NovaSOL® curcumin is advertised as the most bioavailable form of curcumin used in dietary supplements.
This proprietary brand of curcumin extract is purported to be better absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and retained in the body for more than 24 hours.
According to research data, it is 185 times more bioavailable than native powdered turmeric supplements and required a lower dosage to be effective compared to Meriva, Curcu-Gel BCM95, and curcumin micronisate.
It is made using micelle technology that converts this plant extract from a fat-soluble compound into a water-soluble molecule. This increases its absorption from the intestines following oral administration.
NovaSOL can be found as the active ingredient in the Solgar® Full Spectrum Curcumin supplement. This product is manufactured by Molecular Health Technologies, LLC. and is a registered trademark of Aquanova AG.
According to the manufacturer, “NovaSOL® Curcumin delivers to the consumer the maximum therapeutic dose (bioequivalent to 10-15 grams) to help relieve any anti-inflammatory and antioxidant conditions such as arthritis, joint pain, heart health and even Alzheimer’s.”



- Effective anti-inflammatory supplement
- Shown to improve joint functionality
- Anti-oxidant to supper general health
NovaSOL Curcumin Review
Related Topics
NovaSOL curcumin is a patented form of turmeric extract formulated in a biomimetic micelle matrix.
According to the patent filed in 2012, this ingredient features a curcumin molecule “preferably between 7 nm and 10 nm” in diameter and combined with a minimum of one emulsifier that “in particular is polysorbate 80 or polysorbate 20 or a mixture.”
At between 7-10 nanometers, this is a very small diameter particle, which is purported to enhance its absorption through the intestinal wall.
The curcumin micelles by Aquanova are also said to be “completely stable at gastric pH,” meaning that they do not get degraded or broken down in stomach acid.
These features combined together are believed to result in significantly higher oral bioavailability for curcumin extract. This is noteworthy because most unprocessed turmeric root supplements have very low bioavailability.
Curcumin is used for its general health-boosting properties and to relieve inflammation. Based on user reviews shared online, this supplement is commonly taken to improve joint aches and discomfort.
Curcumin is the primary active curcuminoid found in turmeric root extract, a spice and a healing herb that has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years.
Turmeric extract exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is used to prevent chronic inflammation.
Curcumin is not readily absorbed into the bloodstream when consumed orally, either from food sources or supplements. This molecule is degraded when it comes into contact with water and only a small amount of the active dosage consumed will get utilized in the body.
Because of this, very high dosages of curcumin are needed to be effective. Turmeric is sometimes paired with other ingredients (such as bioperine or piperine) to enhance its absorption.
NovaSOL technology is purported to increase curcumin bioavailability and result in faster absorption from the intestinal tract. [1]
The manufacturers claim that while most curcumin is excreted from the body 2 hours after being ingested, NovaSOL is “retained in the blood plasma for over 24 hours.” [1]
This means that you do not have to keep taking NovaSOL throughout the day to continue to experience the benefits.
According to Molecular Health Technologies, benefits are observed “at a simple dosing of 500-700mg x 2 capsules per day compared to 25 capsules per day of normal powdered Turmeric/Curcumin.” [1]
NovaSOL Bioavailability
What makes NovaSOL more bioavailable than other forms of curcumin extract?
According to Solgar, this unique micellar technology converts curcumin from a poorly absorbed, fat-soluble molecule into a water-soluble phytonutrient that is ready for the body to utilize.
Solgar explains that their product is made using a standardized active form of purified turmeric root extract that consists of 95% concentrated curcumin.
This extract, “is is then surrounded and encapsulated with microscopic, ‘water-loving’ spheres called micelles which are so small that they allow curcumin to be readily passed into the bloodstream causing greater absorption.” [9]
The website for NovaSOL explains that when taking curcumin supplements, what matters is not the dosage used but rather how much of the ingredient is actually absorbed into the bloodstream and circulated throughout the body.
The bioavailability of curcumin is a measurement of how much of this ingredient the body absorbs and retains. [2]
When taken orally, a large percentage of native curcumin extract gets broken down in the stomach. Under normal circumstances, the low pH-levels in the stomach tend to destroy the ingredient.
NovaSOL is said to remain stable in the gastrointestinal tract so that it can be taken up through the intestinal barrier into the bloodstream. [2]
According to the manufacturer, “The NovaSOL® biomimetic micelle is completely stable through the digestive process and delivers the Curcumin FULLY to the intestinal wall for maximum therapeutic effect.”
The manufacturer claims that this product is 185 times more bioavailable than standard forms of turmeric/curcumin. [1]
They state that a mere 2 capsules of NovaSOL can have the same effect as 25 capsules of normal powdered turmeric/curcumin. [1]
In one study, mice models of Alzheimer’s disease were administered curcumin micelles for 3 weeks. Scientists found that the curcumin treatment had positive effects on the mitochondrial membrane potential and respiratory control ratio of these mice.
From these results, they came to the conclusion that curcumin micelles may be a promising nutraceutical for the prevention of late-onset Alzheimers disease. [7]
Dosage
NovaSOL curcumin is purported to be more bioavailable and to require a lower dosage compared to other forms of curcumin extract,
According to Solgar, “It’s so advanced, just 40 mg of curcumin in one softgel delivers the equivalency of nearly 75 (100 mg) capsules of standardized curcumin extract.” [9]
Dosages recommendations will vary depending on the reason for taking this supplement.
As a dietary supplement, it is recommended to take 2 capsules per day to promote antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Be sure to speak with your healthcare practitioner before taking either any curcumin products to determine the appropriate dosage and to make sure the supplement is right for you.
User Reviews
According to online testimonials of NovaSOL Curcumin supplements, many users report benefits for chronic inflammation. This product is generally well regarded with 75% of users leaving 5-star reviews.
One user that took Solgar Full Spectrum Curcumin Liquid Extract with NovaSOL wrote, “In those two weeks [that] I used Solgar, a pain that I had on my thigh and that was bothering me for a year had healed. Plus, the inflammation in my body was much better as I was 2 kilograms lighter after taking the pills for several days.” [3]
Other users describe benefits for joint soreness, back pain, arthritis pain, knee flexibility, cognitive performance, and improved mobility.
Some users claim that they didn’t notice any significant effects from taking NovaSOL Curcumin supplements or that they experienced side effects.
Some report gastrointestinal discomfort after taking this product. Others say that the higher cost of this product is not worth it compared to other brands of curcumin supplements.
One user that purchased Puritans Pride Fast Absorb Curcumin with NovaSOL said, “I thought this fast absorb would work better for inflammation, but the powder 1000mg curcumin extract works best for me.” [4]
Another person that took Solgar Novasol wrote, “I stopped momentarily because I developed tinnitus on the 4th day, this happens when you take anti-inflammatory [supplements] for some people.”[6]
Some users report receiving NovaSOL softgels that leak and subsequently stick together in the bottle and leave a yellow stain on their hands.
Safety and Side Effects
The Natural Medicines Database rates Turmeric as Likely Safe when consumed orally at an appropriate dosage. [5] Curcumin, the active ingredient in NovaSOL, is generally well tolerated.
Mild side effects of taking curcumin supplements may include:
- diarrhea
- bloating
- fatigue
- stomach aches
- nausea
Some users report that NovaSOL causes indigestion or stomach cramps in people with sensitive stomachs. These effects are typically minor and temporary.
Some people experience a higher frequency of unpleasant side effects when they first start taking this supplement. Beginning with a low dosage may help to reduce adverse reactions.
There are no serious negative effects associated with appropriate use of turmeric supplements in healthy adults.
It is advised that those with gallbladder disorders and/or gallstones should avoid this product. If you have a medical condition, consult with your healthcare practitioner prior to taking any kind of curcumin supplement.
Because products containing NovaSOL stay in the bloodstream significantly longer than other curcumin supplements and have higher oral bioavailability, there may be unique side effects compared to other forms of curcumin.
Curcumin supplements may interact with some prescription and over-the-counter medications. Users should be cautious when combining turmeric or curcumin products with herbal supplements that exhibit anticoagulant, antiplatelet, and hypoglycaemic potentials.
Some of these herbs include angelica, clove, ginseng, red clover, ginger, garlic, fenugreek, horse chestnut, and willow.
Women that are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid using medicinal amounts of turmeric products.
Curcumin supplements may not be suitable for individuals taking anticoagulants, as well as individuals with liver diseases, heart diseases, and other pre-existing health conditions.
Be sure to consult your healthcare practitioner to see if taking NovaSOL Curcumin tablets is right for you.
- NovaSOL Curcumin
- Inflammation Lab Curcumin
- iHerb Curcumin Reviews
- Puritan Curcumin Reviews
- Natural Medicines Therapeutic Research Database Turmeric Overview
- NovaSOL Curcumin Review
- Hagl S, Heinrich M, Kocher A, Schiborr C, Frank J, Eckert G.P. Curcumin Micelles Improve Mitochondrial Function in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease.The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease. 2014;1(2):80-83. (JPAD).http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jpad.2014.2
- NovaSOL Curcumin Review: The Patent and "185x Better" Study. Superfoodly. October 26, 2017.
- Solgar - Full Spectrum Curcumin Liquid Extract, 60 Softgels. Amazon.