Curcumin (Turmeric Extract)
1000 mg · Daily, with food
Robert
Founder, F*CK Getting Old — independent researcher, not a medical professional.
Last reviewed · 2 cited sources
Evidence
- Human Studies
- 120
- Animal Studies
- 100
- Clinical Status
- Dietary Supplement
- Confidence
- Moderate
- Long-Term Safety
- Generally well-tolerated in trials; rare liver-related case reports exist, mostly tied to high-dose enhanced-absorption products
What this score is: a measure of how much research exists and how far along it is (animal-only vs. human trials, research-stage vs. FDA approved) — not how safe, effective, or worth trying a compound is. A low score usually means “early stage” or “understudied,” not “bad.” A high score doesn’t mean “better” for your goals than a lower-scored one.
This is not my personal rating of the compound, not a recommendation, and not medical advice. It’s a general research synthesis for informational purposes only, not a live literature count. See the linked research and talk to a licensed clinician before making decisions based on it.
Mechanism
Curcumin is the primary active compound in turmeric, studied for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects through modulation of inflammatory signaling pathways (e.g. NF-kB). Its major practical limitation is very poor natural bioavailability — most positive trial results use enhanced formulations (with piperine/black pepper extract, or phospholipid/liposomal delivery) rather than plain turmeric powder.
Common Protocols
- 500–1000 mg daily of a bioavailability-enhanced formulation, with food
- Plain turmeric powder would need far higher doses to reach comparable blood levels
Side Effects
- GI upset at higher doses
- Rare reports of liver enzyme elevation, mostly with high-dose enhanced formulations — discontinue and seek care for jaundice or unusual fatigue
Interactions
- Mild antiplatelet effect — caution combining with blood thinners
- May increase absorption of other drugs when combined with piperine, which also affects liver drug-metabolizing enzymes
Practical Details
- Cost
- $
- Typical Dose
- 1000 mg
- Storage
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from light
Key Studies & Reviews
- Dehzad MJ et al. (2023). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation in adults: GRADE-assessed meta-analysis. Cytokine. PMID 36804260.
- Zeng L et al. (2022). Efficacy and safety of curcumin and Curcuma longa extract in the treatment of arthritis: meta-analysis. Front Immunol. PMID 35935936.
Search the Research
Curcumin (Turmeric Extract) FAQ
What is the typical Curcumin (Turmeric Extract) dosage?
Commonly reported protocols: 500–1000 mg daily of a bioavailability-enhanced formulation, with food; Plain turmeric powder would need far higher doses to reach comparable blood levels. Our reference entry uses 1000 mg, Daily, with food. These reflect protocols reported in research and user communities, not a medical recommendation — dosing should be decided with a clinician.
What are the side effects of Curcumin (Turmeric Extract)?
Reported side effects include: GI upset at higher doses; Rare reports of liver enzyme elevation, mostly with high-dose enhanced formulations — discontinue and seek care for jaundice or unusual fatigue.
Is Curcumin (Turmeric Extract) FDA approved?
Curcumin (Turmeric Extract) is sold as a dietary supplement. The FDA does not approve supplements for safety or effectiveness before they are sold, so third-party tested brands are worth seeking out.
How much research is there on Curcumin (Turmeric Extract)?
Our evidence profile counts roughly 120 human and 100 animal studies, with moderate overall confidence. Long-term safety: Generally well-tolerated in trials; rare liver-related case reports exist, mostly tied to high-dose enhanced-absorption products.
Does Curcumin (Turmeric Extract) interact with other drugs or supplements?
Mild antiplatelet effect — caution combining with blood thinners; May increase absorption of other drugs when combined with piperine, which also affects liver drug-metabolizing enzymes.
Related compounds
Anti-inflammatory; poor absorption unless paired with piperine or a bioavailable formulation