Did you know that curcuma has been used in traditional Asian medicine for several thousand years? Curcuma (botanically Curcuma longa) belongs to the ginger family and is a "king plant" not only in the kitchen but especially in Ayurvedic medicine. The golden-yellow root from Southeast Asia – also known as (Indian) yellow root, turmeric or Indian saffron – is traditionally associated with digestive and other properties.
Curcuma, Curcumin, Curcuminoids?
It's easy to lose track of all the terms. Curcuma refers to the whole plant. Curcumin is its characteristic main compound – a fat-soluble secondary plant substance from the group of curcuminoids, obtained directly from the root of Curcuma longa.
Most people know curcuma as a component of curry spice blends. Through the spice powder alone, however, you take in only small amounts of curcumin. Many people therefore reach for curcuma capsules. A high-quality food supplement is distinguished above all by a high content of pure curcumin.
What Research Is Looking Into
Curcuma – more precisely the compound curcumin – has been a focus of science for years. Numerous studies deal with curcumin in very different areas, for example:
- Inflammatory processes
- Neurological questions
- Joint and muscle complaints
- Metabolism
Important context
These are research fields – no proven effect and no heal claim can be derived from them. Curcuma or curcumin is a food or food supplement and not a medicine. It does not replace medical treatment.
Besides curcumin, the root contains other substances such as potassium and essential oils. All in all, a plant that lives up to its reputation as a "super root".
Optimal Absorption – What to Keep in Mind
Because curcumin is fat-soluble, it can only be absorbed with difficulty in the gut – its bioavailability is inherently low, and curcumin is rapidly metabolised and excreted. This can be counteracted by adding piperine (from black pepper). Research shows that adding 20 mg of piperine to 2 g of curcumin can significantly increase bioavailability – in a widely cited study by about 2,000 %, i.e. roughly twentyfold.
Curcumin for Everyday Well-Being
Many people appreciate curcuma and its long tradition. Modern research is also interested in this natural product, which has long built bridges from the Orient to the West.
Green Health CURCUMA
Curcuma capsules with high-dose curcumin and piperine for better absorption – a food supplement for your everyday life.
View CURCUMAReferences: Nieber, K. (2017), pp. 65–66. Bioavailability cf. Shoba, G. et al. (1998): Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin. Planta Medica.
Note: This article is for general information and makes no health or healing claims. Curcuma preparations are food supplements and replace neither a balanced diet nor medical treatment. If you have gallstones or bile duct conditions, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, or if you take blood-thinning medication, seek medical advice before use.