How to Take Curcumin Capsules & Guide to Reported Benefits

Curcumin capsules are taken as natural remedies for a number of conditions including arthritis pain, digestive upset, liver disorders and inflammation.

Curcumin is the main bioactive constituent of turmeric, the spice made from a tropical perennial plant indigenous to South Asia (Curcuma longa).

Curcumin is the chemical compound responsible for turmeric’s golden-yellow hue and many of its therapeutic effects. The spice has been used for millennia in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for liver disorders, inflammation and infections.

Curcumin capsules exhibit a number of useful properties in laboratory experiments and animal studies, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-diabetic, cardioprotective and neuroprotective properties. The full effect of these properties on human health is still the subject of investigation.

Curcumin

Anti-Inflammatory

Joints

Health

Anti- Aging

How It Works:

• Effective anti-inflammatory supplement
• Shown to improve joint functionality
• Anti-oxidant to supper general health

Dosage:

Between 1 - 3 g per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Purchasing Curcumin Capsules

Curcumin or turmeric capsules can be purchased in health food stores and online.

However, not all products sold are the same. There can be significant variations in product quality, dosages and bioavailability of the active ingredient.

Curcumin supplements should be standardized to contain a high concentration of curcuminoids (up to 95 %). These supplements offer a concentrated dose of curcumin compared to consuming turmeric powder or supplements. On average, turmeric only contains between 2 and 7 % curcumin.

However, both turmeric and curcumin supplements are poorly absorbed by the body. Look for supplements that also contain black pepper or piperine (black pepper extract), which have been observed to improve bioavailability.

Liposomal formats of this supplement or combinations that stack curcumin with bromelain or essential fatty acids can also help to enhance oral bioavailability.

Top Reasons to Buy Curcumin Capsules

In Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, turmeric is used to treat skin disorders, liver conditions, digestive disorders and inflammation. The contemporary uses of curcumin are many, but the majority of its uses are associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of this herbal extract.

These properties are becoming of increasing interest to researchers as chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are connected to the onset and progression of a number of diseases, including cancer, diabetes and autoimmune disorders.

Oral curcumin capsules used for the following indications:

• inflammation
• arthritis
• digestive disorders, including diarrhea, flatulence, bloating and dyspepsia
• liver ailments, including jaundice and hepatitis
• gallbladder disorders
• depression
• respiratory infections
• cancer

Taking Curcumin Capsules for Arthritis

One of the most common indications for curcumin use is in addressing the pain and loss of functionality that accompanies arthritis. Arthritis is a blanket term used to describe over 100 conditions that affect joints. However, inflammation is a common symptom that manifests in the vast majority of arthritis cases.

According to some research analyses, curcumin may be more effective than certain drugs for the alleviation of arthritis symptoms. Curcumin is thought to reduce inflammation by inhibiting enzymes involved in the inflammatory pathway. It may also affect cell signalling and gene expression to reduce inflammation.

Researchers hypothesized that curcumin’s anti-inflammatory action may be useful in the treatment of arthritis. In a study involving individuals suffering from osteoarthritis, four daily doses of curcumin was observed to be as effective as two daily doses of ibuprofen in reducing knee pain. [1]

In another study, a specific mix of herbs that included turmeric was observed to reduce pain in individuals with osteoarthritis. [2]

Using curcumin capsules can also reduce the reliance on NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). It has performed better than the NSAID diclofenac (Voltaren) in one study involving rheumatoid arthritis.

Curcumin dosages of between 400 to 600 mg, taken three times per day have been used in research studies, If using powdered turmeric root, dosages of between 500 mg to 3 grams per day have been used.

Curcumin Capsules and Cancer Treatment

A great deal of contemporary research has focused on the role of curcumin in cancer prevention and treatment. In laboratory and animal studies, curcumin has exhibited many anti-cancer properties.

In one laboratory study, applying curcumin directly to cancerous cells was observed to prevent tumor growth. In another experiment, giving turmeric to lab rats was observed to protect the animals from developing colon, stomach and skin cancer when they were exposed to carcinogens.

However, laboratory studies are not sufficient to determine the efficacy of this supplement for the treatment or prevention of cancer in humans. The effect of curcumin and turmeric capsules on human cancer is still the subject of investigation.

The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that neither curcumin nor turmeric should be used as a replacement for conventional cancer treatments. In addition, speak to your oncologist before taking curcumin supplements during cancer treatments because the supplement may interact with prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Curcumin Capsules with Black Pepper

Curcumin exhibits low bioavailability outside the digestive tract. Most orally consumed curcumin from capsules or tablets gets metabolized before it can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Black pepper is useful in increasing the bioavailability of curcumin. Researchers hypothesize that black pepper or black pepper extract (piperine) may suppress some of the digestive enzymes involved in breaking down curcumin.

In one study, researchers observed that adding 20 mg of black pepper to curcumin supplements increased bioavailability by 2,000%. [3]

How to Take Curcumin Capsules

Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for dosages. In clinical studies, 2.2g of curcumin was consumed daily for eight months without severe side effect. Other studies have also indicated the general safety of turmeric and curcumin supplementation.

For inflammation, two 500 mg oral doses of turmeric have been taken for up to three months. Curcumin capsules have been taken in 6 g daily doses for one week.

The United States Food and Drug Administration recognizes turmeric as a GRAS (generally regarded as safe) food source. Side effects from using curcumin capsule are not likely when used in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Mild side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset and dizziness.

Curcumin may interact with a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Additionally, this supplement may interact with pre-existing medical conditions.

Individuals with gallbladder disorders, bile duct dysfunction, bleeding/clotting issues, infertility and/or estrogen-sensitive cancer should speak to their doctor before taking curcumin capsules.

Curcumin may interact with a variety of medications because it has been observed to affect liver enzyme levels. Speak with your prescribing physician before taking curcumin capsules.

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