Mechanism of Action
Curcumin acts on multiple fronts simultaneously in the body. It supports antioxidant defence systems by directly neutralising reactive oxygen species (unstable molecules that damage cells on a daily basis). It also plays a role in regulating the body's response to aggression. The body continuously produces mediators that orchestrate this response, and curcumin helps maintain their balance.
At the cellular level, curcumin supports autophagy processes (the mechanism by which cells recycle their damaged components). This internal housekeeping, increasingly solicited with advancing age, contributes to maintaining cellular function. Curcumin also promotes the production of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (naturally produced by the body), strengthening internal defences beyond simple direct free radical neutralisation.
Key Benefits
- Strong
Turmeric contributes to maintaining joint health. Meta-analyses totalling several thousand participants report significant improvement in joint comfort and physical function after 8 to 12 weeks of curcuminoid supplementation.
- Strong
A meta-analysis pooling several randomised controlled trials documented a significant reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP), a systemic response marker, in subjects supplemented with curcumin.
- Moderate
Turmeric contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative stress. Curcumin strengthens endogenous antioxidant defences and directly neutralises free radicals, a dual mechanism documented by several controlled trials.
- Moderate
Turmeric supports the normal functioning of the digestive system. Controlled trials have observed improvement in digestive comfort in subjects with functional discomfort, with a favourable tolerability profile.
- Moderate
Turmeric supports liver function. Clinical trials have documented a favourable effect on liver function markers in overweight subjects.
- Emerging
Small-scale randomised controlled trials suggest a favourable effect of curcumin on mood markers, opening an active research avenue related to cognitive aging.
Dosage & Forms
Curcumin exists in many galenic forms, with bioavailability varying considerably. Raw turmeric powder offers very limited absorption: most is transformed by the body before reaching the general circulation.
Three main families of formulations stand out. Phospholipid complexes (Meriva-type) facilitate passage across the intestinal barrier through lipid affinity. Colloidal dispersions and micellar forms exploit solubilisation in an aqueous medium to increase absorption. Combinations with piperine (black pepper extract) slow the liver's transformation of curcumin but may alter the metabolism of other substances.
Singular uses a concentrated rhizome extract standardised for total curcuminoids, combined with a bioavailability enhancer in the final formula. The dosage (in mg) is individually calibrated in each precision formula. Favourable clinical data cover intakes of 200 to 1,000 mg of curcuminoids per day depending on the form used. Study durations range from 8 to 12 weeks minimum.
In the Singular Formula
Inclusion rationale
The principal polyphenol of the turmeric rhizome (Curcuma longa), the golden spice at the heart of the Ayurvedic tradition for over 4,000 years. Curcumin is one of the most studied plant compounds in the world, with a body of research exceeding 15,000 scientific publications. Its naturally limited oral bioavailability has been the primary galenic challenge. In its native form, curcumin is rapidly metabolized by the liver. Micellar forms and phospholipid complexes multiply absorption by a factor of 20 to 185 depending on the technology. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials have documented its effects on joint comfort and systemic inflammation markers (CRP, IL-6), with clinically significant results over 8 to 12 weeks. Curcumin modulates numerous cellular signaling pathways involved in the inflammatory response and oxidative stress, which explains the diversity of research on the subject. It is also an effective free radical scavenger. In the formula, curcumin is paired with ginger (Zingiber officinale, also present), another member of the Zingiberaceae botanical family. These two rhizomes, used together for millennia in traditional medicine, present complementary activity spectra.
Selected form
Concentrated extract of turmeric rhizome (Curcuma longa), standardised for total curcuminoids, the polyphenols responsible for its characteristic orange colour. Extraction with ethyl acetate, a food-grade solvent, yields a concentrated extract at approximately 25:1 ratio without resorting to harsh solvents. Turmeric is a spice used in Ayurvedic tradition for millennia. Pure raw material. As curcumin is naturally fat-soluble and poorly absorbed on its own, it is designed to be combined with a bioavailability enhancer in the final formula. Quality: vegan, non-GMO, pesticide-free, no excipient, preservative-free, Halal and Kosher certified.
Formula dosage
0 to 153 mg.
Synergies in the formula
Safety & Precautions
Curcumin has a favourable safety profile, supported by millennia of dietary use and several decades of clinical research. Controlled trials report good tolerance at doses of up to 8,000 mg per day over short periods. Intakes of 1,500 mg per day have been used over several months without notable adverse effects.
The most frequently reported side effects are digestive in nature: mild gastric discomfort, nausea or diarrhoea, most often transient and dose-dependent. Taking curcumin with a meal reduces these effects.
Curcumin is not recommended for people taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents without the advice of a healthcare professional, due to a potential effect on blood fluidity. It is also not recommended in cases of bile duct obstruction. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before supplementation. People taking long-term medication should seek advice from their doctor, as curcumin may alter the metabolism of certain substances in the body.
Scientific Studies
| Authors | Year | Type | Journal | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily JW et al. | 2016 | Meta-analysis | Journal of Medicinal Food | View on PubMed |
Efficacy of Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin for Alleviating the Symptoms of Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials Meta-analysis of 8 randomised controlled trials showing that turmeric extracts and curcumin significantly reduce joint discomfort, with favourable effect sizes. | ||||
| Sahebkar A | 2014 | Meta-analysis | Phytotherapy Research | View on PubMed |
Are curcuminoids effective C-reactive protein-lowering agents in clinical practice? Evidence from a meta-analysis Meta-analysis of 6 controlled trials demonstrating a significant reduction in C-reactive protein in subjects supplemented with curcuminoids. | ||||
| Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS | 2017 | Systematic Review | Foods | View on PubMed |
Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health Comprehensive review of clinical data on curcumin covering joint comfort, metabolic markers and cognitive functions, with analysis of bioavailability issues. | ||||
| Panahi Y et al. | 2014 | Randomised Controlled Trial | Phytotherapy Research | View on PubMed |
Curcuminoid treatment for knee osteoarthritis: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial Randomised controlled trial showing significant improvement in joint functional score (WOMAC) after 6 weeks of curcuminoids versus placebo. | ||||
| Lopresti AL et al. | 2014 | Randomised Controlled Trial | Journal of Affective Disorders | View on PubMed |
Curcumin for the treatment of major depression: a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled study Double-blind randomised controlled trial showing significant improvement in mood scores after 8 weeks of high-dose curcumin supplementation. | ||||
| Amalraj A et al. | 2016 | Systematic Review | Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine | View on PubMed |
Biological activities of curcuminoids, other biomolecules from turmeric and their derivatives - A review Review of biological activities of curcuminoids including a comparative analysis of bioavailability technologies and data on different galenic forms. | ||||