Study highlights BioTurm as a piperine-free alternative for curcumin bioavailability

A recently published study demonstrated the bioavailability and safety of the curcumin ingredient BioTurm from NuAxon Bioscience.¹ BioTurm does not contain piperine (Piper longum), which is used to enhance absorption, a press release from NuAxon Bioscience explained, adding that higher doses of the extract can result in gastrointestinal discomfort for consumers.²

Curcumin, the primary active compound in turmeric, is known for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and therapeutic potential, the study explains, noting that its bioavailability is limited beause of rapid metabolism and reduced solubility, among other factors. Additionally, BioTurm contains ar-turmerone, a turmeric oil compound with the ability to enhance curcumin’s cellular uptake and regulate pathways for inflammatory signaling, the study explains.

Study design: BioTurm compared to curcumin with piperine

The study, “An Open Label, Randomized, Comparative Bioavailability Study of BioTurm™ Extract Versus Curcuma longa Extract With Piperine in Healthy Adult Volunteers,” was published in Cureus in November 2025.

In this study, 14 healthy adult participants ages 21–30 were placed into three groups: one received BioTurm extract (standardized to 45% curcuminoids and 4.5% ar-turmerone), the second received a Curcuma longa combination (95% curcuminoids with 1% piperine), and the third received another Curcuma longa combination (95% curcuminoids with 10% piperine). Each participant was given a single oral dose and plasma concentrations were analyzed from blood samples were taken multiple times over eight hours. The pharmacokinetic profiles of the curcumin extracts were also compared.

Results: bioavailability of BioTurm

Bioavailability was shown to be higher in participants who consumed the BioTurm dose compared to the group with the 1% piperine extract, and comparable to the group with the 10% piperine extract.

Results from the study include:

• In the BioTurm group, the mean peak plasma concentrations were 647.97 ng/mL, in the 1% piperine group it was 10.94 ng/mL, and in the 10% piperine group it was 663.60 ng/mL
• Both piperine groups reached maximum concentrations at four hours after the dose
• Concentrations of ar-turmerone was detected in plasma in the BioTurm group for eight hours after the dose, peaking at two hours

The results pointed to the ar-turmerone and curcuminoids in BioTurm as an effective alternative to piperine-based formulas, the researchers stated. “The findings suggest a synergistic role of ar-turmerone in enhancing curcumin absorption, supporting the value of a natural, whole-extract approach that aligns with clean-label product development and long-term safety considerations,” they concluded, adding that future studies to substantiate the results should include a larger cohort and multi-dose designs, while also evaluating the broader therapeutic applicability.

“The findings of this study contributed valuable insights to the growing body of research on curcumin bioavailability enhancement strategies and will have significant implications for the development of more effective curcumin-based therapeutic interventions,” they added.

No adverse events or serious adverse events were reported in any of the groups.

Impact for curcumin supplements

The press release states that the absence of piperine in the ingredient could result in significant cost savings for manufacturers and a more effective product for consumers.

“The botanicals industry at large lacks sufficient scientific backing for some claims, impacting credibility broadly,” stated Devendra Soman, marketing director. “At NuAxon, we only make claims supported by strong scientific evidence, and the publication of our recent clinical study is one way we’re showing our commitment to transparency and authenticity – two values that are core to the company.”

BioTurm was recently showcased at SupplySide Global 2025, as an ingredient featured in the hangover prevention supplement Party Fit.³

References

1. Malhotra, V.K.; Deshpande, A.C.; Tamoli, S.; Shinde, R.S; Soman, AD. An Open Label, Randomized, Comparative Bioavailability Study of BioTurm™ Extract Versus Curcuma longa Extract With Piperine in Healthy Adult Volunteers. Cureus. 2025. 17(11): e97127. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.97127
2. NuAxon Biosciences Inc. NuAxon Bioscience Announces Published Clinical Study for BioTurm™. December 17, 2025. (Accessed 2025-12-18).
3. Colli, M. NuAxon Bioscience Inc. to unveil new BacoZen research at SupplySide Global 2025, October 28, 2025. https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/nuaxon-bioscience-inc-to-unveil-new-bacozen-research-at-supplyside-global-2025 (Accessed 2025-12-18).