Can turmeric boost beneficial bacteria in the gut? Study sheds light

The findings were published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics.

Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, has been shown, in certain studies, to have antimicrobial properties, particularly against harmful bacteria in the gut. By inhibiting the growth of these harmful bacteria, curcumin may create a more favourable environment for the growth and proliferation of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Additionally, curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the gut and support a healthier microbial balance.

While curcumin has gained prominence in treatments to combat inflammatory intestinal disorders, its bioavailability -- amount reaching the site of physiological activity -- is low when administered orally and even lower in patients with inflammatory conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and others.

"The research comprised two stages. The first entailed producing a nanoemulsion to deliver the curcumin. In the second, we evaluated its stability, morphology and physicochemical properties," said Lizziane Eller, a professor at University of Western Sao Paulo and the last author of the study.

For the study, researchers induced intestinal inflammation in mice using the drug indomethacin followed by administering curcumin nano-emulsion orally for 14 days.

By analysing intestinal inflammation at the end of this period, the team found that after the drug caused damage, the nanoemulsion changed the gut microbiota of mice by enhancing the presence of beneficial bacteria along with "effectively" improving the bioavailability of curcumin.

"The nanoemulsion didn't lead to a significant improvement in the intestinal inflammation but the relative abundance of Lactobacillus bacteria was about 25 per cent higher in the mice treated with curcumin nanoemulsion than in the control group," said Eller.

The findings highlighted the importance of developing novel formulations to enhance the efficacy of curcumin in preventing and treating inflammatory bowel disease, given that the compound has proved as a valid alternative to existing treatments which are expensive and produce significant side effects.

Reference: Journal: International Journal of Pharmaceutics.