ph.D., and his team assessed both the pharmacokinetic profile of turmeric extract and its efficacy in exerting neuro-protection. The study found that over a 45-day period the nutraceutical solution (BCM-95) was more effective than standard turmeric extract in mitigating the toxic effects of aluminum build-up in the brain by helping reduce oxidative stress, increasing antioxidants in the brain tissue, and improving glutathione levels.
Turmeric extract and aluminum
Neuroprotective benefits included 14-times higher plasma and brain curcumin levels from BCM-95 compared with standard curcumin extracts. Chronic exposure to aluminum may cause a neuro-inflammatory response, contributing to Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
“Aluminum is, unfortunately, a prevalent toxin, and contact with it is unavoidable in everyday life,” notes Dr. Benny Antony, inventor of BCM-95 which is found in the highly bioavailable Bio-Curcumin.
How does the extract help?
“Curcumin is known for its ability to bind to metals such as aluminum and thus could offer neuroprotective…,” explains lead researcher Dr. David Banji. “But poor absorption and low blood levels of free curcumin after oral intake pose a major limitation for delivering its full clinical benefits.”
Health expert Vanessa Ascencao said studies show that long-term aluminum exposure may trigger autoimmune diseases and affect immunity.
Bottom Line
“Educate yourself to reduce exposure to aluminum and exercise regularly. Follow a healthy diet of organic vegetables and fruit, avoid processed foods and baked goods and try high-quality supplements like Bio-Curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant,” said Ascencao.
References and citations
https://www.prnewswire.com/il/news-releases/arjunas-turmeric-extract-essential-oil-combo-demonstrates-neuroprotective-potential-301242237.html
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