Turmeric Root (Curcuma Longa)
Benefits of Turmeric Root
- Joints
- Where it's from: India and Southeast Asia
- Form: Powder / Extract
- Food Source: Turmeric
What is Turmeric Root?
Turmeric is a plant in the ginger family that grows throughout India and Southeast Asia. The rhizomes (underground stems) of the plant are harvested, dried and ground into a powder that is used as a spice for cooking, and has a long history in Ayurvedic practice.
Turmeric is hugely popular, largely thanks to its active compound, curcumin. The active compounds in turmeric are polyphenols called curcuminoids, of which curcumin is the main one.
What does the research say about Turmeric Root?
Curcuminoids have been widely studied. Curcumin has antioxidant activity, meaning it 'scavenges' and neutralises 'free radicals', which are unstable molecules. Turmeric and curcumin have been studied most often in relation to the joints.
It's worth knowing that curcumin is not easily absorbed by the body, so just adding lots of turmeric to all your dishes will not necessarily mean you absorb much curcumin. Black pepper and its active compound, piperine, have been studied for their effect on the absorption of curcumin and other nutrients.
You may also enjoy reading '5 benefits of Turmeric'.
Why it's in OsteoFriend®
Curcumin inhibits NF-κB and RANKL pathways, reducing osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. It has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, potentially preserving bone mass in chronic inflammatory states.1
Why it's in Daily Multivitamin
Turmeric contains Curcumin, a polyphenol with potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential antimicrobial properties. It modulates inflammatory pathways such as NF-κB and COX-2 and has been studied for its role in joint health, metabolic syndrome, and neurodegenerative conditions. Bioavailability-enhanced forms are preferred in clinical practice for therapeutic effects.2
Why it's in Brain Fuel®
Organic Turmeric contains Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.3 Curcumin has been shown to improve cognitive function in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases, possibly by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain.3 The compound may also have neuroprotective effects, reducing the risk of age-related cognitive decline and dementia.3 A meta-analysis of clinical trials on turmeric and brain health found that the spice had a positive effect on cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease.4 Another meta-analysis found that turmeric supplementation improved cognitive function in healthy older adults.5 Several clinical trials have investigated the effects of Turmeric on brain function and cognition. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that Turmeric supplementation improved cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment.6 Another study found that Turmeric supplementation had no significant effect on cognitive function in healthy older adults.4