In both lab and animal studies, the use of turmeric curcumin greatly reduces instances of platelet aggregation and potentially reduces the risk of blood clots forming.

One combination lab and animal study conducted in 1986 even suggests curcumin may be a preferable treatment method for people “prone to vascular thrombosis and requiring antiarthritic therapy.” However, this result still needs to be replicated in human trials.

Summary

In both lab and animal studies, the use of curcumin from turmeric greatly reduces instances of platelet aggregation and potentially reduces the risk of a clot forming.

Although few studies have been conducted on humans, dozens of research trials have proven that turmeric benefits include being especially effective in reducing depression symptoms in laboratory animals. These results seem to be connected to the way curcumin impacts neurotransmitter function through the brain-derived neurotrophic factor. The journal Phytotherapy Research published the results of an amazing, innovative study in 2014. The study took 60 volunteers diagnosed with major depressive disorder and split the group to determine how patients treated by turmeric curcumin fared against fluoxetineand a combination of the two. Curcumin was equally effective as fluoxetine in managing depression by the six-week mark.

Since that breakthrough trial, at least two other studies have observed the impact of turmeric’s major compound, curcumin, in patients with depression. The first involved 56 individuals (male and female), and the second involved 108 male participants. Both used a placebo but did not compare curcumin to any antidepressant, and both studies found that curcumin effectively reduced depression symptoms more than placebo.

Summary

A Phytotherapy Research study showed that curcumin was equally effective as fluoxetine (PROZAC) in managing depression by the six-week mark.

Arguably, the most powerful aspect of curcumin is its ability to control inflammation. The journal Oncogene published the results of a study thatevaluated several anti-inflammatory compounds and found that curcumin is among the most effective anti-inflammatory compounds in the world.

Several animal trials have been completed investigating the relationship of curcumin and Alzheimer’s disease. In mice, it seems that curcumin “reverses existing amyloid pathology and associated neurotoxicity,” a key feature of the progression of this neurological disease related to chronic inflammation. This study shows turmeric curcumin may help with Alzheimer’s symptoms.

Summary

A study in the journal Oncogene evaluated several anti-inflammatory compounds and found that aspirin and ibuprofen are least effective, while curcumin is among the most effective anti-inflammatiory compounds in the world.

Turmeric benefits include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that have proven effective in treating multiple skin conditions. Turmeric benefits for skin include increasing “glow and luster” of the skin, speeding up wound healing, calming the pores to decrease acne and acne scarring, and controlling psoriasis flares. One uncontrolled pilot study involving 814 participants even suggests that turmeric paste could cure 97 percent of scabies cases within three to 15 days.

Try Turmeric Face Mask for Glowing Skin. Just keep in mind that turmeric can stain the skin, and it may cause an allergic reaction. Do a patch test by applying a dime-size amount to your forearm. Then, wait 24–48 hours to check for any reaction before applying turmeric to your face.

Summary

Turmeric benefits for skin include increasing “glow and luster” of the skin, speeding up wound healing, calming the pores to decrease acne and scarring and controlling psoriasis flares.

Because curcumin is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing characteristics, a study was conducted on 45 rheumatoid arthritispatients to compare the benefits of curcumin in turmeric to the arthritis drug diclofenac sodium (an NSAID), which put people at risk of developing leaky gut and heart disease. The study split these volunteers into three groups: curcumin treatment alone, diclofenac sodium alone and a combination of the two. The results of the trial were eye-opening:

The curcumin group showed the highest percentage of improvement in overall [Disease Activity Score] scores and these scores were significantly better than the patients in the diclofenac sodium group. More importantly, curcumin treatment was found to be safe and did not relate with any adverse events. Our study provides the first evidence for the safety and superiority of curcumin treatment in patients with active RA, and highlights the need for future large-scale trials to validate these findings in patients with RA and other arthritic conditions.

A review of available randomized, controlled trials confirmed that, of the eight studies available fitting the criteria, “these [randomized clinical trials] provide scientific evidence that supports the efficacy of turmeric extract (about 1000 mg/day of curcumin) in the treatment of arthritis.”

Summary

A study was conducted on 45 rheumatoid arthritis patients to compare the benefits of curcumin in turmeric to the arthritis drug diclofenac sodium (an NSAID) … and the curcumin group showed the highest percentage of improvent (and without side effects)

Of all the various topics scientists have tackled in regard to curcumin and disease reversal, cancer (of various types, including prostate cancer) is one of the most thoroughly researched topics. It may help with prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer and other forms of cancer. In the words of global authorities like Cancer Research UK:

A number of laboratory studies on cancer cells have shown that curcumin does have anticancer effects. It seems to be able to kill cancer cells and prevent more from growing. It has the best effects on breast cancer, bowel cancer, stomach cancer and skin cancer cells.

A July 2017 animal study by researchers at Baylor Scott & White Research Institute found that curcumin may even be able to break through chemo-resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer.

Summary

According to Cancer Research UK :

“A number of laboratory studies on cancer cells have shown that cucumin does have anticancer effect. it seems to be able to kill cancer cells and prevent more from growing. it has the best effects on breast cancer bowel cancer, stomach cancer and skin cancer cells.

In 2009, Biochemistry and Biophysical Research Communications published a lab study out of Auburn University that explored the potential of curcuminoids to lower glucose levels. The study discovered that curcumin in turmeric is literally 400 times more potent than metformin (a common diabetes drug) in activating the enzyme AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase). One compound produced by fermentation of curcumin, tetrahydrocurcumin, activated AMPK up to 100,000 times more than metformin in certain cells. AMPK activation is considered by researchers to be a “therapeutic target” for type 2 diabetes, meaning that figuring out how to activate this enzyme has major potential for developing more effective treatments for reducing insulin resistance and reversing diabetes.

One of the most common complications of diabetes is damage to nerves known as diabetic neuropathy, which takes several forms and can cause serious symptoms throughout the body from muscle weakness to blindness. A study conducted on rats found that supplementing with curcumin significantly reduced diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (typically localized to feet, legs, arms and hands). Diabetic neuropathy can also lead to kidney failure. A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials confirmed that, in animals, curcumin protects the kidneys of diabetic subjects from the damage of diabetic nephropathy.

Summary

A study found that curcumin in turmeric in 400 times more potent than metformin ( a common diabetes drug ) in activating the enzyme AMPK, a “therapeutic target” for type 2 diabetes.

A study published in the journal Biofactors showed that curcumin may help reduce proliferation (growth) of fat cells, based on lab results. The researchers found that the anti-inflammatory properties in curcumin were effective at suppressing the inflammatory processes of obesity, therefore helping to reduce obesity and its “adverse health effects.”

Summary

A study published in the journal Biofactors showed that curcumin may help reduce proliferation ( growth ) of fat cells, based on lab results.

An in-depth analysis of all the studies evaluating curcumin’s ability to manage ulcerative colitis found that one very well-designed trial tested curcumin plus mesalazine (the typical NSAID prescribed for this condition) against placebo plus mesalazine.Patients taking only placebo and mesalazine were over four times more likely to experience a relapse or flare-up of ulcerative colitis during the six months of the study, suggesting that turmeric benefits may include helping to maintain remission of this chronic disease.

One small pilot study investigated the benefit of curcumin supplementation for patients with ulcerative colitis and patients with Crohn’s disease. Although the sample size was very small, all of the ulcerative colitis patients and four out of five Crohn’s patients had marked improvements over two months, suggesting the need for additional research. It shows promise for irritable bowel syndrome and other inflammatory bowel disease symptoms.

Summary

A small pilot study showed that curcumin suppementation aided patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.

A study published by Drugs in R&D found that curcumin was comparable to atorvastatin at reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the treatment of high cholesterol in humans. This was a follow-up on prior animal research finding similar results. However, a 2014 meta-analysis concluded that curcumin had no effect overall on blood cholesterol (together or split into LDL vs. HDL) or on triglycerides. The study author noted that these results may be due to short study durations and poor bioavailability of the studied curcumin formulations.

Further research is needed, but there is evidence that turmeric curcumin may help manage cholesterol levels.

Summary

A study found that curcumin was comparable to atorvastatin at reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the treatment of high cholesterol in humans.

One of the more widely accepted properties of curcumin in scientific communities is its ability to manage pain. Breakthrough studies and reviews (some in animals, others in humans) have found that curcumin may be a beneficial natural painkiller for :

• Wound healing and burn pain
• Post-operative pain
• Inflammation-induced arthritic pain
• Neuropathic pain caused by constriction injury
• Orofacial pain (pertaining to mouth, jaws and face, most commonly related to dental issues)
• Sciatic nerve pain from chronic constrictive injury
• Arthritis/joint pain

Summary

One of the mmore widely accepted properties of curcumin in scientific communities is its ability to manage pain. E.g. a 2014 study that discovered curcumin naturally activates the opioid system in diabetic rats.

Key Active Ingredients

In recent years, research has confirmed that turmeric has medicinal properties ※ 1 ※ .

And while most people think of it as nothing but a seasoning, black pepper can benefit health as well.

Both turmeric and black pepper have key active ingredients that contribute to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and disease-fighting qualities.

Curcumin in Turmeric

The key compounds in turmeric are called curcuminoids. Curcumin itself is the most active ingredient and appears to be the most important.

As a polyphenol, curcumin has several advantages to health. It’s a strong antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties ※ 1 , 2 ※ .

However, one of the greatest downfalls of curcumin is that it’s not well absorbed in the body ※ 1 ※.

Piperine in Black Pepper

Black pepper contains the bioactive compound piperine, which is an alkaloid like capsaicin, the active component found in chili powder and cayenne pepper ※ 3 ※.

Piperine has been shown to help relieve nausea, headaches and poor digestion and also has anti-inflammatory properties ※ 4 , 5 , 6 ※.

Still, its most significant benefit may be its ability to boost the absorption of curcumin ※ 2 , 7 ※.

SUMMARY

Curcumin in turmeric and piperine in black pepper have been shown to improve health due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and disease-fighting qualities.

Piperine Enhances the Absorption of Curcumin

Unfortunately, the curcumin in turmeric is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream. As a result, you could be missing out on its advantages to health.

However, adding black pepper can help. Research supports that combining the piperine in black pepper with the curcumin in turmeric enhances curcumin absorption by up to 2,000% ※ 2 , 7 , 8 ※.

One study showed that adding 20 mg of piperine to 2 grams of curcumin increased its absorption significantly ※ 8 ※.

There are currently two theories on how this works.

First, piperine makes it easier for curcumin to pass through the intestinal wall and into your bloodstream ※ 9 ※.

Second, it may slow down the breakdown of curcumin by the liver, increasing its blood levels ※ 10 , 11 ※.

As a result, combining curcumin with piperine increases its potential health benefits.

SUMMARY

The piperine found in black pepper enhances curcumin absorption, making it more readily available to be used by your body.

The Combination Boosts Health Benefits

While curcumin and piperine each have their own health benefits, they’re even better together.

Fights Inflammation and Helps Reduce Pain

Turmeric’s curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory properties.

In fact, it’s so potent that some studies have shown it to match the power of some anti-inflammatory drugs, without the negative side effects ※ 12 , 13 , 14 ※.

Studies also demonstrate that turmeric may play a role in preventing and treating arthritis, a disease characterized by joint inflammation and pain ※ 15 , 16 , 17 ※.

Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties are often praised for reducing pain and temporary discomfort.

Piperine has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties as well. It helps desensitize a specific pain receptor in your body, which can further reduce feelings of discomfort ※ 18 , 19 , 20 ※.

When combined, curcumin and piperine are a powerful inflammation-fighting duo that can help reduce discomfort and pain.

May Help Prevent Cancer

Curcumin shows promise in not only treating but even preventing cancer ※ 21 , 22 ※.

Test-tube studies suggest that it can decrease cancer growth, development and spread at the molecular level. It could also contribute to the death of cancerous cells ※ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ※.

Piperine seems to play a role in the death of certain cancer cells as well, which can decrease your risk of tumor formation, while other research indicates it, too, might inhibit the growth of cancerous cells ※ 27 , 28 ※.

One study showed that curcumin and piperine, both separately and in combination, interrupted the self-renewal process of breast stem cells. This is important, as this process is where breast cancer originates ※ 29 ※.

Further studies point to curcumin and piperine having protective effects against additional cancers, including prostate, pancreatic, colorectal and more ※ 22 , 23 , 27 , 30 ※.

Aids in Digestion

Indian medicine has relied on turmeric to help with digestion for thousands of years. Modern studies support its use, showing that it can help reduce gut spasms and flatulence ※ 31 ※.

Piperine has been shown to enhance the activity of digestive enzymes in the gut, which helps your body process food more quickly and easily ※ 32 ※.

Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory properties of both turmeric and piperine may aid in reducing gut inflammation, which can help with digestion.

SUMMARY

When combined, curcumin and piperine tend to have a greater effect on inflammation, digestion, reducing pain and fighting cancer.

Safety and Dosage

Curcumin and piperine are generally considered safe ※ 32 , 33 , 34 ※.

There are no official recommendations for consumption of either, and the maximum tolerable intake has not been identified.

Certain people may experience side effects like nausea, headache and skin rashes after taking curcumin in large doses. It’s thus important to follow the dosage recommendations on the supplement packaging ※ 35 , 36 ※.

The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has set the acceptable dietary intake for curcumin as 1.4 mg per pound (3 mg/kg) of body weight per day, or approximately 245 mg for a 175-pound (80-kg) person ※ 37 ※.

In Indian culture, turmeric and black pepper are commonly consumed in tea, often combined with olive oil, coconut oil, honey and ginger.

Because curcumin is fat-soluble, consuming it with fat may increase absorption.

However, to fully reap the medicinal benefits of curcumin, it’s best consumed in supplement form combined with piperine.

SUMMARY

Turmeric and black pepper are considered safe, and no serious side effects have been reported. While they can be added to food and drinks, supplements typically provide the greater benefit.