Why Curcumin Extract is the Key to Unlocking the Full Potential of Turmeric



Turmeric is a spice that has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal properties. It is derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant and is a member of the ginger family. The main active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

However, the curcumin content of turmeric is not very concentrated having only around 3% by weight. Most of the studies on this herb use turmeric extracts that contain mostly curcumin, and use dosages commonly exceeding 1 gram per day. It would be an unnecessary challenge to attempt to reach that level using only  turmeric as a spice in your food.. That’s why it's more practical and beneficial to use curcumin extract.

Curcumin extract has been shown to have numerous health benefits. For example, one systematic review published in the journal Drug discoveries and therapeutics found that curcumin might have a positive effect on relieving COVID-19 related inflammatory response due to its powerful immune-modulatory effects on cytokines production, T-cell responses, and gene expression. Another systematic review and meta-analysis found that curcumin extract may improve symptoms and inflammation levels in people with arthritis.

So, while turmeric spice may provide some health benefits, the curcumin content is not very high. Curcumin extract provides a more concentrated dose of the active ingredient and has been shown to have numerous health benefits. If you are looking to supplement with curcumin for its health benefits, it may be more effective to use a curcumin extract rather than turmeric.

: “The effects of curcumin as dietary supplement for patients with COVID-19: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials.” PubMed.

: “Efficacy and Safety of Curcumin and Curcuma longa Extract in the Treatment of Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial.” PubMed.