Ingredient developer Sabinsa has obtained Novel Food approval from the EFSA for its Curcumin C3 Reduct ingredient, which contains the curcuminoid metabolites Tetrahydrocurcuminoids (THCs). Once a novel food is authorised and added to the list, it may be sold throughout the EU.
The ingredient functionally overcomes the bioavailability limitation of the parent curcuminoids, Sabinsa says. Curcuminoids exert their effects through gastrointestinal as well as systemic routes. The extensive metabolism of curcuminoids has resulted in the introduction of many commercial curcuminoid products in the market, often with potentially disputed claims of enhanced bioavailability.
It has been generally believed, the company says, that the limited systemic bioavailability of curcuminoids might limit the ability to confer their full benefits. The knowledge that curcuminoids metabolise readily, especially to the reduced forms -THCs - which offer the same benefits of the parent curcuminoids, prompted the company to research the reductive metabolites further.
Research has shown that C3 Reduct is a powerful antioxidant, Sabinsa says, superior even to curcumin itself in this respect. The benefits of THCs on colonic health are also scientifically supported, and they are also an considered a potent anti-inflammatory agent.
“Gut resident bacteria also metabolise curcumin to THC, thus explaining many of the benefits that are ascribable to curcuminoids,” said Dr. Muhammed Majeed, Founder and Chairman of Sami-Sabinsa Group. “The benefits are comprehensively described in a recent monograph Sabinsa has published. Incidentally C3 Reducts is a fitting solution to the perceived limited systemic bioavailability of curcumin. I commend our technical and commercial teams that worked hard to reach this milestone.”
