Curcumin C3 Complex for health and wellness

Consumer awareness of the potential health benefits of turmeric and its bioactive curcuminoids has surged in recent years, supported by a growing body of scientific evidence.

In the US, turmeric is a top-selling dietary supplement with demand growing annually.¹ The popular botanical, which is extracted from the rhizome (roots) of Curcuma longa L, has been used for centuries as a remedy for inflammation, thanks to its bioactive compounds, including curcuminoids.²

Curcumin, the primary curcuminoid in turmeric, acts as potent antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress. It is widely recognized for its ability to support joint health safely, among other benefits, across a diverse age range.

“Curcumin aligns with the growing trend of consumers seeking clinically proven, safe, and natural dietary solutions for health and wellness needs,” says Dr. Anurag Pande, Vice President of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs at Sabinsa.

“The sustained popularity of curcumin products is driven by its wide-ranging health and beauty benefits, scientific validation through published clinical trials and peer-reviewed studies, and increased bioavailability – such as when curcumin is combined with black pepper extract.”

Curcumin C3 Complex® combines curcumin with two naturally-occurring curcuminoids – demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) – which are typically extracted together as part of curcuminoid pharmaco-crystals essential to the effectiveness of curcumin in Curcumin C3 Complex®. They also ensure optimal potency and enhanced physiological stability.

“Although often considered minor components within the curcuminoid group, desmethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin play a significant role in supporting curcumin’s biological activity, physiological stability, and broadening its spectrum of bioactivity,” explains Dr. Pande.

Curcumin C3 Complex® supplementation has been scientifically proven to support a healthy inflammation response and promote healthy aging, both of which are vital for maintaining an active lifestyle.

Curcumin C3 Complex®: Why a reputable supplier is key

For manufacturers and distributors in the supplement industry, ensuring the authenticity of raw materials is vital. In recent years, the commercial production of turmeric-based supplements has been challenged by issues of authenticity, particularly due to adulteration aimed at reducing production costs.³

The adulteration of curcuminoids with synthetic analogs not only compromises product safety but also damages brand reputation, eroding consumer trust and posing significant health risks. “Adulteration undermines the perceived effectiveness of turmeric products, leading to consumer disappointment and potential harm,” Dr. Pande mentions.

“For manufacturers and marketers, identifying these illicit substances presents an added challenge. Standard HPLC analysis cannot detect synthetic curcumin, requiring more sophisticated testing methods, such as C14 isotope analysis, to accurately detect the presence of synthetic analogs.”

In 2015 Sabinsa was the company that sounded the alarm about synthetic curcumin in the market and has implemented mandatory C14 testing for all Curcumin C3 Complex® lots to ensure product authenticity and safety.

By sourcing from a reputable supplier, manufacturers can be confident in receiving a high-quality, safe, and standardized product with verified potency. They will also be assured that the product has undergone rigorous third-party testing and certification, meeting strict quality control standards to ensure it is free from adulterants, and comply with regulatory requirements for heavy metals, and microbial and residual solvent levels common to poorly regulated sources.

Trusted suppliers like Sabinsa also adhere to strict regulatory standards and ethical sourcing practices that do not compromise traceability, supporting both consumer health and sustainable production.

Enhancement in physical mobility

Sabinsa’s Curcumin C3 Complex® has demonstrated significant health benefits in multiple clinical studies. Recent research highlights its potential to support physical function, muscle strength, and cardiometabolic health in a population with metabolic imbalances.

A 2023 pilot trial, published in the Journal of Frailty and Aging, explored whether curcumin supplementation could help manage inflammation – a key factor in the decline of physical mobility – and whether it could be an effective strategy for maintaining physical function in older adults with low-grade inflammation.⁴

This randomized, double-blind study involved 17 participants, ages 66 to 94, with low physical performance (Short Physical Performance Battery, SPPB <10) and low-grade systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein >1mg/dL). Over 12 weeks, participants received either 1000 mg/day of Curcumin C3 Complex or a placebo.

The study uniquely quantified functional outcomes in a consistent and reproducible manner using validated metrics such as the SPPB, flexion peak torque, and knee extension, adding further credibility to the study’s findings. The findings highlighted positive changes in inflammatory markers, including reduced galectin-3 levels and smaller increases in interleukin-6.

“While previous studies have established curcumin’s potential benefits for a healthy inflammatory response and joint health across various populations, this study is particularly noteworthy for its unique patient group – moderately functioning, sedentary adults aged 65 and older,” says Dr. Pande.

“The results also confirmed that Curcumin C3 Complex® supplementation was both safe and well tolerated by this age group, further validating its potential as a beneficial product for supporting physical function in older adults.”

Supporting cardiometabolic health

In addition to exploring its potential benefits for physical function, Curcumin C3 Complex® has also been studied to assess its positive impact on cardiometabolic health. A 2022 blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial examined the impact of Curcumin C3 Complex® on cardiometabolic health in Brazilian women with high waist circumference.⁵ Participants received a daily dose of 500 mg of Curcumin C3 Complex® for 90 days.

Several factors were evaluated before and after intervention including: body weight; height, body mass index; waist circumference; body fat; fat-free mass; fasting glucose; lipid profile; total cholesterol; HDL-c and LDL-c; physical activity levels; and food intake.

Results showed a significant reduction in fasting glucose levels, total cholesterol and triglycerides, with no adverse effects reported, emphasizing curcumin’s potential as a universal solution for addressing global health challenges such as metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular health.

“This study provides compelling evidence that a single 500 mg dose of Curcumin C3 Complex® improves key cardiometabolic health markers, including lipid profiles and blood glucose levels,” Dr. Pande remarks.

“While previous studies have suggested similar benefits across various age groups and ethnic populations, this study is notable for its robust methodology, which included a randomized controlled design, biomarker analysis, and the use of a single daily dose of Curcumin C3 Complex®.”

Scientific expertize and robust R&D

Sabinsa is a research-driven multinational health science company specializing in nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals and herbal extracts. With its strong expertize in curcumin, the company has established itself as a leader in the field and has a long history in pioneering the growth of this powerful plant extract.

Standardization in dietary supplements, including Curcumin C3 Complex®, was a core concept that Sabinsa embraced since its inception. Analytical research and development is a key component of the company’s scientific process, helping to identify the right biomarkers and establish robust analytical methods to ensure the highest quality of its products, including Curcumin C3 Complex®.

“At Sabinsa, from the outset of turmeric scientific research, we have focused on preserving the natural composition of curcuminoids. This approach distinguishes C3 Complex as a standardized, well-balanced extract with proven safety and potency profiles,” says Dr. Pande.

“By delivering consistent levels of active curcuminoids, Curcumin C3 Complex® meets the highest global regulatory standards. This reliability has garnered the trust of both manufacturers and consumers, as well as research institutions, facilitating its inclusion in numerous clinical studies worldwide.”

Additionally, Sabinsa’s rigorous supply chain management begins at the source and plays a key role in safeguarding product quality. Much of the turmeric used in Curcumin C3 Complex® is sourced through Sabinsa’s fair-trade contract farming program, ensuring a reliable supply of high-quality turmeric.

Beyond supply chain control, Sabinsa’s expertize extends to the scientific formulation of optimal compositions. After a comprehensive review of safety and toxicology data by an independent panel of scientists, Curcumin C3 Complex® has been FDA-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) since 2013.

“The composition is specific to the curcumin, DMC, and BDMC ratios provided by Sabinsa, which are consistent across our 110+ studies and hundreds of other studies done on curcuminoids worldwide,” confirms Dr Pande.

“This ratio is clinically proven and GRAS affirmed - any other set of ratios becomes out of spec and not consistent with any safe and effective evidence.”

Manufactured in FDA-inspected, USP-GMP and FSSC 22000:2005 certified facilities, the product undergoes stringent testing to ensure it is free from pesticides and aflatoxins, ensuring product quality. Each batch undergoes mandatory testing for heavy metals, residual solvents, and microorganisms to ensure full compliance with global standards. Sabinsa’s curcumin is the most clinically studied natural antioxidant that supports a healthy inflammatory response with a variety of health benefits, backed by over 110 studies, the original patented 95% extract, and 100% natural Carbon-14 (14C) verified.

The demonstrated effects of Curcumin C3 Complex® in enhancing physical function, particularly in the geriatric population, create exciting opportunities for product innovation in the dietary supplement space. Specifically, curcumin’s potential in healthy aging, wellness products and active lifestyle supplements presents a unique market opportunity, especially in products designed to support mobility and independence in older adults.

This emerging market niche provides manufacturers with the chance to tap into new and growing consumer segments, offering a natural approach to harnessing longevity and healthy aging.

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