# Curcumin

Curcumin is the main polyphenol in turmeric (Curcuma longa). It tunes several inflammatory and oxidative pathways, including NF-kB and Nrf2. But there is a big practical problem. Plain curcumin is barely absorbed when you swallow it. So supplements add piperine, or use phospholipid or nanoparticle formulations. Those boost how much gets in. Meta-analyses suggest modest drops in inflammation markers, joint pain, and some blood lipids. But the effects vary a lot. They depend on the formulation and the study quality. Evidence for a direct longevity benefit in humans is limited.

## Sources

- Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS. (2017). Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health. Foods. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods6100092
- Aggarwal BB, Sundaram C, Malani N, Ichikawa H. (2007). Curcumin: the Indian solid gold. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-46401-5_1

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_Canonical: https://longevity-switzerland.com/en/glossary/curcumin · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-06-22_