BCM-95 Curcumin Extract Reviews and Supplement Side Effects

BCM-95 is a proprietary curcumin supplement designed to increase the bioavailability of this natural compound. Curcumin is a constituent of turmeric extract (Curcuma longa).

In laboratory and animal experiments, curcumin exhibits a number of potentially useful properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties.

However, curcumin supplements are known for their poor oral bioavailability, which has been a significant barrier to their use in the treatment of disease.

BCM-95 (also known as Biocurcumin) combines curcuminoids with other turmeric compounds and essential oils to improve the absorption of the bioactive molecule.

According to the manufacturer, BCM-95 “is the product of a unique extraction process that brings the curcuminoids and essential oils, like curcumin and Ar-tumerone, to the forefront. The ’95’ in our BCM-95® trademark entails the patented composition of this potent curcumin-essential oil complex (CEC) mixture: 86% curcuminoids, plus up to 7% essential oils.”

There are a number of supplements made with BCM-95® as the active ingredient. These supplements are often formulated with other herbs and vitamins to promote joint comfort, heart health, brain function, digestion, blood sugar regulation and more.

Curcumin

Anti-Inflammatory

Joints

Health

Anti- Aging

How It Works:

• Effective anti-inflammatory supplement
• Shown to improve joint functionality
• Anti-oxidant to supper general health

Dosage:

Between 1 - 3 g per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

Top Curcumin Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

BCM-95 Curcumin

The makers of BCM-95 claim that they are “a 100% Turmeric extract with unparalleled bioactivity.” The supplement is made by combining Ar-turmerone, the essential oil of Turmeric, with curcumin extract.

Some research suggests that only 50 – 60 % of curcumin is absorbed by the body (based on tests using animal models). The low absorption rate may be due to metabolism of curcumin in the intestines, before it has a chance to enter the blood stream.

In an attempt to increase its bioavailability, curcumin is sometimes combined with an extract of black pepper, called piperine; however, piperine has been observed to cause toxicity in some animals and researchers have been investigating other mechanisms to improve the absorption of curcumin.

In preliminary research conducted by the developers of BCM-95 (Arjuna Natural Extracts Ltd.), the absorption rate of the supplement was observed to be as high as 96 %.

In addition, the manufacturers of BCM-95 note that the supplement can be absorbed into the bloodstream and remain circulating at significant levels for up to eight hours. However, more research is needed to verify these observations.

BCM-95 Curcumin Uses

The turmeric plant, Curcuma longa, has been used in traditional medicine and culinary practices for millennia. Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, Siddha and Unani practitioners use turmeric to treat a number of conditions and diseases.

In both Ayurvedic and Chinese herbal medicine, turmeric is used to support liver health and treat jaundice. It has also been used to help digestion, treat gastritis and increase mucus production in the stomach to support digestion. [1]

Curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, is now considered the main bioactive component of the turmeric plant. It is also responsible for the plant’s distinctive yellow color.

Contemporary research reveals that curcumin exhibits both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and many of turmeric’s contemporary uses relate to these characteristics.

Today, curcumin and turmeric supplements like BCM-95 are used for a number of purposes (many relating to inflammation and oxidation).

These include arthritis, dyspepsia, diarrhea, flatulence, liver and gallbladder disorders, skin conditions, inflammation, depression, Alzheimer’s fever and cancer.

BCM-95 Curcumin and Arthritis

Many people use BCM-95 to relieve joint pain and other symptoms of arthritis. Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties have been studied for the treatment of arthritis.

Arthritis is an umbrella term used to describe over 100 separate conditions affecting the joints. A form of arthritis known as osteoarthritis is generally attributed to wear and age.

The condition is characterized by the deterioration of the cartilage that acts as a cushion between the bones in a joint. This causes pain, inflammation and can lead to immobilization.

There is some evidence to suggest that curcumin may be helpful in treating the symptoms of osteoarthritis. In one study, turmeric was observed to reduce knee pain in individuals suffering from osteoarthritis. An Ayurvedic mixture containing turmeric has also been reported to reduce knee pain. [2]

According to the manufacturers, BCM-95 curcumin “greatly enhances the therapeutic benefits of Turmeric.” While this supplement has not been approved for the treatment of arthritis symptoms, user reviews do suggest that it may help.

BCM-95 Curcumin and Cancer

Another reason for taking BCM-95 is for its anti-aging benefits and to protect against oxidative damage that could lead to cancer. Curcumin has attracted considerable attention by cancer researchers looking to develop new products to treat and prevent the condition.

Curcumin has been observed to exhibit a number of anti-cancer properties in laboratory experiments, but more research is needed to understand how supplements like BCM-95 curcumin will work in the human body.

Some of curcumin’s anti-cancer properties may be attributed to its ability to modulate the activities of a number of cells involved in cancer progression and development. In preliminary laboratory studies, curcumin has been observed to:

• inhibit the formation of blood vessels in tumor cells (angiogenesis);
• promote tumor cell apoptosis (cell death);
• control transcription factors, cytokines, protein kinases and other factors involved in the development of cancer;
• induce cysteine aspartic acid proteases (caspases);
• modulate cell cycle activities in tumor cells;
• inhibit the activity of some enzymes involved in inflammation.

Researchers are also interested in curcumin’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties because both oxidation and inflammation are becoming increasingly tied to cancer development and progression.

While laboratory results have been promising, the poor bioavailability of curcumin meant it was difficult to translate these characteristics into useful therapeutic tools.

Curcumin supplements with improved bioavailability like BCM-95 need to be tested before their use in the treatment of any human cancer can be established.

BCM-95 Curcumin Side Effects

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates turmeric as “Likely Safe” when used orally and appropriately. There are few reported side effects and BCM-95 curcumin is generally well tolerated, according to user reviews.

It is important to follow the specific instructions on BCM-95 supplements because the improved bioavailability of curcumin may impact dose recommendations and safety.

Curcumin may interact with a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking BCM-95 curcumin to make sure the supplement is right for you.

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