Tetrahydrocurcuminoids CG: Bioactive Antioxidant Compounds from Curcuminoids

Tetrahydrocurcuminoids (THC)*, a colorless hydrogenated product derived from the yellow curcuminoids, (the biologically active principles from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa), function as efficient antioxidant compounds. The superior antioxidant property of THC, combined with the lack of yellow color, render this product useful in achromatic food and cosmetic applications that currently employ conventional synthetic antioxidants. Curcuminoids are reported to be potent antioxidant compounds by virtue of their molecular structure. THC have also shown significant antioxidant action in a number of in vitro and preclinical studies.

Tetrahydrocurcuminoids are valued as the ultimate metabolites of the Curcuminoids in vivo. The poor circulating bioavailability of the parent curcuminoids, often attributed to their limited uptake due to poor water solubility, often impairs their biological effects in vivo. If supplied as their ultimate metabolites, this problem could be overcome. Substantial beneficial effects could be achieved with lower levels of these active metabolites as compared to the parent compounds. Several independent studies reported the significant antioxidant effects of the Tetrahydrocurcuminoids.