# 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

## Used in

### Papers (6)

- [Curcumin Protected Aging Rat Livers, and the Nano Version Worked Better](https://longevity-germany.com/en/research/curcumin-protected-aging-rat-livers-and-the-nano-version-worked-better) · Preliminary · 2026-08-03
- [How Curcumin Protects Brain Cells in Parkinson's Mouse Models](https://longevity-germany.com/en/research/how-curcumin-protects-brain-cells-in-parkinson-s-mouse-models) · Preliminary · 2026-07-06
- [Curcumin May Sharpen Memory and Attention, Especially in Older Adults](https://longevity-germany.com/en/research/curcumin-may-sharpen-memory-and-attention-especially-in-older-adults) · Moderate · 2026-07-03
- [Curcumin May Ease Prostate Symptoms in Aging Men on Standard Drugs](https://longevity-germany.com/en/research/curcumin-may-ease-prostate-symptoms-in-aging-men-on-standard-drugs) · Moderate · 2026-06-05
- [Curcumin and Ginger May Help Memory, But Not Other Brain Functions](https://longevity-germany.com/en/research/curcumin-and-ginger-may-help-memory-but-not-other-brain-functions) · Moderate · 2026-05-11
- [How Polyphenols From Tea, Berries, and Curcumin May Slow Aging Pathways](https://longevity-germany.com/en/research/how-polyphenols-from-tea-berries-and-curcumin-may-slow-aging-pathways) · Moderate · 2026-04-28

### Articles (1)

- [Longevity at age 70: An Evidence-Based Supplement Routine from Dr. Nicolas Verhoeven](https://longevity-germany.com/en/articles/longevity-at-70-an-evidence-based-supplement-routine-from-dr-nicolas-verhoeven) · 2025-07-19

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