Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health
Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS
Published in Foods
Abstract
Comprehensive review of curcumin's health effects including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential disease prevention properties.
Methodology
Narrative review of human clinical studies of curcumin and curcuminoid formulations.
Key Findings
Review of curcumin trials reports anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects with signals of benefit in osteoarthritis, metabolic syndrome, hyperlipidaemia, anxiety and exercise-induced muscle soreness. Native curcumin has very poor oral bioavailability; piperine or lipid/phytosome formulations raise absorption substantially.
Conclusions
Curcumin has plausible benefit for inflammatory and joint conditions when a bioavailability-enhanced formulation is used; unformulated turmeric powder is unlikely to deliver therapeutic blood levels.
Limitations
Narrative review without systematic search or bias appraisal; underlying trials are short, small and often industry-funded, and curcumin is a known assay-interference compound in preclinical work.
Supplements Studied
Curcumin shows anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity with bioavailability limiting clinical effect
Review of curcumin trials reports anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects with signals of benefit in osteoarthritis, metabolic syndrome, hyperlipidaemia, anxiety and exercise-induced muscle soreness. Native curcumin has very poor oral bioavailability; piperine or lipid/phytosome formulations raise absorption substantially.
Outcomes Measured
Curcumin shows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity across human studies
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Authors disclosed consulting relationships with supplement industry sponsors
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.