Curcumin (Turmeric Root Extract)


Extract from Curcuma Longa (90% Curcuminoids)

Evidence: Moderate

We include a curcumin extract in All-in-One Gut Essentials because it possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which are soothing for digestive discomfort and digestive pain. Recent reviews highlight its ability to modulate gut microbiota by promoting beneficial strains and enhancing microbial diversity. It also reduces intestinal inflammation and supports epithelial barrier integrity, thereby alleviating digestive discomfort.

Whole turmeric typically contains 7-9% percent curcumin. We use a turmeric extract in All-in-One Gut Essentials that is standardized to 90% curcuminoids in order to maximize the positive effect.

There are 26,319 peer-reviewed scientific studies on this ingredient.

Selected Study:

Enayati A, Soghi A, Butler AE, Rizzo M, Sahebkar A. The Effect of Curcumin on the Gut-Brain Axis: Therapeutic Implications. J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2023 Oct 30;29(4):409-418. doi: 10.5056/jnm23065. PMID: 37814431; PMCID: PMC10577457.

Study summary:

Study type: Narrative review (J Neurogastroenterology & Motility, Oct 2023) that collates pre-clinical and human studies on how dietary curcumin influences the microbiota–gut–brain network; no new volunteers were enrolled.

Number of participants: Not applicable; the paper summarizes dozens of published trials that together include hundreds of animals and several hundred human subjects, but it does not pool a total N.

Observed benefits reported across the underlying literature:
  • Microbiome balance: Curcumin increases beneficial genera (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia) and SCFA-producers while suppressing pro-inflammatory taxa, improving overall microbial diversity.
  • Gut barrier & inflammation: Enhanced tight-junction integrity and reduced NF-κB activity translate to lower gut and systemic inflammation—relevant to IBS, IBD and metabolic syndrome.
  • Neuro-metabolic effects: Via the gut–brain axis, curcumin-induced shifts in SCFAs and neurotransmitter signaling are linked to better mood, cognition and visceral pain control in pre-clinical models, with early human data suggesting relief of functional dyspepsia and IBS symptoms.
Mechanisms of action:
  1. Prebiotic-like: Poorly absorbed curcumin reaches the colon, where microbes metabolize it and, in return, are selectively fed.
  2. Immune & oxidative pathways: Curcumin inhibits NF-κB and activates Nrf2, lowering inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress.
  3. Enteroendocrine signaling: Increased SCFAs trigger gut hormones (GLP-1, PYY) and vagal pathways, influencing appetite, stress and neuroinflammation.
Side effects / safety: The review and wider clinical literature describe curcumin as “generally safe”; high doses may cause transient GI upset (bloating, diarrhea) or interact with anticoagulants—start low and take with meals or black-pepper extract to improve absorption.

Evidence strength: Benefits are biologically plausible and supported by small RCTs, but most studies are short (≤12 weeks) and use varied curcumin forms/doses. Larger, standardized human trials are still needed before firm health claims can be made.
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