Turmeric Curcumin Dosage

Turmeric

David Tomen
Author:
David Tomen
15 minute read
Turmeric has been shown to increase Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, fight depression, improve cognition, focus and libido, and protect the brain from inflammation.

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 (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

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.

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 Herb Yellow Powder And Fresh Turmeric.
Turmeric

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]

Turmeric-curcumin-increases-brain-derived-neurotrophic-factor

How does Turmeric Work in the Brain?

Turmeric boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.

  1. 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]

  1. 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.Turmeric-relieves-Depression

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.

Turmeric-curcumin-antianxiety

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.Turmeric curry improves cognition

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.Turmeric Curcumin Dosage

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

Nootropics Expert Tested and ApprovedI 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.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may also contain other affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

[i] Slominski A., Zmijewski M., Pawelek J. “L-tyrosine and L-DOPA as hormone-like regulators of melanocytes functions” Pigment Cell Melanoma Research. 2012 Jan; 25(1): 14–27. (source)

[ii] Woods S.K., Meyer J.S. “Exogenous tyrosine potentiates the methylphenidate-induced increase in extracellular dopamine in the nucleus accumbens: a microdialysis study.” Brain Research. 1991 Sep 27;560(1-2):97-105. (source)

[iii] Hase A., Jung S.E., aan het Rot M. “Behavioral and cognitive effects of tyrosine intake in healthy human adults.” Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior. 2015 Jun;133:1-6. (source)

[iv] Magnusson I., Ekman L., Wångdahl M., Wahren J. “N-acetyl-L-tyrosine and N-acetyl-L-cysteine as tyrosine and cysteine precursors during intravenous infusion in humans.” Metabolism. 1989 Oct;38(10):957-61. (source)

[v] Coull N.A., Watkins S.L., Aldous J.W., Warren L.K., Chrismas B.C., Dascombe B., Mauger A.R., Abt G., Taylor L. “Effect of tyrosine ingestion on cognitive and physical performance utilising an intermittent soccer performance test (iSPT) in a warm environment.”European Journal of Applied Physiology. 2015 Feb;115(2):373-86. (source)

[vi] Colzato L.S., Jongkees B.J., Sellaro R., Hommel B. “Working memory reloaded: tyrosine repletes updating in the N-back task.”Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience. 2013 Dec 16;7:200. (source)

[vii] Hinz M., Stein A., Neff R., Weinberg R., Uncini T. “Treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with monoamine amino acid precursors and organic cation transporter assay interpretation”Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. 2011; 7: 31–38. (source)

[viii] Deijen J.B., Orlebeke J.F. “Effect of tyrosine on cognitive function and blood pressure under stress.” Brain Research Bulletin. 1994;33(3):319-23. (source)

[ix] Steenbergen L., Sellaro R., Hommel B., Colzato L.S. “Tyrosine promotes cognitive flexibility: evidence from proactive vs. reactive control during task switching performance.” Neuropsychologia. 2015 Mar;69:50-5 (source)

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Join The Discussion - 235 comments

Sue Taylor
March 21, 2021

Hi
I’m new to Nootropics, thank you for free download I have fibromyalgia and recently due to changes in exercise and routines due to COVID related lockdowns, have been experiencing prolonged flare ups, aches, exhaustion, brain fog, mild depression, sleep issues, noise sensitivity, irritability…all the usual but for longer. I decided time to try and get serotonin and dopamine levels more regulated and had been looking at supplements such as 5HPT, possibly Mucuna extract.
After reading you info about turmeric extract with black pepper being beneficial for fibromyalgia symptoms, have decided to start with this instead. Have ordered quality supplement 200mg turmeric extract and 20mg black pepper. Product has great reviews and should arrive in couple of days. Can’t wait!

    David Tomen
    March 21, 2021

    Sue, 5-HTP and Mucuna Pruriens are NOT the way to boost dopamine and serotonin levels. Use L-Tryptophan and L-Tyrosine instead please. You’ll be a lot happier with the result. See my review on each supplement.

    And did you read my newsletter I sent March 18? It’s on fibromyalgia.

      Sue
      March 22, 2021

      Thank you David.
      Yes was quite naive when looking at 5HPT and Mucana. So happy to have found your website and have some expert advice based on experience and research.
      So I will search for your recent news letter on fibromyalgia and look for L-Tryptophan/ L-Tyrosine.
      Regards Sue

Moo
March 17, 2021

Hi David,

I just took delivery of some 500mg Turmeric capsules, however looking at the back it states:

Amount Per Serving:
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) root: 450 mg

Turmeric Extract (Curcuma longa) root: 50 mg
(Standardized to contain 95% Curcuminoids)

So does that mean it’s only 50mg of the useful Turmeric? Should I be looking for some with a much higher Turmeric Extract (95% Curcuminoids), to get closer to the dose of 750 mg?

Keep up the good work.

    David Tomen
    March 17, 2021

    Moo, good thing you closely looked at the label. And you are correct in your evaluation. This is the one I use 3-times per day: https://amzn.to/3cGWfLk

Richard
March 8, 2021

Hi David, what are your thoughts on CurcuWIN found in Performance Lab Flex?

    David Tomen
    March 9, 2021

    Richard, CurcuWIN is a curcumin product made by New Jersey-based OmniActive Health Technologies. The company has developed and patented a delivery method that improves the “absorption” of curcuminoids (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin) and the metabolite tetrahydrocurcumin when the supplement is taken orally. But their extract is only 20% curcuminoids.

    There are other Turmeric supplements available providing 95% curcuminoids. And the one I like and use called BCM95® by DolCas Biotech also includes the volatile oil Ar-turmerone which supports the regeneration of brain cells.

    The thing is CurcuWIN is likely a great version of Turmeric for joint health. But not the greatest option for use as a nootropic for brain health.

Jeff
February 26, 2021

Is it OK to stack this with Saffron to enhance the effects? I take 30mg of the affron extract per day (split into 2 x 15mg doses) and 1000mg of curcumin (split into 2 x 500mg doses).

    David Tomen
    February 26, 2021

    Jeff, I’m not aware of any contraindication. But there is nothing published to suggest that it would help potentiate Saffron.

Lori
February 11, 2021

Can I stack turmeric 1700mg., Caffeine 400mg. per day with Mind Lab Pro? Or can I take the 1700mg of turmeric., Caffeine 400mg. with Tyrosine 500mg.-1000mg. per day together? Both for long term. I struggle with depression, memory loss, ADHD and history of cancer. I’ve been taking caffeine 400mg., Tyrosine 1000mg. and Turmeric 855 mg. for approx 10 years. I’m struggling with major depression for the last year with a huge decline in memory. All suggestions are greatly appreciated.

    Lori
    February 11, 2021

    I should not have said major depression, there’s been a noticeable decline in motivation, short term memory loss with increased sleepiness, mind chatter (ADHD) with brain fog over the last year.

      David Tomen
      February 12, 2021

      Lori, if those supplements are not working for your depression it’s unlikely that dopamine dysfunction is your problem. Mind Lab Pro may help a little. But you need to find out what is causing your brain fog and decline in memory.

      I suggest you read this article and put a little more thought into this: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-supplements-for-brain-fog/. Because it could be something you haven’t thought of. Like excess inflammation or low hormones, or …

        Lori
        February 12, 2021

        Thank you David, I will read the recommended article.

        Lori
        February 16, 2021

        Hi David, I read the suggested article regarding brain fog. It was very helpful. I’ve added a few more supplements to my daily stack. Several on the list I already take daily. Is it okay to continue taking my L-tyrosine with the Turm? I’ve reduced the Tyrosine to 500mg./day. Your time and effort are greatly appreciated.

        David Tomen
        February 17, 2021

        Lori, L-Tyrosine and Turmeric work fine together. I use those two supplements 3-times per day with great success.

Kim Kelly
February 2, 2021

Hi David. If supplement has 1,200mg of organic Tumeric Root Powder and 300mg of organic Tumeric Root (95% curcuminoids) Extract per serving would you have to take enough to equal 750mg for the curcuminoids? It also has BioPerine Black pepper 10mg.

    David Tomen
    February 2, 2021

    Kim, my math is not the greatest but I’m pretty sure you’ll be coming up short.

    All of my research shows the best, long-term benefit is with Standardized turmeric or curcumin extract (95% curcuminoids) 750 mg.

    And I’ve found that for cognitive benefit it helps to have the volatile oils included in the supplement. For example, I use a supplement using BCM-95® which includes turmeric volatile oil called Ar-turmerone which helps regenerate brain cells: https://amzn.to/2MshZl0.

    This extract is 650 mg per gelcap which is close enough to 750 mg and I take it 3-times per day.

      Kim Kelly
      February 2, 2021

      Thanks David. I wasn’t sure if the 1,200mg of turmeric root powder would increase the curcumin. Appreciate the clarification. I’m hoping to repair whatever damage might have been done from ECT’s many years ago.

Wong
December 30, 2020

Hi

What do you think of patented TurmiPure Gold®

It claims 300 mg of TurmiPure Gold® delivered the same amount of curcuminoids into the bloodstream as did 1,926 mg of 95 percent standardized turmeric with or without the addition of black pepper extract.

    David Tomen
    December 30, 2020

    Wong, TurmiPure Gold® is an interesting concept but just not sure what the benefits are compared to Turmeric or Curcumin + Piperine.

    Naturex, the company behind this supplement reasons that no one has paid much attention to the individual metabolites that make up curcuminoids. They have separated these metabolites out of turmeric and tested them individually including bioavailability.

    Apparently, certain metabolites such as demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) may be behind the benefits we get from Turmeric or Curcumin. But what is not known is which of these metabolites provide the benefit. And if more than one or two must be present in the cell or in bone to provide the benefit.

    Just because something is more bioavailable does not necessarily make it more beneficial. But time and a lot more clinical testing needs to be done to find out if these guys are on to something.

Sven
November 17, 2020

Hi David,
turmeric + bioperine and rhodiola rosea both act as an MAOI. Is it safe to take them together?

    David Tomen
    November 19, 2020

    Sven, it depends. It’s safe as long as your system can tolerate the extra catecholamines and you are NOT using a prescription MAOI.

      Sven
      November 27, 2020

      I use turmeric + bioperine from myprotein which lists in ingredients:
      Turmeric Powder (Curcuma longaL.)1000 mg
      Black Pepper Extract (Bioperine® (Piper nigrum L.))10 mg
      My question is, is there any difference between turmeric and curcumin or are they the same thing? Would you recommend me to get curcumin over my current turmeric supplement?

        David Tomen
        November 28, 2020

        Sven, I’m NOT going to answer that question for you. Please go back to the top of this page and read it all the way down. You’ll have your answer.

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