Curcumin
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Curcumin. Yellow polyphenol from turmeric — anti-inflammatory and joint-supportive when properly bioavailable.
How it works. Inhibits NF-κB activation, COX-2, 5-LOX, and multiple inflammatory cytokines.
What the research supports. 3 graded claims. Strongest: Reduces osteoarthritis pain (comparable to NSAIDs in some trials) (moderate).
How much to take. Typical dose: 500–1,000 mg/day bioavailability-enhanced curcumin. With meals containing fat.
Side effects and interactions. 3 medication interactions listed. Serious: Rare hepatotoxicity reports (especially with piperine + high doses).
Stacking. Pairs well with Omega-3, Black pepper (piperine, 5–20 mg). Avoid combining with Pre-surgery (2 weeks before).
Forms. 2 forms. Pick one to open its profile.
Key studies. 10 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.
Community. Experiences from people who have tried Curcumin. Anecdotes are not medical advice.
Curcumin. Yellow polyphenol from turmeric — anti-inflammatory and joint-supportive when properly bioavailable.
What it is
The principal curcuminoid in turmeric root. Poorly absorbed in its native form — bioavailability-enhanced formulations (Meriva, BCM-95, Theracurmin) are required for clinical effect.
Also called
Food sources
Goals
How it works
Inhibits NF-κB activation, COX-2, 5-LOX, and multiple inflammatory cytokines.
Pathways
- NF-κB inhibition
- COX-2 / 5-LOX inhibition
- Nrf2 activation
Effects
- ↓Systemic inflammation (hs-CRP) decreases
- ↓Joint pain and stiffness decreases
- +Endothelial function supports
What the research supports
Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.
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Side effects & interactions
Common side effects
- Mild GI upset
- Yellow stool
Serious
- Rare hepatotoxicity reports (especially with piperine + high doses)
Medication interactions
Mild antiplatelet activity.
May additively lower glucose.
Piperine strongly inhibits CYP3A4.
Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.
Combines with
Pairs well
- Omega-3Complementary anti-inflammatory pathways.
- Black pepper (piperine, 5–20 mg)Increases curcumin bioavailability ~20x.
Avoid combining
- Pre-surgery (2 weeks before)Antiplatelet effect.
Key studies
10 studies cited in total.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Curcumin and "Reduces osteoarthritis pain". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Curcumin and "Reduces systemic inflammation markers". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Curcumin and "Reduces depression symptoms". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
Discussion
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