Sep 10, 2021

What is the Difference Between Turmeric and Curcumin?

Turmeric is a delicious, golden spice used to spruce up curry, chili, and other delicious, hearty meals. To some, it’s also a “miracle spice,” a common ingredient in medicines spanning thousands of years of tradition. And as modern science has advanced, turmeric has also entered public interest for its not-inconsiderable health benefits. ¹

Curcumin, on the other hand, is the active ingredient in curcumin. This chemical compound is biologically active in the body, reacting with several molecules to produce various effects. As such, scientists have targeted this compound as the potential key to unlocking turmeric’s touted health effects. ¹

These chemicals aren’t similar, per se – one is actually a constituent of the other. And while you might think that they share benefits across the board, the truth is, that’s not quite accurate.

So, we thought we’d ask: what is the difference between turmeric and curcumin?

What is Turmeric?

Turmeric is a spice made from the root (rhizome) of the Curcuma longa, a member of the ginger family. It looks similar to ginger, too – especially when you buy it fresh. ²

Turmeric has a long history in Ayurvedic medicine – holistic and spiritual wellness originating from ancient India – as a treatment for inflammation, skin conditions, and digestive issues. Its key constituent is the polyphenol curcumin, which comes in three basic curcuminoids: ²³

Curcumin, or diferuloylmethane, which gives turmeric its bright yellow color
Demethoxycurcumin
Bisdemethoxycurcumin

These curcuminoids are thought to be responsible for many of turmeric’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, turmeric is packed with oils, sugars, resigns, and proteins as well, which contribute to its rich flavor – and potentially its medicinal properties. ²³

Possible Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric boasts a whole host of potential health benefits under its belt. Many of these can be attributed to curcumin – but some benefits may be unique to turmeric. This may be because turmeric contains not only curcumin but proteins and sugars, too. Additionally, because the curcumin level in turmeric is fairly low –less than 8% – there may not be enough curcumin in raw turmeric to take effect. (Especially because, as we'll discover, curcumin has relatively low bioavailability.) ²³

For instance, a study found that turmeric – particularly Curcuma extract – had powerful benefits relating to aging. Here, turmeric seemed especially beneficial to neural connectivity between regions of the brain as they relate to processing, memory, and learning. This led to improved synaptic connections, as well as reduced inflammation in the brain. ⁵

Turmeric appears to positively impact those living with Parkinson's disease. This degenerative disorder occurs – at least in part – due to damage to or the death of cells that produce dopamine. In turn, this causes issues relating to motor control and fine motor skills. However, one study found that turmeric extract had a "dose-dependent therapeutic effect" in those with Parkinson's. ⁴

Additionally, turmeric has been found to promote anti-fungal effects. One particular study looked at turmeric's impact on eleven fungi species and found that eight compounds in turmeric inhibited fungal growth. While one component, curdione, had the most substantial effect, the anti-fungal properties were strongest when all eight worked together. This suggests that raw, pure turmeric has more medicinal potential than its individual compounds in some cases. ⁶

So, knowing this, we’re drawn to our original question. What is the difference between turmeric and curcumin?

Well, we’re not quite there yet. First, we need to take a more in-depth look at the second half of the puzzle: curcumin.

What is Curcumin?

What is curcumin

Curcumin is an active compound in the body and is likely responsible for many of turmeric’s effects. (In fact, early evidence suggests that curcumin is the most active ingredient in turmeric, though more studies are needed.) As we mentioned above, curcumin comes in three forms: pure curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Each of these works together to contribute to turmeric’s healthful effects. ²³

However, pure curcumin taken orally – such as by consuming turmeric – has poor bioavailability. (Bioavailability is your body’s ability to absorb and use a molecule or chemical.) In part, because our bodies can't absorb curcumin, we tend to excrete most curcumin as waste. Additionally, clinical trials indicate that raw curcumin may lead to gastrointestinal tract issues, further impeding its bioavailability. ¹²

That said, many studies are now looking for potential ways to increase the bioavailability of curcumin. It’s been shown that piperine, one of the constituents of black pepper, may help our bodies better absorb curcumin. However, clinical trials are still underway to determine the exact method of operation. In the meantime, scientists are also working to discover what health benefits curcumin may yield at its current bioavailability. ¹²

Potential Health Benefits of Curcumin

Benefits of curcumin

Many of turmeric's potential health benefits can be attributed to curcumin. But, while turmeric is the whole package, it's possible to extract curcumin for independent study. And in doing so, scientists have uncovered a plethora of information that shows curcumin has benefits all its own.

Curcumin and its Role in Oxidation and Inflammation

Much of the early clinical data around curcumin concerns its anti-inflammatory properties.

For instance, several animal studies suggest that curcumin alleviates inflammation around the nerves, in the brain, and throughout the body. It’s thought it works in part because curcumin is also a powerful antioxidant. By reducing oxidative stress in the body – which can contribute to or result from a number of chronic diseases – this may reduce inflammation overall. And, by scooping up the “free radicals” responsible for oxidation, curcumin may also: ²³⁷

Improve systemic markers of oxidative stress
Mitigate some of the effects of aging
Modulate some neurological disorders (more on that below)
Improve the body’s relationship between oxidative stress and inflammation

Further clinical data shows curcumin may also be effective because it inhibits the chemical pathways that provoke inflammation. In particular, it appears to interact with signaling pathways such as the NF-kB, MAPK, and STAT-dependent pathways. By reducing nerve signals along with these chemical courses, curcumin may reduce the occurrence of inflammation before it starts. ²³⁷

This has big implications not just for general inflammation but also disease-specific inflammation. Of special interest are inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis, both of which may benefit from early curcumin research. Furthermore, curcumin may have both inflammation- and pain-related effects in premenstrual pain and inflammation. It's also possible that, by reducing discomfort and bloating through the body, it may help with PMS-related mood swings, as well. ²³⁷

Curcumin and Neurological Disorders

As a constituent of turmeric, curcumin likely plays some hand in turmeric's Parkinson's-fighting abilities. However, there is also some evidence it may have a role in reducing other neurological conditions' effects.

Alzheimer's is caused by peptides or short chains of amino acids. These peptides form fibril deposits, known as amyloid plaques or plaque deposits, around neurons in the brain. It's this plaque building that's responsible for Alzheimer's symptoms. By collecting in certain areas of the brain, amyloid plaques lead to abnormal cell activity, oxidative stress, and cell death. ¹

However, cell and animal studies suggest high doses of curcumin may inhibit plaque buildup. When injected via the carotid artery, curcumin is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and increase its bioavailability. Then, it binds to plaques and fibrils, blocking further formations while inhibiting oxidative stress. In turn, this leads to reduced brain inflammation (which can also exacerbate the effects of Alzheimer’s), thereby minimizing symptoms further. However, it’s important to note that these studies are premature and have not been tested in humans. As such, more data is necessary before we draw definitive conclusions. ¹

Additionally, some studies point to curcumin as a potential treatment for depressive disorders such as MDD. For instance, in one eight-week, double-blind study, participants were given either a placebo or a curcumin supplement. They were measured for overall improvements in mood and outlook along the way. In the first four weeks of the study, the placebo and curcumin supplement appeared matched. But in the second four weeks, the curcumin supplement appeared “significantly more potent” than the placebo in improving mood-related symptoms. ⁸

So, what is the Difference Between Turmeric and Curcumin?

Whats the difference between turmeric and curcumin?

The difference between turmeric and curcumin mostly likes in the fact that curcumin is a constituent of turmeric. Whereas turmeric works because of its blend of ingredients, high doses of curcumin alone may have different – and powerful – benefits.

For instance, curcumin appears to be largely responsible for turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It's also possible that curcumin is effective in helping the body fight Alzheimer's, premenstrual pain, and even major depressive disorder (MDD). ²³⁷

At the same time, raw turmeric – which contains 2-8% curcumin, as we noted above – can still contribute some benefits, and potentially different benefits, as well. In particular, we’re referencing the fungal studies that have shown turmeric is most effective when administered whole, rather than as extracted constituents. ²³

This suggests that, while curcumin is essential to turmeric’s success in the body, it’s not the whole story.

Where can I Find the Best Turmeric & Curcumin?

Wellixir's Organic Turmeric Curcumin supplements are formulated with the highest quality turmeric and curcumin possible. To ensure for the best bioavailability, the formula is enhanced with BioPerine as well.

Our organic products are available today for all of your needs!

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