Curcumin (95%)

(from turmeric, Curcuma longa)

Turmeric root and powder in a wooden bowl on a white background

What It Is

Curcumin is the primary bioactive compound found in turmeric, a golden root that has long been used in both culinary and traditional food systems. In whole turmeric, curcumin naturally occurs at relatively low levels, alongside other plant compounds that contribute to turmeric’s colour and character.

A 95% curcumin extract refers to a turmeric extract that has been standardised so curcumin makes up the majority of the extract. This allows for a more consistent and concentrated source of curcumin than whole turmeric alone, while still remaining plant-derived and grounded in food-based use.

Why It’s Used in Functional Foods

Curcumin is included in functional foods for its role in supporting antioxidant balance and the body’s natural inflammatory responses. Standardised extracts are commonly used in food and nutrition research because they allow for clearer understanding of how curcumin’s compounds interact within the body.

Using a higher-curcumin extract also allows formulations to provide meaningful amounts without requiring large quantities of turmeric, which can be limiting from a flavour, texture, or digestive comfort perspective.

How It Supports the Body

Research has explored curcumin in relation to several interconnected physiological processes. This includes its involvement in antioxidant activity, where it supports the body’s ability to manage everyday oxidative stress, as well as its interaction with inflammatory signalling pathways that influence tissue comfort and resilience.

Curcumin has also been studied in relation to intestinal barrier integrity and cellular communication within the digestive tract, helping provide context for its inclusion in food-based approaches to gut support.

In addition, research examining curcumin’s interaction with prostaglandin-related pathways helps explain its traditional and researched relevance during times of increased inflammatory sensitivity, including around the menstrual cycle.

Skin & Barrier Support

Curcumin has been widely explored in skin-related research for its role in supporting oxidative balance at the cellular level. Oxidative stress is understood to contribute to visible skin ageing, uneven tone, and challenges to barrier function.

Research suggests curcumin may support an internal environment that encourages skin barrier integrity, balanced inflammatory signalling, and the maintenance of collagen-related structures. These qualities have led to its inclusion in both oral and topical skin-focused formulations, where internal nourishment and skin response are closely connected.

Menstrual Cycle & Inflammatory Sensitivity

Curcumin has also been explored in research examining inflammatory mediators involved in menstrual discomfort. Studies suggest its bioactive compounds interact with pathways associated with cramping, tissue sensitivity, and inflammatory signalling.

This aligns with turmeric’s long-standing traditional use during menstruation and periods of physical tension, where warming and grounding food-based ingredients were commonly chosen.

Who It’s Commonly Used For

Curcumin is often chosen by people looking to support digestive comfort, skin clarity and resilience, and overall antioxidant balance. It is also commonly selected by those seeking gentle, food-based support during periods of increased inflammatory sensitivity, including around the menstrual cycle.

Important Context

Curcumin is used in functional foods as part of a broader nutritional approach. Its role is influenced by formulation, dietary context, and individual physiology. Research helps describe how curcumin’s compounds interact within biological systems, rather than predict specific outcomes.

This ingredient is shared for educational purposes, to support understanding of curcumin’s role within whole-food and functional nutrition contexts.

Research references

For those who wish to explore the research context further

Supplamize context

Curcumin (95%) can be selected as an optional active in certain Supplamize blends, including: