Herbal medicines such as Curcuma longa (Turmeric) and Boswellia serrata (Boswellia) have demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. However, their clinical efficacy is somewhat limited by poor bioavailability, due to low solubility, rapid metabolism, and inadequate absorption.^{1, 2} To overcome these challenges, bioavailability-enhanced formulations like FenuMAT™ technology offer a promising solution for health professionals seeking optimal patient outcomes.

FenuMAT™ Technology: A Novel Approach

FenuMAT™ is an advanced formulation technology that utilises Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) galactomannans as a delivery matrix to enhance the bioavailability of hydrophobic compounds. This natural Fenugreek fibre forms an emulsifying hydrogel, which protects lipophilic phytochemicals from degradation in the upper gastrointestinal tract. It also increases attachment to the gastric mucosa, allowing slow release into the epithelium and promoting direct absorption into circulation and the lymphatic system.³ This results in:

1. Increased solubility and absorption

The Fenugreek-based matrix improves water dispersion and micellar formation, facilitating gastrointestinal absorption.

1. Sustained release and stability

Encapsulation within galactomannans protects the bioactives from premature metabolism, enhancing systemic availability.

Harnessing this technology, CurQfen™ and BosQfen™ are unique, highly bioavailable forms of curcumin and boswellic acids, respectively. Differentiating it from other forms of curcumin, CurQfen has demonstrated 45-times greater systemic bioavailability of free curcumin⁴ and can readily permeate the blood brain barrier.⁵ Similarly, BosQfen also crosses the blood brain barrier and demonstrates greater bioavailability than other forms of Boswellia,⁶ with the absorption of acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA) enhanced 6.9-fold.⁷ By combining Turmeric and Boswellia with FenuMAT technology, CurQfen and BosQfen ensure the absorption of active constituents and provide targeted protection against neuroinflammation.

Clinical Implications for Health Professionals

FenuMAT-enhanced curcumin and Boswellia formulations provide a superior alternative to conventional extracts, allowing lower doses to achieve higher therapeutic efficacy. These advancements may support the management of chronic inflammatory conditions and neurodegenerative disorders. Early trials are finding significant benefits in this area. For example, a randomised clinical trial in 48 patients with moderate dementia found that supplementation with CurcQfen significantly delayed the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, improving both cognitive function and locomotor function.⁸

For health professionals, integrating bioavailability-enhanced phytochemical formulations into clinical practice represents a significant step toward maximizing natural therapeutic potential and improving patient outcomes.

References

¹ Al-Twalah W, Al-Sowayan NS The effect of curcumin on Alzheimer’s disease. Adv Aging Res. 2024;13:136-148. DOI: 10.4236/aar.2024.136010

² Karima S, Aghamollaii V, Mahmoodi Baram S, Balenci L, Lanctôt KL, Kiss A et al. Boswellic acids improve clinical cognitive scores and reduce systemic inflammation in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. JAD. 2023 Jan 1;94(1):359-70.

³ Akay Natural Ingredients. FENUMAT ™ – A green approach in phyto & micro-nutrients delivery. AKAY Flavours & Aromatics Pvt Ltd, India, July 2022 [cited Jan 20, 2025]. Available from: https://www.akay-group.com/fenumat-green-approach-phyto-micro-nutrients-delivery

⁴ Kumar D, Jacob D, Subash PS, Maliakkal A, Johannah NM, Kuttan R, et al. Enhanced bioavailability and relative distribution of free (unconjugated) curcuminoids following the oral administration of a food-grade formulation with fenugreek dietary fibre: a randomised double-blind crossover study. J Funct Foods. 2016 Apr 1;22:578-87.

⁵ Krishnakumar IM, Maliakel A, Gopakumar G, Kumar D, Maliakel B, Kuttan R. Improved blood–brain-barrier permeability and tissue distribution following the oral administration of a food-grade formulation of curcumin with fenugreek fibre. J Funct Foods. 2015 Apr 1;14:215-25.

⁶ Akay Natural Ingredients. Unpublished study report. AKAY Flavours & Aromatics Pvt Ltd, India, 2022.

⁷ Abhilash MB, Kumar D, Deepti A, Nair A, Greet V, An-Katrien V, et al. Enhanced absorption of curcuminoids and 3-Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid from fenugreek galactomannan hydrogel beadlets:

A natural approach to the co-delivery of lipophilic phytonutrients. J Funct Foods. 2021 Apr 1;79:104405.

⁸ Das SS, Gopal PM, Thomas JV, Mohan MC, Thomas SC, Maliakel BP et al. Influence of CurQfen®-curcumin on cognitive impairment: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, 3-arm, 3-sequence comparative study. Front. Dement. 2023;2:1222708.

DOI: 10.3389/frdem.2023.1222708