Curcumin

Studies in people

• Benefit

  Aging brain and muscles²

  In older adults, curcumin may help thinking and muscle health, but scientists do not yet know the right amount.

• Benefit

  Joint pain and stiffness³

  In people with osteoarthritis, curcumin eased joint pain and stiffness, with fewer side effects than painkillers.

Study type not stated

• Benefit

  Metabolic disorders⁴

  Curcumin, found in turmeric, may help with metabolic problems like fatty liver and heart disease.

• Open question

  How much the body absorbs⁵

  Curcumin is poorly absorbed on its own, but taking it with piperine may help the body take in more.

• Benefit

  Bone health⁶

  Curcumin is a natural compound that studies suggest may help bone metabolism and conditions like osteoporosis.

• Concern

  What's actually in the capsule⁷

  Curcumin levels in turmeric capsules varied widely, and some contained trace metals like lead and nickel.

How it’s made and used

• main yellow component⁸

  Curcumin is the main yellow part of turmeric, and food is still its main use.

The signal at the top counts the findings in people and in animal and lab studies. A concern in studies of people outranks animal and lab studies, and “No concerns” needs at least two findings in people. Findings whose study type is not stated are shown but not counted. This page is a reference, not medical advice. It describes what regulators and published research say. Talk to a doctor or dietitian about your own diet.