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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.
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.
If you are dealing with kidney disease you should avoid using Turmeric or Curcumin.
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.
Make sure you are using a high quality Turmeric or Curcumin extract supplement that is pure. There are been several reports of high lead content in powdered or raw Turmeric. One report showed an elderly man had to redo his MRI for prostate cancer because the Curcumin supplement he was using interfered with the imaging result.
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.
Join The Discussion - 249 comments
James
July 7, 2022
Hey David,
I saw you said about taking Turmeric with Piperine and a healthy fat to aid the absorption of Curcumin.
Would taking Turmeric with food/a meal (along with those other recommended things) increase the absorption of Curcmin? Decrease the absorption?
Or is just Piperine and say a spoon of Coconut Oil sufficient enough to aid the absorption of Curcumin?
Thanks 🙂
David Tomen
July 8, 2022
James, taking it with food may help your system digest Curcumin as long as it has some fat or oil in it. But you still need Piperine to help it get into cells according to all the research I’ve done.
Angela
June 2, 2022
Thanks for all the great info. What is your opinion of using turmeric essential oil vs pill-form supplements?
David Tomen
June 4, 2022
Angela, it depends on what you are using it for. Turmeric is very poorly absorbed by your body. So it must be taken with Piperine or BioPerine if you want to get the benefit from it. And you’ll get the most benefit from a supplement that is an extract of 95% Curcuminoids.
I don’t think you would get nearly enough from Turmeric Essential Oil to make any difference for any issue you are working on.
Gary Smith
May 30, 2022
Hi David, I am having a tough time deciding which form and product to buy. Any advice? You don’t seem too hot on meriva. I love Thorne Research and this product has amazing reviews.
Thorne – Meriva
I’m open, just need to not have any gelatin. Thanks!
David Tomen
May 30, 2022
Gary, there is nothing wrong with Meriva. It’ll be more effective however if you take it with 10 mg BioPerine.
Gary Smith
May 30, 2022
Thanks, David. Does it make more sense to find a form that includes bioperine? Any recs?
David Tomen
May 31, 2022
Gary, it depends on the supplement. If you find a Turmeric/Curcumin supplement you like that does not include it (like the one I use) then add a separate BioPerine supplement.
Gary Smith
May 30, 2022
Sorry to bother you again…if you were going to choose between Jarrow 95 or Thorne Meriva, which way would you go? I assume either I should buy biopeperine 10 mg.
Jarrow Formulas Curcumin 95
Thorne Research – Meriva SF
David Tomen
May 31, 2022
Gary, I would choose Curcumin 95 because that extract is 95% Curcuminoids and it is immediate release. I know how it’s going to work and I can use it 3-times per day.
The other one is extended release which I don’t like because I don’t know how long it will be in my system. And if I can take another dose or two. See my description of Meriva® above for more detail.
Both will need BioPerine to ensure absorption.
Gary Smith
July 8, 2022
Hi David, I purchased the Thorne Meriva 500, not the extended release, maybe 5 or 6 weeks ago. Not noticing much change, so I think I am going to try the Jarrow Formulas Curcumin 95, unless you recommend another form or company/product you think is best.
David Tomen
July 9, 2022
Gary, this is the Curcumin supplement I use: https://geni.us/Zw6K0Oc (Amazon) along with BioPerine for absorption: https://geni.us/mqVfD (Amazon)
Gary Smith
July 9, 2022
Thanks, David! I’m going to try the Jarrow’s product as I don’t do gelatin, I’m vegan.
Joyce Randall
September 6, 2022
Do you know why this product contains calcium:
David Tomen
September 7, 2022
Joyce, dibasic calcium phosphate is used as a binder to hold tablets together. Another option is to get BioPerine in capsule form like this one that I use: https://geni.us/CHR6XGo
Gary Smith
September 22, 2022
Hi David, so I tried the Thorne Meriva for one month and Jarrow Curcumin 95 for two. Not sure I noticed much of a difference with either. Jarrow and Thorne both recommended taking theirs with coconut oil vs peperine. I can’t take the one you recommend since I’m vegan. Is there another form or product you might suggest? I don’t want to give up on curcumin just yet.
David Tomen
September 24, 2022
Gary, Using it with unrefined coconut oil and BioPerine ensures it gets into cells. But chances are you will not notice anything when using Curcumin. Until your death bed when you realize that you never got Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Curcumin does boost the use of dopamine and serotonin in your brain. So, if you are deficient in either of those you may feel its effects. Or if you are low in BDNF and that deficiency is causing depression then you may feel better by using Curcumin.
Gary Smith
July 8, 2022
David, I don’t see boswellia on your site. Do you have any experience with it? It appears to be as useful as tumeric for inflammation. I’m thinking of combining the two of them in hopes of helping with insomnia. I have been taking Tylenol the past three nights from skin cancer surgery and my sleep has improved. I had taken Meloxicam a while back and my sleep was better. I am mostly convinced that it’s an issue of inflammation (or gut issues).
David Tomen
July 9, 2022
Gary, I have not done any research on Boswellia so cannot comment on how it works on inflammation.
Jason
April 23, 2022
I took 500mg of turmeric extract for body aches from covid vaccine, it works!
Daka
January 19, 2022
Hi David, hope you´re doing really well.
I read in forums that curcumin longvida is the most stimulating among all curcumin extracts(c3,bcm95,meriva and normal curcumin).
I am currently taking normal curcumin extract to standarized to 95%curcuminoids with bioperine and not feeling much benefit from it even stacking with rhodiola rosea (3%rosavins ,1%salidrosides).
I am looking for stimulation,mood and productivity increase.
Would i get more benefits with longvida or with bcm95 for what iam looking for? Or should i switch to rhodiola crenulata or salidroside extract only instead of 3%rosavins 1%salidrosides
Best regards,
D
David Tomen
January 19, 2022
Daka, Turmeric/Curcumin can affect your mood but it is not used for stimulation or boosting productivity. Rhodiola Rosea is known for and used for that purpose. See my article on motivation for other ideas: https://nootropicsexpert.com/hacking-motivation-with-nootropics/
Ginseng is used for its stimulant benefits. As is L-Tyrosine and Phenylpiracetam. I personally have found that Noopept boosts my productivity although it is not a stimulant.
Daka
January 19, 2022
Thanks. I will consider getting some noopept.
So what is you´re experience with rhodiola crenulata or only salidroside extracts? And with Longvida?
What tipe of ginseng is best for stimulation ,korean or american?
Best regards
David Tomen
January 20, 2022
Daka, it depends on who you ask. Some say American and some say Panax Ginseng. Here is a study which comes to the same conclusion: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29624410/
Best thing to do is choose the bestselling Ginseng supplement for American and Panax Ginseng and read the user reviews.
Wong
January 11, 2022
Hi David
“The most frequent comment from supplementing with turmeric comes from those dealing with chronic pain. Turmeric relieves the pain of osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia”
Do you think I should get BCM95 or meriva?
David Tomen
January 11, 2022
Wong, great question. I would try both but separately. Try Meriva® for a month and then try BCM95® and see which works better. I suspect it may be Meriva® because it was designed specifically for bone, joint, eye and skin health.
Todd Beal
January 5, 2022
David, have you had a chance to research Curcugen (water-soluble)?
https://dolcas-biotech.com/products-curcugen/
I am wondering how you would compare it with BCM-95 (Curgugreen).
David Tomen
January 6, 2022
Todd, there has been one study with 24 adults paid for by the manufacturer so far for Curcugen. So the jury is still out until a lot more “independent” research has been done on this version before anyone can conclude anything.
Todd Beal
January 6, 2022
Understood, thank you.
Malik
December 2, 2021
HELLO DAVID!
I am taking BCM95 curcumin. Do I still have to take Mct oil before taking curcumin for absorption? Thanks
David Tomen
December 4, 2021
Malik, yes, you need to use a healthy fat to activate fat-metabolizing enzymes in your pancreas if you want fat-soluble Turmeric to be absorbed. No matter what form including BCM95.