Turmeric vs. Curcumin – Supplement Differences and Benefits

Turmeric and curcumin are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not the same.

Curcumin is one of three curcuminoids contained in turmeric. Curcuminoids are natural phenols that are responsible for turmeric’s golden-yellow color.

Turmeric is best known as the spice produced from the roots, rhizomes and bulbs of the plant Curcuma longa. The roots and rhizomes (underground stems) are usually boiled and dried to produce the brilliant yellow spice common in Indian cooking.

Although turmeric is a well-known spice, many remain unaware that it has also been used for thousands of years in both Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for digestive health and liver problems.

Contemporary research reveals that both turmeric and curcumin exhibit anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-lipidemic (blood-lipid-lowering) effects.

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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Turmeric and Curcumin

Curcuma longa is indigenous to southern Asia. It is now most commonly grown in India.

In traditional Chinese and Indian Siddha medicine, rhizomes of Curcuma longa have been used to treat depression, infections, stress and skin problems.

Researchers are now analyzing turmeric and curcumin to better understand their therapeutic properties. In particular, curcumin has been investigated as an anti-cancer agent.

Additional research is required before any medicinal use can be attributed to either turmeric or curcumin. Neither turmeric nor curcumin are replacements for conventional cancer treatments.

Researchers are also investigating the impact of turmeric and curcumin on cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes mellitus and some neurological disorders. Turmeric is a natural supplement which is not regulated by the FDA.

Turmeric Extracts

Turmeric contains more than 200 different phytonutrient (plant nutrients). Of these nutrients, three are believed responsible for the plant’s therapeutic effects.

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is the primary curcuminoid in turmeric. The other two – demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin – are derived from curcumin. The rhizomes of Curcuma longa contain the highest concentrations of curcuminoids.

What are Curcuminoids?

Curcuminoids are natural phenols that give turmeric its characteristic yellow color. Phenols are chemical compounds composed of a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to an aromatic ring.

Phenols are often synthetically produced, but some organisms naturally produce phenols. These are referred to as ‘natural phenols.’

When organisms produce phenol compounds (like curcuminoids) it is usually in response to environmental stress and to ward off parasites and other pathogens. This may play a role in turmeric’s antibacterial uses and its history as a food preservative.

Curcumin and the other curcuminoids contained in turmeric are antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that neutralize free radicals. If left unchecked, free radicals can damage cell membranes, DNA and even cause cell death.

The collective action of free radicals is often described as oxidative stress. Prolonged periods of oxidative stress are thought to play a role in the development of disease.

Curcumin also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. For instance, it has been observed to lower the level of enzymes that cause inflammation.

Much of the research on curcumin and turmeric has been conducted in laboratories or on animals. Few human trials exist and it is not clear to what extent turmeric of curcumin will exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in the human body.

Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements

Turmeric is available as a supplement in the form of capsules (containing powder), tinctures and extracts. Curcumin supplements are also available. A good quality curcumin supplement should be standardized to contain a specific percentage of curcuminoids.

When deciding between turmeric versus curcumin supplements, it is often recommended to use extracts from the whole turmeric plant.

Some benefits have been attributed to turmeric beyond those attributable to curcumin alone. However, most of the research has focused on the benefits of curcumin and not turmeric extract.

Turmeric and curcumin are usually taken for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Considerable research has been conducted on the capacity of turmeric, curcumin and other turmeric extracts to treat specific diseases or ailments.

In general, research has mostly been conducted in laboratories and on animals. There is limited information available on the therapeutic effects of turmeric on humans.

Turmeric for Digestion

Turmeric is traditionally used as a treatment of liver and digestive disorders. Contemporary research has revealed that curcumin stimulates the production of bile by the gallbladder, which some claim supports digestion. In human studies turmeric has been reported to reduce symptoms of indigestion, such as bloating and gas.

The German Commission E (the German regulatory body that approves the prescription of herbs) has approved the use of turmeric for digestive problems.

Turmeric for Heart Disease

Preliminary studies indicate turmeric may help lower cholesterol levels. In addition, turmeric has been observed to exhibit anti-platelet effects, meaning it stops platelets from clumping together to form a clot. Both of these characteristics may help ward off heart disease.

Turmeric for Osteoarthritis

Although osteoarthritis used to be considered the result of “wear and tear”, the condition is now becoming increasingly connected to inflammation. Because turmeric exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, researchers have begun to investigate if it will have an effect on the development or progression of osteoarthritis. [1]

One study reported that participants who took a mixture of herbs that included turmeric had less pain and disability from their osteoarthritis, but it is not clear which ingredient in the mixture caused these observed effects. [2]

Safety of Turmeric and Curcumin

Turmeric and curcumin are generally well tolerated. Reported side effects include gastrointestinal upset and/or mild diarrhea.

Turmeric or curcumin may interact with certain medications and natural remedies. Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking these supplements for medicinal purposes.

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