Origin: a Latin derivative
meaning "Gift of the Earth."
Contributed by Dr. Damian Rodriguez, DHSc, MS
The rhizome (stem) of the Curcuma longa plant has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional health practices. Its most beneficial compounds were first isolated in 1815 by French chemists, but it has taken modern research to discover how to best take advantage of its wide spectrum of benefits. Previous turmeric dietary supplements could only offer high concentrations of curcuminoids (in the extract) or turmerones (in the essential oil), while trying to ensure that the compounds are recognized, absorbed, and used properly by the body. doTERRA didn’t want you to have to choose between benefits, so we developed a solution with the Turmeric Dual Chamber Capsules.
The doTERRA Turmeric Dual Chamber Capsule combines the essential oil that is steam distilled from the stems of the Curcuma longa plant and the extract, in a revolutionary new oral delivery system, which takes advantage of the best nature and modern science has to offer. The power of Turmeric resides in its concentration of two unique families of compounds, curcuminoids and turmerones.
Curcuminoids are active compounds that are found in turmeric extract. Though curcumin is the most well-known, abundant, and researched compound, this family of phenols also includes demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Human clinical research has shown that oral consumption of curcumin helps support the body’s internal antioxidant system1.* Other clinical research has provided evidence that ingesting curcumin can help soothe overworked muscles and help keep joints flexible and resilient due to its ability to support healthy inflammatory response2,3.* Curcumin provides amazing benefits for those dealing with the side effects of an active lifestyle, but bioavailability is a concern. In vivo studies have shown that it is particularly difficult to reach adequate levels of curcumin in the blood when it is ingested4. To address this issue, most curcumin oral preparations are combined with other extracts (especially that of black pepper), but combining these extracts can cause inhibition of the CYP450 3A4 pathway, which research has shown may increase the risk for toxicity5. Despite all the benefits, without a good delivery system, ingestion of curcumin may actually be detrimental to health. That’s why the dual chamber capsule is so great, it provides an effective and safe way to experience the benefits of curcuminoids.
While curcuminoid molecules are too large to be volatilized during the steam distillation process and therefore should not exist in high quality Turmeric essential oil, Turmeric essential oil does contain other compounds that have beneficial properties. Turmerones are the most prominent volatile aromatic compounds contained within Turmeric essential oil. The most abundant turmerone in Turmeric is ar-Turmerone, which has been shown in experimental research to support cellular, immune system, and nervous system function when taken internally6-8.* Most fascinating of all, experimental research suggests that when combined, ar-Turmerone may increase the bioavailability of curcumin, allowing it to reach systemic circulation and exert its beneficial biological activities.*
The outer layer of the Turmeric Dual Chamber Capsule contains Turmeric root essential oil, standardized for 70 percent turmerones. The inner chamber contains turmeric extract with a 95 percent concentration of curcuminoids. These capsules provide the most beneficial components of turmeric in a convenient oral delivery system that simultaneously improves bioavailability. To enjoy the benefits of the Turmeric Dual Chamber Capsules, try one of the following: