Saffron or Turmeric! Are they the same thing?
January 07, 2024
Saffron is a spice that has been used for thousands of years in South Asian cuisine. Curcumin is the most biologically active compound of
Scientific studies reveal how curcumin works to reduce the risk of a variety of age-related effects.1-6 But curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream.7 To obtain its benefits, better forms of curcumin with improved bioavailability are needed. To assess the efficacy of this new curcumin, several clinical trials measured its effects on age-related factors that diminish healthy life expectancy. Some highlights from human studies using this new curcumin include: 5,6,8-11
What is the significance of these improvements? They represent the potential reversal of various aging biomarkers. This includes reducing homocysteine, promoting arterial health, and improving inflammatory responses, as well as increases in beneficial HDL cholesterol and quality of life scores.
These improvements are related to published studies revealing curcumin's potential to reduce the burden of age-related effects.
Curcumin has demonstrated effects in preclinical and animal trials that have led scientists to speculate it may help protect memory function12-18 in humans.
The challenge so far has been to deliver adequate amounts of curcuminoids to brain cells. The intestinal environment alters the composition of curcumin in a way that reduces its bioavailability7,8 for the rest of the body, including the brain.
A current study is looking at brain cell activity before and after oral intake of this new curcumin compound.19
Preliminary results showed remarkably higher brain cell functionality just 30 minutes after ingesting 500 mg of this highly bioavailable curcumin formulation.
These findings suggest that this new form of curcumin provides real-world neurological results, as demonstrated by increased EEG (electroencephalogram) brain activity.
Saffron is a spice that has been used for thousands of years in South Asian cuisine. Curcumin is the most biologically active compound in the saffron plant. Data on curcumin's health benefits have motivated researchers to find better ways to deliver more active "free curcuminoids" into the bloodstream.
In the 1990s, this was achieved by adding piperine, an extract that increased curcumin absorption by mildly irritating the stomach lining. About a decade later, this method was improved by adding saffron oil to increase curcumin absorption by about sevenfold.
It is my pleasure to announce a new patented curcumin formulation, better protected against changes in the intestines that limit systemic benefits. It is also much better absorbed than previous forms. This allows more free curcuminoids to reach cells throughout the body.
Simple saffron intake is a healthy practice, but ideally, we should have curcuminoids with high absorption efficiency for their highly beneficial effects on our health.
This content is part of Clínica Revitalize's commitment to translating science into accessible clinical practice — without losing rigor or depth.