Turmeric Root Extract
Specifications of Turmeric Root Extract
Chemical Stability: Curcuminoids are stable at high temperatures and in acidic conditions but unstable in alkaline conditions and when exposed to light.
Bulk Density: Loose bulk density around 0.35 to 0.60 g/ml
Loss on Drying: Typically ≤ 5%, ensuring powder stability.
What is Turmeric Root Extract
Turmeric Root Extract is a concentrated botanical extract derived from the root (rhizome) of the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa). It is primarily valued for its bioactive compounds, especially curcuminoids and essential oils.
Physical Properties
Appearance: Bright yellow to yellow-orange fine powder (when dry extract).
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol, hexane, diethyl ether, chloroform, petroleum ether, and carbon tetrachloride.
Color and Taste: Characteristic turmeric odor, mild and not pungent in oil; bitter taste in dry powder.
Nutritional Information
Turmeric Root Extract offers a wide range of scientifically supported health benefits, mainly attributed to its active compound curcumin and other curcuminoids:
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Turmeric is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that helps reduce inflammation in chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis and ulcerative colitis. It blocks various inflammatory molecules, which may also ease pain and joint stiffness.
Antioxidant Properties: Curcumin is a strong antioxidant that neutralizes harmful free radicals and can boost the body’s own antioxidant enzymes, helping protect cells from oxidative stress and damage linked to aging and diseases.
Brain Health and Cognitive Function: Turmeric may improve memory and cognitive function by reducing brain inflammation and increasing levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports the growth of new neurons. This could potentially delay or reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, although more evidence is needed.
Cardiovascular Benefits: It may lower the risk of heart disease by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and improving cholesterol profiles. Some studies reported reduced risk of heart attacks and lower blood fat levels with turmeric supplementation.
Mood Improvement and Depression: Curcumin may raise levels of brain neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which can help reduce symptoms of depression, especially when combined with antidepressant medications.
Cancer Prevention Potential: Early research suggests turmeric might slow the growth and spread of certain cancer cells, particularly digestive system cancers. More clinical studies are needed to confirm this benefit.
Digestive Health: Turmeric may aid in digestion and reduce symptoms of indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It has also been found helpful in reducing mouth sores associated with cancer treatments.
Blood Sugar and Metabolic Health: Some evidence indicates turmeric may help lower blood sugar and triglyceride levels, which are risk factors for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
Support for Joint Health: Turmeric extracts can reduce pain and improve function in people with arthritis, potentially comparable to some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), though effects vary.
Turmeric Root Extract Benefits
Saw Palmetto Extract offers several potential health benefits, primarily linked to its content of fatty acids, phytosterols (notably beta-sitosterol), and other bioactive compounds. Key benefits supported by research include:
Hair Loss Prevention: Saw palmetto may block 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with hair loss. This can reduce DHT’s effect on hair follicles, leading to improved hair quality and density. Studies have reported increased hair count and reduced hair fall with saw palmetto supplementation.
Improved Urinary Tract Function: It may help alleviate urinary symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), such as incomplete bladder emptying and frequent urination, by relaxing smooth muscles and possibly reducing inflammation in the urinary tract. Some clinical trials demonstrated improved urine flow and quality of life, though results across studies vary.
Prostate Health Support: Saw palmetto has been used traditionally and studied for its potential to support prostate health by reducing inflammation, blocking DHT effects, and possibly preventing the progression of BPH, which is prostate gland enlargement common in older men. The evidence is mixed but promising for symptom relief and inflammation reduction.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Animal and early human studies suggest saw palmetto can decrease inflammation markers, particularly in prostate tissue, which may contribute to reducing swelling and discomfort associated with BPH.
Testosterone Regulation: By inhibiting the conversion of testosterone into DHT, saw palmetto may help maintain testosterone levels, which influence body composition, mood, sex drive, and brain function. Some studies noted increases in serum testosterone with supplementation.