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Curcumin: What It Is, What It Brings and How to Choose a Supplement
from Curcuma longa · Also known as Curcuminoids, diferuloylmethane
Curcumin is the concentrated yellow pigment isolated from turmeric and the compound at the centre of most turmeric research. Modern curcumin products combine a measured dose with smart delivery, so the body can make the most of every capsule.
What is curcumin?
Curcumin is the principal curcuminoid in turmeric root and the compound responsible for its deep yellow colour. Supplement manufacturers extract and concentrate it, so a curcumin capsule can contain many times the curcuminoid load of a spoonful of turmeric powder.
Curcumin is fat-soluble, which is why formulators pair it with phospholipid complexes, micellar preparations or black pepper extract to help the body take it up.
Traditional and regional use
Curcumin is the modern concentrate of a very old ingredient: whole turmeric, used as a spice and colouring agent across the Indian Ocean trade routes that reached the East African coast.
What is curcumin known for?
Good to know. Supplements containing curcumin are food supplements, so their labels describe support for everyday wellbeing.
Curcumin has been examined in human trials for joint comfort, exercise-related soreness and general wellbeing, and individual trials have reported positive results.
Much of the research focuses on delivery formats, which is why curcumin products today are carefully designed for absorption.
As a food supplement, curcumin supports everyday wellbeing and sits alongside any treatment a doctor has prescribed.
How is it used in supplements?
Curcumin is the anchor ingredient in most premium joint and active-lifestyle formulas. Doses in trials commonly sit in the hundreds of milligrams to low grams per day; the amount per capsule is printed on the pack.
Forms and sources
- Standardised 95 % curcuminoid extract
- Phytosome or phospholipid complexes
- Micellar or liquid preparations
- Curcumin with piperine
Safety
- Generally well tolerated in trials at commonly used doses over periods of weeks to months.
- Keep to the daily amount on the label.
- Rare liver reactions have been reported with concentrated turmeric and curcumin products; stop and see a doctor if you notice unusual tiredness, dark urine or yellowing of the eyes.
Possible side effects
Digestive discomfort, nausea and loose stools are the most frequently reported. Headache and skin rash have also been described.
Interactions
May be relevant with anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, some chemotherapy agents and medicines with a narrow therapeutic window. Ask a pharmacist to review your list.
Who should seek professional advice
People on blood thinners, people with bile duct obstruction or gallstones, anyone about to have surgery, and anyone pregnant or breastfeeding.
How to choose a supplement containing curcumin
- Look for curcumin paired with an absorption partner such as black pepper extract.
- Take it every day with a meal, at the amount on the label, and give it a full course.
- Amounts per capsule are printed on the pack; the adviser reads them out on the confirmation call.
Products containing curcumin
Products documented in African markets whose supplier material names this ingredient.
Supplement categories using this ingredient
Related health topics
Frequently asked questions
How much curcumin is in a teaspoon of turmeric?
Roughly a few per cent of the powder weight. A curcumin capsule concentrates that into a convenient, measured daily amount.
Should I take curcumin with food?
Many manufacturers suggest taking it with a meal containing some fat, because curcumin is fat-soluble. Follow the specific label instructions for the product you buy.
Related ingredients
References
- NCCIH — Turmeric
- NCCIH — Herbs at a Glance — US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: plain-language summaries of what is known about individual botanicals.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — fact sheets — Nutrient-by-nutrient fact sheets with intake levels and interaction notes.
- How we choose sources
Medical disclaimer. BioMedic Africa publishes consumer health information and supplement research summaries. It is not a pharmacy, a clinic or a medicines regulator, and nothing here is a diagnosis, a prescription or a treatment plan. Dietary supplements are foods, not medicines: they are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Speak with a pharmacist or a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, under 18, living with a long-term condition, or taking prescription medication.