Intervention
Curcumin
Last updated 2026-05-30· 1 min read· Evidence: observational
Reviewed by the Ultimate Longevity Bible editorial team. Educational reference — not medical advice. See disclaimer.
Observational— Many small RCTs, large effect-size variance from bioavailability
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What it is
Curcumin is the principal curcuminoid in Curcuma longa (turmeric). Mechanistically: NF-κB inhibition, NRF2 activation, suppression of multiple inflammatory cytokines, modest direct antioxidant activity.
Evidence summary
- Meta-analyses show consistent reductions in CRP, IL-6, TNF-α in inflammatory conditions.
- Joint-pain trials (osteoarthritis) show effects comparable to NSAIDs with better tolerability.
- Cardiometabolic markers (LDL, glycaemia) show small improvements.
- Cognitive trials are mixed; some signal in mild cognitive impairment.
The bioavailability problem
Plain curcumin has <1% oral bioavailability. Practical formulations to look for:
- + piperine (BioPerine, ~95% bioavailability boost via CYP3A4 inhibition — also increases drug interactions).
- Phytosome / phospholipid complexes (Meriva).
- Nano-formulations (Theracurmin, NovaSOL).
Drug interactions
Curcumin and piperine both inhibit CYP3A4. Caution with statins, warfarin, calcineurin inhibitors, many cancer therapies.
- Low-Dose Colchicine — Intervention.
- EGCG (Green Tea Catechins) — Intervention.
- Pterostilbene — Intervention.
- Resveratrol — Intervention.
Related entries
References
- Hewlings, S. J. & Kalman, D. S. Curcumin: a review of its effects on human health. Foods 6, 92 (2017).