Akay Natural Ingredients has announced a study that reveals that CurQfen (trademarked) (Curcumin-Fenugreek combo) may support Alzheimer’s dementia by slowing down the progression.
Dementia is an ever-increasing global problem, with over 50 million affected and an expected 152 million cases by 2050. It's not only limited to the elderly, with younger individuals also being affected. Lifestyle factors like sedentary behavior, smoking, alcoholism, and stress are linked to its early onset.
A new clinical study of 48 participants between the ages of 55-75, all dealing with moderate dementia, was conducted by Akay Natural Ingredients (Part of Oterra Group).
The study, which looked at the effects of CurQfen on cognitive health, involved the participants being randomly divided into three groups, with each given a different supplement. One group received a placebo, another an unformulated standard curcumin complex (with 95% curcumin), and the third group was treated with CurQfen. This six-month study, with a dosage of 400 mg x 2/day, employed a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, 3-arm, 3-sequence comparative design.
The research aimed to shed light on the advantages of free (unconjugated) curcumin bioavailability when compared to the standard curcumin complex. Previous research has unveiled the potential of CurQfen®, a patented Curcumin-Galactomannan complex (CGM).
This groundbreaking formulation harnesses the power of self-emulsifying hydrogel delivery by encapsulating curcumin within fenugreek-mucilage (galactomannan soluble dietary fiber). The result is enhanced bioavailability of free curcuminoids, improved blood-brain-barrier (BBB) permeability, heightened brain bioavailability, and superior neuroprotective effects to unformulated standard curcumin complex with 95% purity.
“Our choice of CurQfen was driven by compelling evidence from prior studies. To achieve the optimal brain function, previous research has indicated a need for 37 ng/mL (100 nM) of free curcumin. Remarkably, CurQfen accomplishes this at a mere 250 mg dose," said Dr Chakrapani, the Principle Investigator.
“The primary outcome of our study is nothing short of remarkable. Volunteers who received CurQfen demonstrated significant improvements, both in cognitive and locomotive functions. These advancements were assessed using the validated MMSE and GLFS-25 questionnaires and stood out in comparison to those who received standard curcumin complexes or placebos. These transformative changes in our study outcomes suggest that CurQfen plays a pivotal role in slowing the progression of dementia, a revelation that spurred us to delve deeper into the realm of biochemical markers," shared Dr Chakrapani, the Principal Investigator.
Dementia, often associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease, has characteristic biomarkers. These include abnormal elevation in tau protein phosphorylation, aggregation, and accumulation of amyloid β42 and β40 (Abβ42 and Abβ40), and the critical brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) found in memory-related brain areas like the hippocampus and amygdala. BDNF plays a pivotal role in cognition and neuronal survival, and low levels are linked to memory loss in various neurodegenerative conditions and age-related cognitive deficits. Neuroinflammation is another contributing factor to dementia, with increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease.
These findings have fueled our motivation to press forward with another large-scale Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) dedicated to dementia research
- Frederik Errebo, Head of Nutraceuticals at Akay
The participants who received CurQfen experienced something truly remarkable—significant reductions in tau-proteins and Aβ42 levels, coupled with remarkable enhancements in BDNF.
When compared to those in the standard curcumin complex and placebo groups, these findings are nothing short of groundbreaking. They represent compelling molecular evidence for the potential to delay the onset and progression of dementia.
The implications of these results are profound and underscore the importance of delivering curcumin in its free (unconjugated) form. This form is not only capable of permeating the blood-brain barrier (BBB) but also possesses potent anti-amyloid properties.
“These findings have fueled our motivation to press forward with another large-scale Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) dedicated to dementia research," said Frederik Errebo, Head of Nutraceuticals at Akay (Part of Oterra group).
The study was conducted by a team of researchers from the Center for Neuroscience at Cochin University of Science and Technology, in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s and Related Diseases Society of India, Kochi, and received support from Akay, India, in terms of research and development.
In an extra layer of consideration for the well-being of dementia patients, sachets were chosen as the delivery method, as swallowing tablets, capsules, and even gummies posed potential risks.
