Key takeaways
- Curcumin is turmeric's active compound.
- Studied for inflammatory pathways.
- Poor absorption on its own.
- Piperine boosts absorption.
- Check medicine interactions.
Turmeric has been used for centuries. Here's what modern research has explored.
Curcumin at a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Active compound | Curcumin |
| Studied for | Inflammatory response, antioxidant activity |
| Biggest challenge | Poor absorption |
| Common solution | Pair with piperine (black pepper) |
| Typical study length | 4–12 weeks |
Tips for turmeric
- Choose products with black pepper extract
- Take with food containing some fat
- Use consistently for several weeks
Safety
- May increase bleeding risk with blood thinners
- May lower blood sugar
- Avoid with gallstones or bile duct problems
- Rare reports of liver injury
Ever Joint pairs turmeric with black pepper extract as part of a seven-ingredient formula.
Sources
- Shoba G, et al. "Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers." Planta Medica, 1998.
- Daily JW, et al. "Efficacy of turmeric extracts and curcumin for alleviating the symptoms of joint arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Journal of Medicinal Food, 2016.
- NCCIH – "Turmeric."
Common questions
What is curcumin?
The main active compound in turmeric.
Why add black pepper?
Piperine increases curcumin absorption.
Is turmeric safe?
Generally, but it can interact with blood thinners and diabetes medicines.