Curcumin

—

evidence score

supplement

turmeric extractdiferuloylmethaneBCM-95+4 more

Curcumin is the primary bioactive polyphenol in turmeric (Curcuma longa) with extensive preclinical evidence but historically disappointing clinical results due to poor bioavailability (~1% of standard curcumin is absorbed). Bioavailability-enhanced forms (BCM-95, Meriva, Longvida, theracurmin) overcome this and show strong clinical evidence for: osteoarthritis pain reduction (comparable to ibuprofen), reduced systemic inflammation (CRP, IL-6, TNF), cognitive function in mild cognitive impairment, and depression adjunct therapy. Multiple mechanisms converge on NF-kB inhibition. Use standardized, enhanced-bioavailability forms exclusively — plain curcumin powder is largely ineffective.

Evidence

No score yet

Safety

Unknown safety profile

Clinical Status

No formal phase listed

Research Sync

Not synced yet

Dosing

Typical

1000 mg

500 mgRange3000 mg

Frequency1-2x/day with meals

Set height & weight in Settings to see your dose.

Pharmacology

Half-lifeVariable: standard <1 hour; enhanced forms 6-12 hours

OnsetJoint pain relief 4-8 weeks; inflammatory marker reductions 6-12 weeks

DurationOngoing with daily supplementation

Routes

oral

Evidence Score

—

0 studies indexed

Scoring Factors

Volume(40%)—

Quality(30%)—

Sample Size(10%)—

Consistency(10%)—

Replication(5%)—

Recency(5%)—

Evidence Levels

AScore ≥75 with at least 1 meta-analysis and 3+ RCTs

BScore ≥50 with at least 1 RCT or meta-analysis

CScore ≥25 — observational or animal evidence only

DScore <25 — very limited or preclinical data

Plain-English Snapshot

Curcumin is currently categorized as a supplement compound.

Evidence scoring has not been fully computed yet, so interpret this profile as preliminary.

Safety scoring is incomplete. Start conservatively and monitor carefully.

Core mechanism

IKKβ inhibition → NF-kB nuclear translocation block; COX-2 and 5-LOX inhibition; Nrf2 activation; AMPK activation; reduces TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6

Practical Context

Strongest current signals

No indexed study summaries yet.