Curcumin - Natural Compound from Turmeric

Curcumin is a natural compound found in turmeric, a spice widely used in cooking and traditional medicine. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, potentially offering various health benefits such as reducing inflammation and improving cognitive function.

Curcumin FAQ

Image credit: arthritiswa.org.au

What is curcumin used for?

Curcumin, which represents about 2–8% of most turmeric preparations, gives turmeric its distinct color and flavor ( 5 ). In its own right, curcumin is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and antioxidant effects ( 6, 7 ). Turmeric is used to treat many health problems, such as skin and digestive issues.

Is curcumin a lipid?

Curcumin is the primary bioactive substance in turmeric. It has anti-inflammatory properties, and there is decent evidence that it can alleviate various conditions, from chronic pain to depression. Curcumin has poor bioavailability on its own, and thus it is often combined with Black Pepper or with lipids. What is curcumin?

Can curcumin be used in clinical trials?

According to a 2017 review of more than 120 studies, curcumin has not been successful in any clinical trial, leading the authors to conclude that "curcumin is an unstable, reactive, non-bioavailable compound and, therefore, a highly improbable lead".