Augustine Amalraj

Sarcopenia represents the progressive loss of skeletal muscles, which occurs as a result of aging. Plant-derived phytochemicals have the potential ability to manage sarcopenial conditions. The randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical study involving thirty subjects evaluated the efficacy of Cureit™ supplementation in the management of sarcopenial conditions by measuring the variables, such as hand grip strength, weight lift strength, time/distance before feeling tired after cycling, walking and climbing stairs, and Karnofsky performance scale index along with effects on general fitness, such as protein, urea, oxidative stress, and hematology parameters. The results showed that Cureit supplementation resulted in a significant increase of 1.43% (P < .001) in the handgrip strength compared with placebo. The weight-lifting capacity of subjects supplemented with Cureit showed an increase of 6.08%, whereas placebo showed a 4.54% decrease after the end of the study period. The results demonstrated that the Cureit tended to have a positive impact on distance covered before feeling tired as shown by an increase (P = .09) of 5.51%, compared with placebo group, which showed an increase of 2.29%. The time taken to walk the same distance was reduced in the Cureit group (1.15%), whereas in the placebo group, it was increased (2.02%). Cureit plays a significant role in the management of sarcopenia by anti-inflammatory action, increased hand grip strength, antifatigue effects, and muscle protein management. Clinical Trials Registry-India registration no. CTRI/2018/05/014176

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a complex spreading out, which is related to swelling of muscles, tenderness, rigidity, pain, disruption of muscle fiber, alteration in the kinematics of joint, acute tissue damage, and reduction in power and strength. β-Caryophyllene (BCP), a potent phytocannabinoid, could play an important role in managing DOMS because of its wide diversity of biological activities, particularly its anti-inflammatory activity; however, its poor stability in light, temperature, high volatility, and insolubility can restrict the medical practices. In this study, liposomal β-caryophyllene (Rephyll) was designed and established in powder form constructed by the nanofiber weaving technology to improve the bioavailability of BCP with improved stability. Rephyll was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry studies. Encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, and in vitro release studies revealed that Rephyll can be an auspicious drug delivery arrangement for BCP. The effects of Rephyll were evaluated by a randomized, double-blinded, crossover-designed, placebo-controlled study. The oral consumption of Rephyll significantly reduced the pain visual assessment score, revealing that Rephyll effectively reduced DOMS with improved recovery without any side effects due to the bioavailable form of the phytocannabinoid BCP in the liposomal powder formulation.

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a multifactorial progression related to muscle pain, swelling, stiffness, tenderness, altered joint kinematics, muscle fiber disruption, decreased strength and power, and acute tissue damage. Curcumin, a natural phytonutrient, could manage DOMS induced by eccentric continuous exercise due to its wide range of biological activities. This study was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical study to assess the efficacy of Cureit™—a bioavailable form of curcumin that may decrease damage from inflammation and oxidative stress associated with severe muscle damage induced by continuous eccentric exercise. The results of the study showed that oral consumption of Cureit significantly reduced DOMS, slightly reduced creatinine kinase concentrations, and slightly increased VO₂ max value compared with placebo, and found safe for administration. The consumption of Cureit led to improved recovery and reduction of DOMS without any side effects due to the enhancement of bioavailable form of curcumin.