Curcumin

Curcumin is a polyphenol and the main curcuminoid present in the rhizomes of turmeric (Curcuma longa), a member of the ginger family. It has been used for thousands of years in Chinese and Ayurvedic (India) traditional medicine as an herbal remedy for many ailments.

Curcumin/turmeric is widely used as a spice for flavor and color in the cuisines of South in Southeast Asia, particularly in curries. It is also frequently used worldwide as a safe and natural coloring agent. Curcumin has significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and possibly antiaging effects. Per a review article, curcumin has “antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective effects.” [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7522354]

In traditional medicine, curcumin and turmeric are often used to treat inflammatory conditions. Due to its antioxidant and neuroprotective abilities, curcumin has been advocated at times for brain disorders including Alzheimer, anxiety, and depression. Wound healing and pain relief are additional traditional applications, among many others.

“(T)urmeric and curcumin appear to be extremely safe and well-tolerated, even at high doses (up to 8 g), without toxic effects.” [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7522354]. Side effects are unlikely in the moderate dosing (150 mg) present in ActivNeeds®, which is estimated to be the average consumption in India [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17569224]. Nonetheless, due to its antithrombotic properties, discuss with your physician if you have a blood coagulation disorder, are on anticoagulant treatment, or will have surgery.