Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is one of the most studied herbs in Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani and Chinese healing. Turmeric has remarkable nootropic properties. And stands far above many modern medicines used to treat neurodegenerative diseases like depression, Alzheimer’s and stroke.
Turmeric is a perennial shrub native to southern Asia. It is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). And the Chinese name, jianghuang, literally means “yellow ginger.”
Most of the turmeric we get is grown in India. But turmeric is also cultivated in China, Taiwan, Japan, Myanmar (Burma), Indonesia and throughout Africa.
The primary chemical component in turmeric are a group of compounds called curcuminoids, which include curcumin (diferuloylmethane), desmethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. The best studied is curcumin which I’ll make reference to throughout this post on turmeric.
Turmeric also contains other important volatile oils including a- and b-turmerone, ar-turmerone, a-curcumen, and zingiberene. Some of which will also be referenced in this post.
Turmeric works on a molecular level to enhance neurogenesis. It boosts the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. And is a powerful antioxidant helping to protect your brain from chronic, excess inflammation.
Turmeric is also used to treat digestive disorders, skin conditions, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, liver function, protect from damage to DNA, and treat chest and abdominal pain.
Here we’re going to explore how Turmeric benefits your brain.
Turmeric helps:
- Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF): Research shows that the curcumin in turmeric boosts neurogenesis. The production of new neurons in your hippocampus is essential for learning, memory and mood. Low BDNF can lead to major depression, OCD, schizophrenia, and dementia.
- Neurotransmitters: The curcumin in turmeric boosts the feel good neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are critical for mood, cognition, libido and focus. Curcumin functions very much like antidepressant MAOI’s and SSRI’s used to treat depression and Alzheimer’s Disease. Curcumin can actually enhance the effect of antidepressants like Prozac and Effexor.
- Neuroprotection: The curcumin in turmeric is a potent antioxidant and helps protect your brain from inflammation. Chronic inflammation has been linked to depression and dementia. Curcumin also reduces the formation of plaques that are associated with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Table of Contents
Overview
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is one of the most powerful natural remedies in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. This ancient herbal remedy has been used for at least 6,000 years.[i]
The major constituent of turmeric is curcumin (diferuloylmethane), which constitutes up to 90% of total curcuminoid content, with desmethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin comprising the remainder.
Turmeric is used extensively in several countries as part of their system of national medicine. Turmeric is listed in the official Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. In the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China. In the Japanese Herbal Medicines Codex.
In Germany, turmeric is listed in the Drug Codex, approved in the Commission E monographs, and in the form of tea in the official German Standard License monographs.
Curcumin and turmeric have been extensively researched for their anti-tumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. In fact, a search of the U.S. PubMed database for research on turmeric returns 5,334 clinical trials on animals and humans.[ii]
And yet the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health which is part of the same U.S. National Institutes of Health has this to say about turmeric:
“There is little reliable evidence to support the use of turmeric for any health condition because few clinical trials have been conducted.”[iii]
That statement by an official medical resource in the USA tells you something about the American health care system. And its view of alternative medicines. And why sites like Nootropics Expert® is so important for our nootropics community. So we can make our own decisions on how to boost our cognitive health.
Turmeric, also known as “Indian Saffron”, has been used for thousands of years in traditional South Asian cuisine, and is the basic ingredient in curry.
One recent study with 1,010 elderly Asian subjects found that those who ate curry “often” or “very often” had significantly higher cognitive performance.[iv]
Turmeric has potent antidepressant qualities. And has been found to be more potent than the antidepressant Prozac. Researchers think Turmeric works by reducing the stress hormone cortisol while increasing levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin.
Turmeric’s main active component curcumin provides protection against Alzheimer’s, major depression, epilepsy, and other neurodegenerative disorders. Scientists believe that much of this protective action comes from curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Curcumin modulates neurotransmitter levels in your brain. And on a molecular level is a potent inhibitor of reactive astrocyte expression which prevents apoptosis (cell death) in your brain.[v]
How does Turmeric Work in the Brain?
Turmeric boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- Turmeric enhances neuroplasticity. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a growth hormone responsible for the creation of new neurons (neurogenesis) in your brain. Higher levels of BDNF can increase mood, intelligence, memory and productivity. And can reduce risks for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Using turmeric or its active compound curcumin can boost your intelligence and memory. And can elevate your mood especially if you’re prone to depression. Several studies have shown that turmeric or its active component curcumin significantly boosts BDNF.[vi]
Researchers found that curcumin activated extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) and p38 kinases, cellular signal transduction pathways known to be involved in the regulation of neuronal plasticity and stress responses.
Administration of curcumin to mice in this study increased the number of newly generated cells in the hippocampus. Showing that curcumin enhances hippocampus neurogenesis. And that curcumin activity in the brain enhances neuroplasticity and repair of brain cells.[vii]
Another study using the turmeric volatile oil Ar-turmerone showed this compound also supported regeneration of brain cells. Scientists discovered that when neural stem cells were bathed in Ar-turmerone, up to 80% more stem cells grew into neurons or other cells.
Scientists then injected this turmeric extract into a part of rat’s brains where these cells are located. And witnessed a similar increase in growth of stem cells into neurons.[viii]
- Turmeric boosts dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain. These are the ‘feel good’ neurotransmitters in your brain. Turmeric and its active compound curcumin has been studied, and used effectively as an anti-depressant for centuries.
Researchers in India set out to establish how curcumin worked in the brain to provide this antidepressant action. In this study they investigated both curcumin and its ability to boost mood as well as the effect of Piperine as a bioavailability enhancer.
The scientists found that curcumin increased serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. And inhibited monoamine oxidase enzymes (both MAO-A and MAO-B) just like popular prescription antidepressant MAOI’s. Curcumin even enhanced the effectiveness of popular SSRI antidepressants Prozac, Effexor, and Zyban.
The team found no increase in norepinephrine when using curcumin to boost neurotransmitters. Avoiding the irritability and other symptoms of an over-amped fight-or-flight response.
And the scientists found that stacking curcumin with Piperine significantly boosted bioavailability. They concluded that curcumin combined with Piperine was a “potent natural antidepressant approach to managing depression”.[ix]
How things go bad
Chronic stress, anxiety and free radicals (oxidation) damage your brain. This damage can manifest in several ways including memory loss, brain fog, anxiety, depression, and even neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
↓ Chronic stress reduces memory
↓ Toxins kill brain cells
↓ Free radicals destroy neurons and synapses
↓ Serotonin and dopamine decline
↓ Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor declines
Under conditions of chronic stress or depression your brain loses the capacity to transmit signals between neurons efficiently. Memory, cognition and decision-making all suffer as a result.
Turmeric benefits
A member of the ginger family of herbs, turmeric is the seasoning that gives curry powder its yellow color. It’s long been known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. And is actively studied today for applications as a nootropic.
Turmeric or anyone of its several active compounds including curcumin and Ar-turmerone undoes damage to your brain caused by depression or chronic stress.
Turmeric and curcumin boosts neuron regrowth (neurogenesis), increases dendrites, repairs DNA, reduces inflammation, counters free radical damage, and boosts neurotransmitters.
Turmeric inhibits monoamine oxidase enzymes (both MAO-A and MAO-B) just like popular prescription antidepressant SSRI’s and MAOI’s. Research shows that curcumin or turmeric can boost the effects of some popular antidepressants.
Boosting the ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine can alleviate depression, improve mood, boost alertness, cognition, decision-making, memory and even libido.
Curcumin, the most active component of turmeric, activates genes to produce a huge array of antioxidants that serve to protect your mitochondria.
Curcumin also improves glucose metabolism, which is great for maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria. This critical microbiome in your gut directly influences how well your brain functions.
How does Turmeric feel?
Curcumin is the main active component of turmeric. So most of the positive reviews and studies have been conducted using curcumin.
Curcumin is known to possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-tumor, anti-cancer, anti-phlogistic, anti-diabetic, anti-psoriasis, anti-thrombotic, anti-hepatotoxic and a host of other useful properties.
If you are in perfect physical and mental health you may not feel the effects of supplementing with turmeric or curcumin. Turmeric’s neuroprotective qualities may not be felt if your brain is in perfect working order. But the effects of long-term supplementation will help you ward off diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
The most frequent comment from supplementing with turmeric comes from those dealing with chronic pain. Turmeric relieves the pain of osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.
Chronic pain usually results in insomnia or poor sleep quality, loss of memory, depression, and other stress-related symptoms. Adding curcumin or turmeric to your nootropic stack can help relieve chronic pain. You’ll sleep better and feel more alert the next day.
Supplementing with turmeric or curcumin improves attention, working memory, and mood. And is reported to relieve the symptoms of migraine headaches.
Turmeric Clinical Research
Eat Your Curry
Curcumin, from the curry spice turmeric, has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. And can reduce beta-amyloid plaques that are associated with Alzheimer’s Disease. But scientists were not satisfied with the evidence of turmeric’s benefits in real life.
So in 2003, a research team in Singapore recruited 1,010 non-demented elderly Asian people aged 60 – 93 years. The authors of the study compared Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores for three categories and regular curry consumption.
The scientist found that those who consumed curry “occasionally” and “often or very often” had much higher MMSE scores than those who “never or rarely” consumed curry.
The study authors reported that regular curry consumption was evidence of better cognitive performance. The bottom-line → eat your curry.[x]
Turmeric as an anti-depressant
A study conducted in India looked at the efficacy and safety of using curcumin, one of the active ingredients found in turmeric, for treating major depression.
60 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder were chosen to receive either 20 mg of fluoxetine (Prozac®), 1000 mg of curcumin, or a combination of both daily for 6 weeks.
The study found that the best response (77.8%) was with the group of patients treated with a combination of curcumin and Prozac. The Prozac only group experienced a 64.7% improvement in depression symptoms. And the curcumin only group came in at 62.5%.
The researchers concluded that curcumin could be used as an effective and safe treatment for patients with major depression.[xi]
Curcumin Reduces Stress
Turmeric has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to manage stress and depression-related disorders. Scientists had already figured out turmeric’s antidepressant effects in animal and human studies. So they imagined that curcumin may also alleviate stress caused by HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) dysfunction.
For this study the scientists used rats. They subjected the animals to stress for 20 days by putting them through several tasks known to stress a rat.
Putting rats through this unfortunate (for the rats) series of events produced the kind of symptoms you would see in humans subjected to ongoing, chronic stress.
The rats had abnormal adrenal gland weight, increased thickness in the adrenal cortex, elevated cortisol levels, and reduced glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mRNA expression. These changes were reversed by giving the rats curcumin in their food.
The research team also found that chronic stress down-regulated BDNF levels, and reduced the ratio of cAMP to CREB levels in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of the rats. Giving the rats curcumin blocked all these stress-induced physical responses in their brains.
The scientists concluded that these results provided compelling evidence that the behavioral effects of curcumin in chronically stressed animals, and by extension humans, could be related to the modulating effects of curcumin on the HPA axis and neurotrophin expressions.[xii]
Turmeric Dosage
You cannot get the immediate therapeutic and nootropic benefits of turmeric by simply eating more curry. Or adding turmeric to your food. Turmeric root contains only about 3% curcumin.
The most convenient way to start experiencing the benefits of turmeric is to get a high quality, 100% organic turmeric extract that contains at least 95% curcuminoids.
But curcumin and turmeric on their own are poorly absorbed by your gut. You must boost the bioavailability and absorption of this potent nootropic.
And the most efficient way to boost bioavailability is to combine turmeric or curcumin with Piperine. One study showed combining curcumin with 20 mg of Piperine increased bioavailability by 2000%![xiii]
Turmeric is fat-soluble so you must take it with a high quality fat for maximum absorption. You can use organic, cold-pressed coconut or olive oil.
Standardized turmeric or curcumin extract (95% curcuminoids) 750 mg 3-times per day.
Turmeric liquid extract (1:1) 30 – 90 drops per day.
Tincture (1:2) 15 – 30 drops 4-times per day.
Dried turmeric root powder 2.5 – 4 grams per day.
Turmeric Side Effects
Turmeric is natural and considered non-toxic and safe when taken at recommended doses.
Taking large amounts of turmeric for extended periods can cause stomach upset, and possibly ulcers.
If you have gallstones or obstruction to your bile passages you should not supplement with turmeric.
Turmeric may lower blood sugar levels which could be a problem for diabetics.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not supplement with turmeric.
And because turmeric can act as a blood thinner, stop supplementing with turmeric 2 weeks before surgery. Turmeric can also strengthen the effects of blood thinning medications.
Types of Turmeric to Buy
Turmeric is available as a powder, tablets, capsules, tincture and tea. And is preferred over curcumin if you’re using it for inflammatory conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, or an autoimmune condition.
Curcumin is a natural chemical found in, and extracted from turmeric. Several companies have developed their own version of this powerful nootropic.
Sabinsa’s Curcumin C3 Complex® boasts the most clinical studies of any of the patented forms of curcumin. This curcumin product is standardized to 95% Curcuminoids. Sabinsa also produces the standardized Piperine extract called BioPerine®. And supplement makers who feature Curcumin C3 Complex® from Sabinsa also typically include BioPerine® in their formula.
BCM95® by DolCas Biotech is a standardized extract of turmeric containing curcumin-essential oil complex of 86% curcuminoids and 7-9% essential oils. As far as I can tell this is the only extract that includes turmeric volatile oils which is important to cognitive health. Recall from earlier in this article that turmeric volatile oil Ar-turmerone supported regeneration of brain cells
Longvida® is a standardized curcumin extract that the company claims is at least 67-285 times more bioavailable than standard 95% curcumin. But does not contain any of the volatile oils found in natural turmeric. One study showed that this extract increases synapses in mice.[xiv] Another study in humans showed Longvida® significantly improved attention, working memory, and mood compared to placebo.[xv]
Meriva® is another patented form of curcumin combined with soy lecithin. The two compounds are a 1:2 ratio with microcrystalline cellulose added. The company claims that the addition of soy lecithin improves bioavailability of curcumin. Total curcumin in each capsule is 20%. Much higher doses of this curcumin extract are needed for optimizing cognition. And is primarily targeted at bone, joint, eye and skin health.
Active ingredients of Turmeric include curcuminoids and volatile oils. Look for the percentage of active ingredients listed on the bottle or package. Your best option is choosing a standardized extract of at least 95% curcuminoids.
Unless the supplement contains a patented compound from the companies listed above, you can assume that the extract has been processed using toxic solvents to extract curcumin from turmeric (not good).
And avoid supplements that list “other ingredients” on the label. Look for Certified Organic to ensure the root used to make your Turmeric supplement is free of heavy metals, pesticides and herbicides.
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
Turmeric Extract (95% curcuminoids) 750 mg 3-times per day
I recommend using Turmeric or Curcumin as a nootropic supplement.
Your body does not make Turmeric on its own. So to get its benefits you must take it as a supplement.
Turmeric is the anti-Alzheimer’s spice. Studies show that in parts of India where curries are eaten most often, Alzheimer’s disease is extremely rare.
Turmeric is especially helpful for those suffering from depression or chronic pain.
Turmeric has a combination of curcuminoids, volatile oils and proteins that make it anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-septic.
Some neurohackers maintain that turmeric or curcumin is the best nootropic. You can increase the bioavailability of turmeric by combining it with Piperine (black pepper extract) and a healthy fat like olive or coconut oil.
You can safely take up to 3,000 mg of Turmeric extract daily if needed. Most get all the benefit they need with 750 mg. Dosed 3-times per day.
[i] Ravindran P.N., Babu K.N., Sivaraman K. “Turmeric: The Genus Curcuma”; CRC Press Pg 5 March 1, 2007 ISBN 9780849370342 (source)
[ii] “Tumeric” US National Library of Medicine ncbi.nlm.hih.gov Retrieved August 4, 2016 (source)
[iii] “Turmeric” National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health nih.gov (source)
[iv] Ng T.P., Chiam P.C., Lee T., Chua H.C., Lim L., Kua E.H. “Curry consumption and cognitive function in the elderly.” American Journal of Epidemiology. 2006 Nov 1;164(9):898-906. (source)
[v] Kulkarni S.K., Dhir A. “An Overview of Curcumin in Neurological Disorders” Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2010 Mar-Apr; 72(2): 149–154. (source)
[vi] Wang R., Li Y.B., Li Y.H., Xu Y., Wu H.L., Li X.J. “Curcumin protects against glutamate excitotoxicity in rat cerebral cortical neurons by increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor level and activating TrkB.”Brain Research. 2008 May 19;1210:84-91. (source)
[vii] Kim S.J., Son T.G., Park H.R., Park M., Kim M.S., Kim H.S., Chung H.Y., Mattson M.P., Lee J. “Curcumin stimulates proliferation of embryonic neural progenitor cells and neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus.” Journal of Biological Chemistry. 2008 May 23;283(21):14497-505. (source)
[viii] Hucklenbroich J. et. Al. “Aromatic-turmerone induces neural stem cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo” Stem Cell Research & Therapy2014 5:100 (source)
[ix] Kulkarni S.K., Bhutani M.K., Bishnoi M. “Antidepressant activity of curcumin: involvement of serotonin and dopamine system.”Psychopharmacology (Berlin). 2008 Dec;201(3):435-42. (source)
[x] Ng T.P., Chiam P.C., Lee T., Chua H.C., Lim L., Kua E.H. “Curry consumption and cognitive function in the elderly.” American Journal of Epidemiology. 2006 Nov 1;164(9):898-906. (source)
[xi] Sanmukhani J., Satodia V., Trivedi J., Patel T., Tiwari D., Panchal B., Goel A., Tripathi C.B. “Efficacy and safety of curcumin in major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled trial.” Phytotherapy Research. 2014 Apr;28(4):579-85. (source)
[xii] Xu Y., Ku B., Tie L., Yao H., Jiang W., Ma X., Li X. “Curcumin reverses the effects of chronic stress on behavior, the HPA axis, BDNF expression and phosphorylation of CREB.” Brain Research. 2006 Nov 29;1122(1):56-64. Epub 2006 Oct 3. (source)
[xiii] Shoba G., Joy D., Joseph T., Majeed M., Rajendran R., Srinivas P.S. “Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers.” Planta Medica. 1998 May;64(4):353-6. (source)
[xiv] Ma Q.L., Zuo X., Yang F., Ubeda O.J., Gant D.J., Alaverdyan M., Teng E., Hu S., Chen P.P., Maiti P., Teter B., Cole G.M., Frautschy S.A. “Curcumin suppresses soluble tau dimers and corrects molecular chaperone, synaptic, and behavioral deficits in aged human tau transgenic mice.” Journal of Biological Chemistry. 2013 Feb 8;288(6):4056-65 (source)
[xv] Cox K.H., Pipingas A., Scholey A.B. “Investigation of the effects of solid lipid curcumin on cognition and mood in a healthy older population.” Journal of Psychopharmacology. 2015 May;29(5):642-51. (source)
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I just bought a Longvida curcumin product, but i just read on a few forums some people that mixed a SSRI (escilatopram) (the one i use also), with a Longvida product, and they said they had symptoms of serotonin syndrome, shivering and stuff. That does scare me, i use 10mg Escilatopram. Normally you cannot mix a MAOI with a SSRI, and Longvida curcumin is also a MAOI right?
I have read some studies combining the two, and that curcumin enhanced the effectiveness of the SSRI, but i dont think they used Longvida. Maybe it is more potent then the others in terms of the brain?
Should i take it or is it too risky?
Shaun, it could be too risky because Turmeric inhibits monoamine oxidase enzymes (both MAO-A and MAO-B). While some may benefit from this action potentiating the meds they are using, others may have the opposite reaction like you found in the forums.
Good research Shaun. If you are going to try it I suggest starting with a very low dose and see how you react.
Thank you, i also read Curcumine inhibits certain enzymes that escilatopram uses to metobalize, potentially slowing the metabolism of escilatopram, resulting in higher levels of escilatopram. On top of being a MAOI (curcumin)
I think i will opt for omega 3 supplemention on top of my SSRI.
Saun, escitalopram is metabolized by the liver, mainly via the cytochrome P450 system (CYP 3A4, 2D6 and 2C19) (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548395/). Curcumin induces CYP1A2 (https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0715/p101.html) so is not contraindicated with escitalopram.
Is full spectrum turmeric product better then a product only containing curcuminoids?
If a product contains 95% curcuminoids like Sabinsa C3, what does the 5% contain? I see a product in my country that says 95% curmuminoids, but it does not say it has volatite oils or other components. It says it uses C3.
With black pepper.
And can i use this together with a SSRI and antipsychotic?
My serotonin is depleted or desensitized from years of using SSRI’s, and also cannabis. Is it a good idea to further deplete it with using curcuminoids with SSRI’s?
Shaun, C3 does not contain the volatile oils from Turmeric which also provide some benefit for brain cell health. You’ll have to ask Sabinsa what the other 5% contains.
If you combine any form of Turmeric supplement with Piperine or BioPerine (black pepper extract) it will boost its absorption rate by 2,000% according to several studies.
And it is NOT contraindicated with SSRIs or other antipsychotics as far as I can tell. If anything it may potentiate their effectiveness.
BTW, it’s not that your serotonin is depleted. It is more of a problem with receptor desensitization, changed gene expression, and altered ion channels from long-term SSRI use. Curcumin is certainly not going to desensitize receptors. Curcumin boosts BDNF so if should support serotonin and dopamine receptors rather than deplete them.
But if i use Curcumin which boosts dopamine, and antipsychotics reduce dopamine, does that not beat the point of using antipsychotics?
And which curcuma product is best? Longvida only contains a small number of curcuminoids, but C3 has a lot of it, 95% of it.
And ive read that black pepper changed the metabolism of certain medications, so maybe also my ssri and antipsychotics, which might cause problems? Or is it safe to take piperine with my medications?
I like using BCM-95® because this extract includes 95% curcuminoids as well the volatile oils found in Turmeric. Some of these oils like Ar-turmerone which supports the regeneration of brain cells. This is the one I use 3-times per day: https://amzn.to/3hfcPVP
Curcumin acts like an MAOI which means that it puts serotonin and dopamine already in your brain back into play. It does not increase physical levels of these neurotransmitters. For that you need L-Tryptophan (for serotonin) and L-Tyrosine (for dopamine).
Sorry for the bombardment of questions but, if i take SSRI with curcumin, and the curcumin supporting the receptors, for the SSRI to deplete that again, does that not mess up my receptors even more?
Shaun, please explain to me how Curcumin is going to “deplete your receptors”. Point to a clinical study demonstrating this.
Ok the answer was there with Sue.
Can’t take . Will only be excreted and a waste. Right/
What about other fat soluble supplements? Will be affected too?
I am in despair. Give me your thoughts if u were in my situation.
Love u David for whatever u do, loving thoughts and care for all of us here. many thanks.
David I had a gallbladder removed which was causing pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas. i had gallstones and there was no other option laid on me. It was hurting so much.
I didn’t want my gall bladder( the storage of bile) learning we need bile for fats absorption. Epigastric pain was too much to bear. I didn’t even had a chance thinking how to detox.
i quit taking Curcumin since I wrote u. I am sad missing the benefits t give.
So not wise to continue ha? Thanks for listening and caring. Marcie
Marcie, I’m sorry you had to go through with that. I wish doctors would have the courtesy to tell their patients ALL of the consequences of what they are recommending.
Anything that requires fat metabolism including fat-soluble supplements requires bile but only for the whatever makes it to your intestines’ and hasn’t been digested by enzymes in your stomach.
So, depending on how efficient your digestive system is there will likely be some fat-soluble supplements you will be able to use. But you may not get the full benefit of that supplement like you would otherwise if you had a functioning gallbladder.
Also I was taking it for all the brain benefits. You mean to say i have to delete or drop this on the list and look for a replacement of what I am trying to accomplish?
Boost BDNF, Anti inflammatory etc. I have to look for alternatives whch role is complementary with Turmeric? right. Oh my!
Sorry David to bother u but appreciate so much to let me understand. i still loved curry foods!
See my comment below before you do anything Marcie.
So David if you got your gallbladder out, it is not advisable to supplement with Turmeric? I just had a cholecystectomy a week ago recuperating @ home and deciphering all these supplements I recently added sorting them in groups because it is too much. Also i got no appetite to eat.
What happens if you continue taking it?
I have been taking only 2 caps daily from Purity Labs no fillers 95% with 15mg95% extract Piperene too but states2100mg per serving for long time.
Marcie, did you get a cholecystostomy or did you get your gallbladder removed? Because a cholecystostomy is just drainage of your gallbladder but not removal of the organ.
The thing is some of these supplements depend on the bile produced by your gallbladder for digestion. Without it you just end up excreting the supplement and get no benefit from it. My comment in the Side Effects section of this review implies that Turmeric and Curcumin depend on your gallbladder for digestion.
For someone who’s had their Gallbladder removed many years ago, would this still be an option? Or taking it with a digestive enzyme perhaps?
Info, what else would work as a replacement?
Sue, if you have no gallbladder then Turmeric may not be good idea for you no matter what you combine it with. And there is no “replacement” for it. The supplement you would choose instead of Turmeric depends on what your goals are or what you are trying to fix.
Hello David, would like to know if the use of Curcumin (C3 Complex) can improve the efficacy of Bacopa Monnieri and Rhodiola Rosea ?, (because Curcumin acts as an MAOI and Bacopa Monnieri has been shown in clinical studies to work as well for depression as Benzodiazepines and Rhodiola Rosea works as well for depression as sertraline)
– The anti-hepatotoxic properties of Curcumin (C3 Complex) make it a good alternative to milk thistle or is it not as effective?
– And finally, do you know other anti-cancer Nootropics better than Curcumin or would you say that this is the best anti-cancer?
Peter, I doubt that Curcumin “will improve the efficacy” of Rhodiola Rosea. In fact, not sure what will happen because they both boosts the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain. Which is likely overdoing doing it for those two neurotransmitters. And Bacopa has a completely different mechanism of action for anxiety. It works on heat-shock protein 70 (Hsp70), and the cytochrome enzymes EROD and PROD. Only way to find out if they work together is to try it.
Curcumin is not an alternative to Milk Thistle extract as far as I know.
You can search Nootropics Expert for “anti-cancer” and see what turns up. The one that comes to mind is one I just published here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/sulforaphane/
Hello David, thank you for answering but I’m afraid I couldn’t make you understand me that’s why I ask you again in this other way
– To improve the effectiveness of Rhodiola Rosea should i consume Tryptofan and Nalt? (because Rhodiola Roses boosts the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine and in this way I would have more of these two neurotransmitters for Rhodiola Rosea to work better)
– I thought that I could only overdo those two neurotransmitters using direct precursors like Tyrosine and Tryprofan, what is the worst that could happen if I overload these neurotransmitters (serotonin and norepinephrine) by combining Curcumin (C3 Complex) and Rhodiola Rosea?
– The anti-hepatotoxic properties of Curcumin (C3 Complex) make it a good option to detoxify the liver or do you think it is not enough and do you recommend other things?
– Are the anti-cancer properties of Curcumin (C3 Complex) sufficient to prevent forms of cancer or is it not as effective as Sulforaphane?
Peter, thanks for clarifying.
L-Tryptophan and NALT will support how Rhodiola Rosea works in your brain esp. if you are low in serotonin and/or norepinephrine.
You can overdo anything but if you are using any of the supplements you mention it is highly unlikely it would be a problem. It depends on your unique brain chemistry. If you are high in any of these neurotransmitters then you could experience a negative reaction like those named in the Side Effects section of each review. Those are the worst that can happen. But it’s certainly not life threatening.
Thanks the clear concise info relating to supplements , I just watched the video of same. You indicated the “Turmeric is available as a powder, tablets, capsules, tincture and tea. And is preferred over curcumin if you’re using it for inflammatory conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, or an autoimmune condition.” why is that the case? and is curcumin not at all helpful?
Kevin, Curcumin would certainly be helpful. But Turmeric contains volatile oils like Ar-turmerone and others that are not in pure Curcumin which offer important benefits.
I personally use a supplement containing BCM95® which is a standardized extract of turmeric containing curcumin-essential oil complex of 86% curcuminoids and 7-9% essential oils for exactly that reason. Because I’ve been diagnosed with arthritis of the spine.
Hello David,
Is Doctor Best a good choice for Phosphatidyl Serine?, They sell in the form of SerinAid® that you recomend but SerinAid® are not Soy Free so im confused.
– I know you are not a doctor, but based on your experience using current Ritalin could you please tell me, Madafinil at age of 40.
how many days a week should I take it? and Do I need to cycle it?
Thank you
Jose, it is difficult to find Sharp PS Green as an individual supplement in the USA. While I dislike using anything soy in this case if I want to use a Phosphatidylserine in this country the best I can find is one containing SerinAid®.
If you are asking about Modafinil dosage the recommended dose is usually once in the morning daily. And you do not need to cycle it as long as you use the stack listed in the yellow box near the top of this article: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/
Hey David I’m suffering from a rare condition knowing as Visual Snow Syndrome It believed to be a type of thalamocortical dysrhythmia, I got this condition a year ago
I’m trying to heal my brain but I need to list good things to heal that part of the brain
So far
I’m taking
NAC -twice daily -500mg
DHA – 1000MG
B-complex
Vit D 4000ui daily
before Bed lemon Balm – 500mg
need to make sure I can add turmeric to my mix daily without it clashing with other stuff I mentioned
if there is anything else that can help the Thalamus in the brain please let me know.
Andy, adding Turmeric to your stack should not be a problem. And I’m not aware of any other supplement that specifically targets the Thalamus.
Hi David, in my country there is a lot of price difference between Sabinsa’s Curcumin C3 Complex® which costs 33 Dollars (Brand Dr Best 1000 mg) and BCM95® which costs 60 Dollars (Brand HTN 650mg) is almost double, It is worth it pay Double the money in my case to obtain the benefits of turmeric volatile oil Ar-turmerone ?, or I will be fine consuming only Sabinsa’s Curcumin C3 Complex®
Damian, you’ll get all the benefits that curcuminoids provide by using Curcumin C3 Complex®. It is certainly worth what they charge for it.
I like BCM95® because it has the volatile oils shown to repair brain cells. But there are plenty of other ways to repair brain cells as well including anything to increases BDNF or Nerve Growth Factor.
Hi David
I click on the link of yours on BCM95 and the product cost only $28. However I went to their official site and it cost $52 and it’s a great price difference and both contain 60 softgels. I read on your previous newsletter on spotting the fake and kind of worried if the link you sent is trustable. Can you help to verify? Thanks
Wong, you’ll need to contact Health Thru Nutrition and as them directly why they sell their Curcumin (BCM-95) for $28.95 on Amazon, $28.95 on Walmart,
40.62 on eVitamin, and $52.95 on their website. I have a feeling it’s because they do not have the last say in pricing on other shopping sites.
But good question and relevant. I double-checked and it is listed on Amazon in the Health Thru Nutrition store so we know it is them providing the product. And not a counterfeit manufacturer. So there is something else going on there and it’s not product-swapping.
David I have Turmeric + Bioperine product, however it seems that it makes me a bit more sleepy/fatigued/brain-foggy, why could that be and have you seen anyone else report those symptoms also?
Sven, I have not heard anyone report these side effects from using Turmeric + BioPerine. Have you tried Turmeric on its own to see if you get the same reaction?