Ulcer-healing dairy supplement leverages nanotech to squeeze the most of its ‘golden’ ingredient

Curcumin, a major component of the turmeric plant and known for its yellow pigmentation, has been the subject of numerous studies looking into its medical properties, particularly its gastroprotective and antiulcerogenic effects. Curcumin also has anti-bacterial properties and can inhibit the formation of the bacteria responsible for ulcer formation.

Castoma’s supplement uses curcumin as its main ingredient. The company states that it is an effective solution against inflammation and can heal ulcers whilst reducing the levels of gastric acid and pepsin in the stomach and increasing mucus concentrations.

But coming up with the product, there was an obvious challenge to solve – curcumin’s low solubility and absorption properties of less than 1%.

To improve both metrics, the company resorted to nanotechnology, essentially shrinking down the molecules of the natural ingredient into nanoparticles – ‘nano curcumin’ as the company calls it – which in turn led to improved absorption and effectiveness.

“Based on the effective anti-inflammatory ability of quantum nanoparticles, they go deep into the stomach and inhibit the growth of HP bacteria - a harmful agent that accounts for up to 80% of the causes of illness in people with stomach diseases nowadays,” the company said.