FACT SHEETS

Grading Criteria
The evidence strongly supports this effect
The A ranking is given when the effect is supported by at least two

A
double-blind placebo-controlled trials with similar methodologies or
(a meta-analysis of) numerous double-blind placebo-controlled trials
with dissimilar methodologies, in addition to a logical explanation
(mechanistic evidence) for the effect. Qualitative review articles are not
considered strong evidence.

The evidence supports this effect

The B ranking is given when the effect is supported by many human

B
trials with very different methodologies or a few human trials
corroborated by animal or in vitro studies. The B ranking is also
given when the effect is supported by convincing epidemiological
evidence that does not have accompanying interventions proving the
mechanism of action.

The evidence is weak or equivocal

C
The C ranking is given when the effect is supported only by a few
human trials of lackluster design, by animal trials, or by observational
studies. Alternatively, there may be many human trials with different
methodologies reporting dissimilar outcomes.

The evidence is against this effect

The D ranking is given when the effect is opposed by many human trials

D with very different methodologies or a few human trials corroborated

by animal or in vitro studies. The D ranking is also given when the effect
is opposed by convincing epidemiological evidence that does not have
accompanying interventions proving the mechanism of action.

The evidence is strongly against this effect

The F ranking is given when the effect is opposed by at least two

F
double-blind placebo-controlled trials with similar methodologies or
(a meta-analysis of) numerous double-blind placebo-controlled trials
with dissimilar methodologies, in addition to a logical explanation
(mechanistic evidence) for the lack of effect. Qualitative review articles
are not considered strong evidence.
 CURCUMIN
Uses based on
Evidence Tradition
Curcumin has been traditionally
Inflammation used as a medicinal food product
Curcumin acts similar to some analgesics like aspirin when taken in

A
supplemental doses. Due to this it can help fight inflammation in a
moderately strong and general manner, showing a similar profile of
actions to aspirin.
and general spice through it’s source,
turmeric. It is most popular in the
Indian subcontinent with usage in
curry, but it also extends to usage in
the Middle East and African countries.

Pain It has been considered a relative

While it is secondary to the ability to reduce inflammation, curcumin cure-all, used most commonly for

A at supplemental doses of 500mg or more seems to be quite good at

reducing pain and improving functionality in instances of osteoarthritis.
There is not enough evidence to suggest how curcumin affects
a large amount of inflammatory
conditions such as rheumatism and
conjunctivitis. It is also utilized for
traumatic pain. infectious diseases, cancers, maladies
related to the liver, and intestinal
Antioxidant complications such as relieving gas.
While the effect is not potent enough to influence a healthy person’s Turmeric paste has also been used

A body systems too much, it seems to have a subtle beneficial effect on in some traditional medicines in an
most tissues and antioxidant enzymes. This is thought to be related attempt to accelerate wound healing
to some of the health promoting effects of curcumin like a modest and aid in skin health.
increase in blood flow. While most commonly eaten as a
spice in food, turmeric has also been
Cholesterol and Triglycerides taken in a drink with milk in a more

B
Curcumin seems to interact with forms of cholesterol and triglycerides medicinal manner.
and, while it may be in a beneficial manner, there are many instances
of curcumin simply not working for this purpose. Even when it does the Curcumin’s poor absorption also
effect is mild. tended to be accounted for in
traditional medicine. Using milk to
drink turmeric aids in absorption
Cancer Risk
partially while black pepper is

B
Curcumin has shown an association with less cancer and is reasoned
commonly added to food products
to be a cancer fighting compound, with limited evidence suggesting
alongside turmeric, increasing
benefit to colorectal and prostate cancer specifically. More evidence is
its absorption via piperine (an
required to find the specific role of curcumin but it looks promising.
absorption enhancer commonly
added to modern day supplements).

C
Glucose Management
Studies looking at how curcumin influences glucose, insulin, and insulin
sensitivity are sparse and unimpressive.

D
Exercise Performance
While studies of curcumin on exercise performance are minimal, it
seems to consistently offer no benefits.
 CURCUMIN
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 CURCUMIN
References
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Wickenberg J, Ingemansson SL, Hlebowicz J Effects of Curcuma longa (turmeric) on postprandial plasma glucose and insulin in healthy subjects . Nutr J. (2010)

Appendino G, et al Potential role of curcumin phytosome (Meriva) in controlling the evolution of diabetic microangiopathy. A pilot study . Panminerva Med. (2011)

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(2010)

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(2006)

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Carroll RE, et al Phase IIa clinical trial of curcumin for the prevention of colorectal neoplasia . Cancer Prev Res (Phila). (2011)

He ZY, et al Upregulation of p53 expression in patients with colorectal cancer by administration of curcumin . Cancer Invest. (2011)

Shimouchi A, et al Effect of dietary turmeric on breath hydrogen . Dig Dis Sci. (2009)

Usharani P, et al Effect of NCB-02, atorvastatin and placebo on endothelial function, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes
mellitus: a randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, 8-week study . Drugs R D. (2008)

Tuntipopipat S, et al Chili, but not turmeric, inhibits iron absorption in young women from an iron-fortified composite meal . J Nutr. (2006)

Akazawa N, et al Curcumin ingestion and exercise training improve vascular endothelial function in postmenopausal women . Nutr Res. (2012)
 CURCUMIN
DiSilvestro RA, et al Diverse effects of a low dose supplement of lipidated curcumin in healthy middle aged people . Nutr J. (2012)

Chuengsamarn S, et al Curcumin extract for prevention of type 2 diabetes . Diabetes Care. (2012)

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Sanmukhani J1, et al Efficacy and Safety of Curcumin in Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial . Phytother Res. (2013)

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