What significant hurdle limits the systemic therapeutic effect of orally consumed curcumin?
Answer
Low bioavailability, meaning a large portion passes through the digestive system without entering the bloodstream.
A major practical challenge when utilizing curcumin for systemic health benefits is its poor absorption characteristics when taken orally. This low bioavailability signifies that a substantial quantity of the compound is not successfully transferred from the digestive tract into the systemic circulation where it can reach target tissues. This necessitates strategies, such as combining it with piperine or dietary fat, to ensure that enough of the active substance is absorbed to potentially achieve therapeutic concentrations required for treating specific conditions.
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