Turmeric / Curcumin

• Culinary spice and natural food coloring (primary real-world use)
• Knee and joint osteoarthritis pain (evidence is for concentrated extracts, not whole spice)
• General anti-inflammatory dietary adjunct (preliminary)
• Digestive and liver support (traditional Ayurvedic and jamu use)
• Topical and wound applications (traditional South Asian use)

Turmeric is the rhizome of Curcuma longa, a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) native to South and Southeast Asia and cultivated in India for more than four thousand years. Ayurvedic medicine has used turmeric under the Sanskrit name Haridra for an enormous range of indications, inflammatory conditions, digestive disorders, wound healing, skin conditions, respiratory disease. The bright orange-yellow color reflects substantial polyphenolic pigment content, particularly the three major curcuminoids: curcumin (diferuloylmethane, the dominant compound), demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Standardized commercial extracts typically specify "95% curcuminoids" indicating the total curcuminoid content; the relative ratios across the three vary by extraction method and source material. Beyond curcuminoids, turmeric rhizome contains aromatic turmerones (turmerone, ar-turmerone, curlone) in the essential oil fraction, polysaccharides, and various minor compounds. The pharmacology centers overwhelmingly on curcumin, characterized as one of the most pleiotropic anti-inflammatory molecules in nature, with documented effects on NF-kB signaling, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), lipoxygenase pathways, inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, multiple interleukins, and numerous transcription factors. The breadth of pharmacological targets is genuinely remarkable; mechanism-translation to consistent clinical outcomes has been more variable. The overwhelming practical challenge in turmeric/curcumin pharmacology is bioavailability. Free curcumin from standard turmeric or 95% curcuminoid extracts has poor oral absorption (peak plasma concentrations typically <10 nanomolar, undetectable in some users), rapid hepatic and intestinal metabolism (glucuronidation and sulfation), and rapid systemic clearance, making plasma concentrations from standard supplementation inadequate to support the in vitro pharmacology. The pharmaceutical industry has developed multiple enhanced bioavailability formulations addressing this challenge through different chemistry: piperine co-administration (BioPerine, the foundational bioavailability enhancement strategy from Shoba 1998 demonstrating 2000% increase in plasma curcumin); phospholipid complexes (Meriva, BCM-95, Theracurmin, Indena and similar pharmaceutical-grade preparations); nanoparticulate formulations (Theracurmin Theravalues from Japanese pharmaceutical heritage); liposomal preparations; cyclodextrin complexes (Cavacurmin); micellar formulations (Novasol/AquaCelle); solid lipid microparticle formulations. The enhanced bioavailability products typically demonstrate 10-30x higher plasma curcumin concentrations versus standard 95% curcuminoid extracts; the clinical implications matter substantially, many clinical trials using standard 95% extracts at high doses (4-8g/day) achieve similar plasma concentrations to enhanced bioavailability products at much lower doses (200-1000mg/day). The brand-framing complexity (M-03) in the turmeric category is among the most substantial of any single-compound supplement category, with substantial clinical inheritance attached to specific branded preparations. A serious safety consideration emerged in 2018-2019 from Australian and Italian liver toxicity case reports, predominantly women, often using enhanced bioavailability turmeric products, presenting with autoimmune-pattern hepatitis. The hepatotoxicity signal has been associated specifically with enhanced bioavailability formulations (where systemic curcumin exposure is much higher than from standard 95% extracts), genetic susceptibility (HLA-B*35:01 association), and possibly contamination concerns in some commercial supply chains. This signal is real and warrants awareness but should be contextualized: the absolute risk appears small relative to extensive consumer use; standard 95% extracts have substantially different safety profile from enhanced bioavailability products; the published case reports inform clinical guidance but should not produce category-wide avoidance.

Turmeric/curcumin dosing varies enormously based on formulation given the bioavailability complexity. Standard 95% curcuminoid extracts require high doses (4-8g/day) to achieve clinically meaningful plasma curcumin levels, and even at these doses, plasma concentrations remain modest. Enhanced bioavailability formulations achieve equivalent or superior plasma exposure at much lower doses: Meriva phytosome 500-1000mg/day (containing 100-200mg curcumin); BCM-95 500-1000mg/day; Theracurmin 90-180mg/day; Longvida 400-800mg/day; piperine-enhanced products at 500-1500mg curcumin with 5-20mg piperine. Take with food, fat-soluble curcumin absorption improves substantially with meal administration; "golden milk" preparations leverage this through combined milk fat. Clinical protocols vary: Belcaro 2010 osteoarthritis used Meriva 1000mg/day for 8 months; Lopresti 2014 depression used BCM-95 1000mg/day for 8 weeks; Kuptniratsaikul 2014 used standard curcumin 1500mg/day for knee OA. The "more is better" assumption applies poorly given bioavailability nonlinearity, the dose-response curve depends on formulation, not just mg curcumin. Upper Limit considerations involve hepatotoxicity awareness (particularly for enhanced bioavailability formulations) more than systemic toxicity from gram-scale dosing. The Australian-Italian liver toxicity case series suggests caution about chronic very-high-dose enhanced bioavailability products without specific clinical indication; standard 95% curcuminoid extracts at consumer doses appear to have lower hepatotoxicity signal. For pregnancy: culinary turmeric is universally safe; therapeutic supplementation lacks adequate pregnancy safety data. For post-surgical bleeding concerns: substantial enhanced bioavailability use should pause 2 weeks before elective surgery given documented bleeding-related effects in some studies.

Meriva (curcumin phytosome)

500-1000mg/day = 100-200mg curcumin

BCM-95 / Curcugreen

500-1000mg/day

Theracurmin (nanoparticulate)

90-180mg/day

Longvida (solid lipid)

400-800mg/day

Curcumin + piperine

500-1500mg + 5-20mg piperine

Standard 95% curcuminoid extract

4-8g/day (poor bioavailability)

Whole turmeric powder culinary

1-3g/day

Belcaro 2010 osteoarthritis protocol

Meriva 1000mg/day x 8 months

• Meriva (Curcumin Phytosome / Indena S.p.A.)

  Rating: gold

  Italian pharmaceutical-grade phytosome formulation, curcumin complexed with phosphatidylcholine producing 29-fold improved bioavailability versus standard 95% curcuminoid extracts. Used in essentially all major modern Meriva clinical trials including Belcaro 2010 osteoarthritis. Substantial Indena pharmaceutical research program. Premium pricing justified by clinical inheritance and proven pharmacology. Distributed by Thorne (Curcumin Phytosome), Pure Encapsulations (Curcumasorb), and similar premium brands.

• BCM-95 / Curcugreen (Arjuna Natural)

  Rating: gold

  Indian standardized turmeric oil-enhanced formulation with substantial clinical research inheritance including Lopresti 2014 depression trial. Combines curcuminoids with essential oils for enhanced bioavailability. Reasonable premium clinical-grade option with distinct mechanism from phospholipid complexes.

• Theracurmin (Theravalues, Japan)

  Rating: gold

  Japanese pharmaceutical-grade nanoparticulate curcumin formulation. Substantial Japanese clinical inheritance in cardiovascular and inflammatory applications. Premium pricing reflecting Japanese pharmaceutical quality standards. Less widely available in Western markets than Meriva and BCM-95.

• Longvida (Verdure Sciences) - Solid Lipid Curcumin

  Rating: gold

  US-developed solid lipid microparticle formulation. Substantial bioavailability enhancement; substantial brain bioavailability research interest given lipid-mediated blood-brain barrier penetration. Reasonable premium option for neurological applications.

• Novasol / AquaCelle (Aquanova) - Micellar Curcumin

  Rating: gold

  German micellar formulation producing rapid absorption and high plasma curcumin concentrations. Particularly used in some European pharmaceutical and supplement contexts. Bioavailability comparable to other enhanced formulations.

• Curcumin + Piperine (BioPerine)

  Rating: good

  The foundational bioavailability enhancement strategy from Shoba 1998. Standard 95% curcuminoid extract co-administered with 5-20mg piperine (BioPerine from Sabinsa, or generic black pepper extract). Substantially less expensive than phytosome and nanoparticulate formulations; clinical evidence base more limited but mechanistically reasonable. Major mass-market turmeric products (NOW Foods, Doctor's Best) use this approach.

• Standard 95% Curcuminoid Extract

  Rating: caution

  Concentrated turmeric extract standardized to 95% curcuminoids without bioavailability enhancement. Poor oral absorption produces inadequate plasma curcumin for most clinical applications, high doses (4-8g/day) required to approach plasma concentrations from enhanced bioavailability products at low doses. Reasonable as foundational supplementation for users preferring unenhanced product; not preferred for therapeutic clinical applications.

• Whole Turmeric Powder / Root

  Rating: good

  Whole turmeric powder (rhizome ground) provides ~3-5% curcuminoids by weight along with other compounds (turmerone essential oils, polysaccharides). Substantial Ayurvedic tradition; reasonable culinary use; provides modest curcumin exposure. Combined with black pepper and lipid (golden milk, dal preparations) approaches the modern piperine-fat enhancement strategy.

• Turmeric Liposomal Formulations

  Rating: good

  Liposomal curcumin formulations with enhanced bioavailability. Multiple brands available; quality variation substantial. Acceptable enhanced bioavailability category but less clinically researched than Meriva, BCM-95, or Theracurmin.

• Fermented Turmeric (Traditional)

  Rating: good

  Traditional Korean and Asian fermentation of turmeric produces modified compound profile and possibly enhanced bioavailability through microbial action. Niche product category; mechanistic plausibility but limited rigorous clinical evidence.

• Osteoarthritis (knee, hip)

  Strength of evidence for this group: modest

  Belcaro 2010 Meriva trial, Kuptniratsaikul 2014 vs ibuprofen non-inferiority, and multiple meta-analyses support enhanced bioavailability curcumin at 200-1500mg curcumin equivalent daily for joint pain and function. Effect sizes comparable to NSAIDs with fewer GI side effects in many users. Reasonable alternative or adjunct to NSAID therapy; coordinate with rheumatology for established OA management.

• Major depressive disorder (mild-to-moderate)

  Strength of evidence for this group: modest

  Lopresti 2014 BCM-95 trial demonstrated comparable efficacy to fluoxetine 20mg in mild-to-moderate depression. Subsequent trials have shown variable results; reasonable adjunct to standard depression treatment, particularly for users preferring non-pharmaceutical adjunct. Not substitute for established antidepressant treatment in severe depression. Psychiatric coordination.

• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis)

  Strength of evidence for this group: cautious

  Hanai 2006 ulcerative colitis maintenance trial and preliminary subsequent work supports curcumin as adjunct in maintaining UC remission. Crohn's evidence more preliminary. Reasonable adjunct to established IBD treatment; specialist gastroenterology coordination.

• Cardiovascular risk markers

  Strength of evidence for this group: modest

  Sahebkar 2014 meta-analysis supports modest lipid marker improvements (LDL, triglycerides). Effect sizes smaller than statins; reasonable component of comprehensive cardiovascular nutrition; not substitute for established lipid management. Coordinate with cardiology for established CVD.

• Type 2 diabetes (glycemic adjunct)

  Strength of evidence for this group: modest

  Multiple trials support modest HbA1c and fasting glucose improvements at enhanced bioavailability curcumin doses. Effect sizes smaller than metformin; reasonable adjunct to standard diabetes management. Coordinate with endocrinology; monitor glucose when adding to diabetes medications.

• Periodontal disease

  Strength of evidence for this group: modest

  Multiple trials support curcumin (oral and topical) in periodontal disease as adjunct to standard scaling and root planing. Reasonable specialist application; dental specialist coordination.

• Allergic rhinitis

  Strength of evidence for this group: modest

  Meriva trials support modest improvements in seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms. Reasonable adjunct to standard allergy management for mild-to-moderate seasonal allergies.

• Cancer adjunctive (preliminary)

  Strength of evidence for this group: cautious

  Substantial preclinical evidence and preliminary clinical evidence for curcumin in various cancer contexts. Specific protocols emerging in pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and other malignancies; integration with chemotherapy warrants oncology coordination, possible interactions and effects on chemotherapy efficacy unclear. Not standalone cancer treatment.

• Alzheimer's disease prevention / cognitive aging

  Strength of evidence for this group: cautious

  Substantial mechanistic plausibility (amyloid-beta interactions, anti-inflammatory effects); clinical evidence in human trials remains preliminary and mixed. Reasonable component of comprehensive cognitive aging nutrition; not established prevention strategy.

• Pregnancy and lactation

  Strength of evidence for this group: cautious

  Culinary turmeric levels are universally safe. Therapeutic supplementation in pregnancy has limited safety data; some traditional Indian medicine guidance suggests caution. Generally avoid high-dose supplementation during pregnancy without OB-GYN coordination.

• Liver disease / hepatotoxicity risk

  Strength of evidence for this group: cautious

  Australian 2018-2019 case series and subsequent reports document autoimmune-pattern hepatitis with enhanced bioavailability curcumin formulations. HLA-B*35:01 association documented. Coordinate with hepatology for users with established liver disease; consider HLA testing if hepatotoxicity develops.

• Healthy adults (general anti-inflammatory)

  Strength of evidence for this group: cautious

  Reasonable component of comprehensive anti-inflammatory nutrition for healthy adults. Effect sizes modest in healthy non-deficient users for hard endpoints. Enhanced bioavailability formulations preferred for therapeutic positioning.

• Piperine (Black Pepper Extract / BioPerine)

  Interaction: synergy

  The foundational bioavailability enhancement (Shoba 1998). Co-administration with 5-20mg piperine increases curcumin plasma concentration approximately 20-fold. Mechanism through CYP3A4 inhibition and glucuronidation reduction. Common combination in mass-market turmeric products.

• Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)

  Interaction: synergy

  Complementary anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Common combination in inflammatory disease management and athletic recovery protocols. Mechanistically integrated; reasonable comprehensive anti-inflammatory nutrition.

• Boswellia (Frankincense)

  Interaction: synergy

  Complementary anti-inflammatory botanicals with distinct mechanisms, curcumin through NF-kB and COX-2 modulation; boswellia through 5-lipoxygenase inhibition. Common combination in osteoarthritis and inflammatory joint protocols.

• NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen)

  Interaction: synergy

  Kuptniratsaikul 2014 demonstrated curcumin non-inferiority to ibuprofen in knee OA. Reasonable alternative or adjunct to NSAID therapy with possibly fewer GI side effects. Coordinate with prescribing physician for combined use; monitor for additive bleeding risk.

• Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Agents

  Interaction: caution

  Documented mild antiplatelet effects from curcumin at higher doses; theoretical interaction with warfarin, DOACs, antiplatelet agents. Pre-surgical discontinuation 2 weeks before elective procedures. Coordinate with prescribing physician for chronic anticoagulant users.

• Chemotherapy Agents

  Interaction: caution

  Mixed evidence for curcumin-chemotherapy interactions, potential interference with some agents through anti-apoptotic effects; potential synergy with others through anti-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic effects in specific contexts. Coordinate with oncology; integrative oncology consensus generally recommends specialist input rather than routine self-initiation.

• Iron Supplements

  Interaction: caution

  Curcumin can chelate iron and may reduce iron absorption when co-administered. Separate iron supplementation by 2+ hours from turmeric/curcumin if iron deficiency present.

• Hepatotoxic Medications and Liver Disease

  Interaction: caution

  The Australian-Italian hepatotoxicity signal warrants caution about combining enhanced bioavailability curcumin with other hepatotoxic medications (statins at high doses, methotrexate, others) or in users with established liver disease. Hepatology coordination.

• Gallstones / Bile Duct Obstruction

  Interaction: caution

  Turmeric and curcumin stimulate bile flow (cholagogue effects). Caution in users with gallstones or bile duct obstruction, potential biliary colic or obstruction worsening. Coordinate with gastroenterology for users with established gallbladder disease.

• CYP3A4 Substrates

  Interaction: caution

  Curcumin modulates CYP3A4 activity (mixed inhibition and induction in different contexts). Coordinate with prescribing physician for users on multiple CYP3A4-metabolized medications (statins, calcium channel blockers, immunosuppressants).

Look for: specific formulation specification (Meriva, BCM-95, Theracurmin, Longvida, Novasol, or 95% curcuminoid + piperine); standardization to specific curcuminoid content; reputable enhanced bioavailability brand licensing (Indena Meriva, Arjuna BCM-95, Theravalues Theracurmin, etc.); heavy metal testing for lead contamination concerns; USP, NSF, or Informed Sport third-party verification; reasonable price reflecting formulation quality. Avoid: generic "turmeric" products without curcuminoid standardization; products without specific bioavailability enhancement form disclosure; very low-cost products that may reflect quality compromise or lead adulteration concerns; aggressive marketing claims (cancer cure, dementia prevention) that exceed evidence base; products marketed solely on Ayurvedic tradition without modern quality verification.

Turmeric's cultivation in the Indian subcontinent extends more than four thousand years, among the longest continuous medicinal and culinary uses of any plant. Ayurvedic medicine documents extensive use under the Sanskrit name Haridra in the Charaka Samhita (~1000 BCE) and Sushruta Samhita (~600 BCE) for an enormous range of indications including inflammatory conditions, digestive disorders, wound healing, skin conditions, and respiratory disease. Beyond Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, Persian medicine, and Southeast Asian traditional systems all developed parallel turmeric use frameworks. Marco Polo encountered turmeric in southern India in the 13th century, describing it as "a vegetable which has all the properties of saffron", establishing European awareness of the spice as both culinary and medicinal. The modern scientific era began with isolation of curcumin by Vogel and Pelletier in 1815 at French laboratories, early plant chemistry that characterized the dominant yellow pigment. Milobedzka and colleagues in Poland characterized the molecular structure in 1910; Lampe synthesized curcumin in 1913, establishing the chemistry that would eventually support modern pharmacological research. The pharmaceutical research era developed substantially through the 1970s-1980s with characterization of curcumin's pleiotropic anti-inflammatory pharmacology. Indian research at Banaras Hindu University and other Indian academic centers established the foundational modern Indian curcumin literature. Bharat Aggarwal at MD Anderson Cancer Center conducted substantial cancer biology research through the 1990s-2010s, characterizing curcumin's effects on NF-kB and multiple oncogenic pathways, though Aggarwal's later research integrity concerns produced significant controversy and substantial paper retractions affected this body of work. The foundational bioavailability discovery came in 1998 with Shoba's Indian trial demonstrating piperine's ~2000% bioavailability enhancement of curcumin, establishing the foundational mechanism that has shaped every subsequent bioavailability enhancement strategy. The BioPerine trademark and Sabinsa's commercial piperine standardization followed. The Meriva development era at Indena S.p.A. (Italy) through the 2000s established the first major phytosome enhancement of curcumin bioavailability. The 2007 Cuomo bioavailability characterization and subsequent Belcaro clinical trials (2010 osteoarthritis foundational) established Meriva as the premium clinical-grade curcumin reference. The competitive landscape developed substantially with BCM-95 (Arjuna Natural, India), Theracurmin (Theravalues, Japan), Longvida (Verdure Sciences, US), and Novasol (Aquanova, Germany) emerging through the 2000s-2010s with proprietary enhanced bioavailability technologies. The consumer market expansion era from the 2000s through 2010s saw turmeric become among the highest-volume supplement categories in Western markets. The "golden milk" cultural trend brought traditional Ayurvedic preparation methods into Western consumer awareness; functional medicine adoption emphasized curcumin's anti-inflammatory positioning. Mass-market brands (NOW Foods, Doctor's Best, Solaray) provided cost-effective access; premium brands (Thorne, Pure Encapsulations, Designs for Health) emphasized enhanced bioavailability formulations. The Australian-Italian hepatotoxicity case series emergence in 2018-2019 represented significant safety pharmacovigilance development. Lukefahr 2018 Medical Journal of Australia documentation and subsequent case reports across multiple countries characterized autoimmune-pattern hepatitis predominantly in enhanced bioavailability formulation users. The HLA-B*35:01 association adds genetic susceptibility framing. This safety signal has produced ongoing clinical guidance evolution and warrants integration with the broader turmeric evidence base. The Aggarwal research integrity concerns at MD Anderson culminated in 2019-2020 with significant retractions affecting a substantial portion of preclinical curcumin literature. While the clinical evidence base remains largely independent of the retracted preclinical work, the integrity concerns have raised broader methodological questions about curcumin oncology and inflammation research that warrant awareness in evidence assessment.

1. ~2000 BCEAyurvedic medicine documents turmeric use (Charaka Samhita era)
2. ~600 BCESushruta Samhita extensive turmeric medicinal documentation
3. 13th centuryMarco Polo encounters turmeric in southern India
4. 1815Vogel and Pelletier (France) isolate curcumin
5. 1910Milobedzka characterizes curcumin molecular structure
6. 1913Lampe synthesizes curcumin
7. 1970s-1980sIndian academic curcumin pharmacology research
8. 1990s-2010sAggarwal MD Anderson curcumin oncology research (later retractions)
9. 1998Shoba foundational piperine bioavailability trial (Planta Medica)
10. 2000sMeriva development at Indena S.p.A. (Italy)
11. 2007Cuomo Meriva bioavailability characterization
12. 2010Belcaro Meriva osteoarthritis trial
13. 2014Lopresti BCM-95 depression vs fluoxetine; Kuptniratsaikul vs ibuprofen knee OA
14. 2014-2016Sahebkar lipid meta-analysis; OA meta-analyses consolidation
15. 2018-2019Lukefahr Australian hepatotoxicity case series
16. 2019-2020Aggarwal research integrity concerns and retractions
17. 2010s-2020sFunctional medicine and consumer market expansion

• Whether the Australian-Italian hepatotoxicity case series will mature into clinical guidance restricting enhanced bioavailability curcumin in genetically susceptible populations (HLA-B*35:01).
• Whether enhanced bioavailability formulations produce clinically meaningful advantages over standard 95% curcuminoid extracts at equivalent total dose (gram scale), direct head-to-head clinical outcome comparisons are limited.
• Whether curcumin will integrate into mainstream rheumatology and pain management guidelines for osteoarthritis, current use is largely specialist or self-directed rather than guideline-supported.
• Whether the depression evidence (Lopresti 2014 BCM-95 vs fluoxetine) will mature into broader psychiatric integration, current use is largely complementary rather than mainstream antidepressant adjunct.
• Whether the Alzheimer's disease and cognitive aging applications will translate from preclinical promise to clinical efficacy at scale, Indian population observational evidence is interesting but interventional trials have been limited.
• Whether the cancer adjunctive use cases will mature beyond preliminary evidence, preclinical biology is substantial but human clinical translation is incomplete.
• How best to address the M-03 brand-framing complexity, consumers face substantial choice complexity across Meriva, BCM-95, Theracurmin, Longvida, Novasol, piperine-enhanced, and standard products without clear clinical guidance for selection.
• Whether genetic testing for HLA-B*35:01 should be considered for users planning chronic high-dose enhanced bioavailability curcumin use.

Universally available globally as dietary supplement, food ingredient, and culinary spice. Legal under DSHEA in the United States and equivalent supplement regulations in most jurisdictions. Not on WADA prohibited list. Pharmaceutical preparations: IV silibinin (Legalon SIL) exists for hepatic emergencies; some European countries have pharmaceutical-grade curcumin products. Major retail brands span the quality spectrum, premium enhanced bioavailability brands include Thorne (Meriva-licensed Curcumin Phytosome), Pure Encapsulations (Curcumasorb Mind, Meriva-licensed), Designs for Health (Inflammatone), Life Extension (Super Bio-Curcumin BCM-95), Doctor's Best (Curcumin C3 Complex + BioPerine). Mass-market brands like NOW Foods, Solaray, Nature's Way provide cost-effective standard 95% curcuminoid extracts and piperine-enhanced products. Indian heritage brands (Himalaya, Banyan Botanicals, Organic India) provide traditional Ayurvedic positioning. Italian Indena S.p.A. maintains Meriva trademark and licenses to premium supplement brands globally. Japanese Theravalues maintains Theracurmin trademark and clinical research program. US Verdure Sciences maintains Longvida trademark. The proliferation of branded enhanced bioavailability formulations creates substantial M-03 brand-framing complexity in the turmeric category. Production is dominated by India (~80% of global turmeric supply); Indonesia, China, and other Asian countries provide additional supply. The Madras turmeric (Tamil Nadu region) and Alleppey turmeric (Kerala region) varieties are recognized premium Indian sources.

Status current as of July 2026. Regulatory positions change, sometimes quickly.

Species

Curcuma longa (turmeric rhizome)

Family

Zingiberaceae (ginger family)

Active compound class

Curcuminoids (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin)

Dominant compound

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane)

Standardization (typical)

95% curcuminoids

Curcuminoid content of rhizome

3-5% by weight

What follows is unfinished work on our side, not a finding about Turmeric / Curcumin. A short entry is not a safe entry.

• Cost and market. We have not documented what it sells for or who sells it.
• Supply chain. We have not mapped where it is made.
• Who uses it. We have not documented the user groups.
• What could change. No forward-looking summary yet.
• How it compares. We have not set it against the alternatives.
• Children and teenagers. We have not checked what is known about younger people.
• Where we land. We have not taken a position on this yet.