Curcumin Benefits, Safety, and Dosage

Curcumin, the magical little part of turmeric (also deemed its principal curcuminoid), has been the subject of a lot of research in recent years. The dynamic nature of curcumin’s biological effects make it an interesting compound to researchers who study common chronic health concerns, such as those associated with joints, the cardiovascular system, glucose metabolism, brain function, mood, and cell-cycle regulation.*[1-6]

The mechanisms underlying curcumin’s effects are diverse and are still in need of exploration, but it is known that curcumin has powerful antioxidant activity and multiple molecular targets, including transcription factors, cell cycle proteins, cytokines, chemokines, enzymes (e.g., COX-2), receptors, and adhesion molecules.[7] These effects may make curcumin relevant for a lot of health issues.*

Benefits of Turmeric

• Provides antioxidant & cell-protective activity*
• Supports joint health & helps relieve minor pain associated with physical activity*
• Supports the health of organs & systems by modulating the production of cytokines and other signaling molecules*
• Supports the body’s efforts to promote healthy cell growth & inhibit unhealthy cell growth in certain cell lines*
• Supports brain/neuronal health and a healthy mood*
• Supports a healthy microbial environment*

Turmeric Safety and Dosage

Turmeric has been safely consumed for thousands of years, and its medicinal compound curcumin has an outstanding safety profile. Phase I clinical trials using up to 8 g/d for four months did not result in any discernable toxicities.[30] Mild gastrointestinal distress can sometimes accompany curcumin supplementation, but this may be minimized by consuming the supplement with food. Current doses in clinical trials using BCM-95 range from 500 mg/d to 1000 mg/d.*

Turmeric/Curcumin Supplement at Fullscript, our partner store.

Curcumin BCM-95

Curcumin BCM-95 In a human cross-over study, the bioavailability of BCM-95, an enhanced preparation of cur-cumin was compared to that of turmeric 95% extract and to a formula containing curcumin, lecithin and piperine. BCM-95 was absorbed faster, more curcumin was absorbed into the bloodstream and high levels stayed in the body longer than the 95% extract.*

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*Note: Some of the supplements discussed in this article can cause side effects, but many people tolerate them much better than prescription medications. They are generally considered safe, however, they should not be started without your doctor’s knowledge and supervision. If you are taking medication already, be sure to talk with your doctor before adding any of these items. If you are considering going off medication, remember never to stop your medication suddenly—always consult with your doctor about how to safely taper off any psychiatric medication. See terms.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

SOURCES

1. Yang F, Lim GP, Begum AN, et al. Curcumin inhibits formation of amyloid beta oligomers and fibrils, binds plaques, and reduces amyloid in vivo. J Biol Chem. 2005 Feb 18;280(7):5892-901. [PMID: 15590663]
2. Chandran B, Goel A. A randomized, pilot study to assess the efficacy and safety of curcumin in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. Phytother Res. 2012 Nov;26(11):1719-25. [PMID: 22407780]
3. Garcea G, Berry DP, Jones DJ, et al. Consumption of the putative chemopreventive agent curcumin by cancer patients: assessment of curcumin levels in the colorectum and their pharmacodynamic consequences. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2005 Jan;14(1):120-25. [PMID: 15668484]
4. Ghosh S, Banerjee S, Sil PC. The beneficial role of curcumin on inflammation, diabetes and neurodegenerative disease: A recent update. Food Chem Toxicol. 2015 Sep;83:111-24. [PMID: 26066364]
5. Sanmukhani J, Satodia V, Trivedi J, et al. Efficacy and safety of curcumin in major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled trial. Phytother Res. 2014 Apr;28(4):579-85. [PMID: 23832433]
6. Baum L, Lam CW, Cheung SK, et al. Six-month randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, pilot clinical trial of curcumin in patients with Alzheimer disease. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2008 Feb;28(1):110-13. [PMID: 18204357]