Last updated: 16/10/2022

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Welcome to our large curcumin test 2023. Here we present all the curcumin products we have tested in detail. We have compiled detailed background information and added a summary of customer reviews on the internet.

We would like to make your purchase decision easier and help you find the best curcumin product for you.

You will also find answers to frequently asked questions in our guide. If available, we also offer interesting test videos. Furthermore, you will also find some important information on this page that you should definitely pay attention to if you want to buy curcumin.




Summary

  • Curcumin is a herbal medicine extracted from turmeric. The substance can be used both as a spice and as a health-promoting remedy.
  • There is a difference between curcumin powder and curcumin capsules. Your personal needs will determine which type of product suits you best.
  • Curcumin powder is best used as a spice and as an additive in drinks. Curcumin capsules offer an easy dosage as well as a large selection.

The Best Curcumin: Our Picks

Guide: Questions you should deal with before buying curcumin

What is curcumin?

Curcumin is a medicinal and colouring substance extracted from the turmeric root. It is also known as curcumin, turmeric yellow or diferuloylmethane. Curcumin is mainly used for digestive disorders and as a spice.

Kurkumin-1

Turmeric resembles the taste of ginger, but has a slightly bitter flavour.
(Image source: pixabay.com / Ajale)

Curcumin has been used by mankind for many thousands of years. It helps to alleviate a variety of ailments and diseases. The colouring agent is classified as (E 100) or E 100 in foods. Curcumin is also often used to colour food.

How does curcumin work?

Effect on digestive problems

An American study has found that curcumin has a lot of potential in curing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The use of curcumin is promising for therapeutic use against inflammations in the digestive tract, such as gastritis. (1)

In addition, the effect of curcumin can have a positive effect on the treatment of liver fibrosis. Since turmeric is nowadays abundantly available and its effects are better understood, it is considered one of the most promising agents for medical care of the gastrointestinal tract.

Effect on cancer

Asia Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention has published a study in which curcumin is said to have shown positive effects in inhibiting cancer. Especially in the prevention of liver cancer cells, the use of curcumin was shown to be promising. Based on this, curcumin could be recommended for future cancer therapy. (2)

The use of curcumin is also conceivable in the treatment of ovarian and lung cancer. However, further research would have to be conducted to prove the exact effect of curcumin on cancer cells. (3)

A study by the National Yang-Ming University found that when curcumin is used, the spread of lung cancer tumour cells slows down. The substance is said to have a positive effect on the immune system and thus contribute to the body’s own fight against tumour cells.

Effect on Alzheimer’s disease

In a study at the Kariya Toyota General Hospital, doctors came to the conclusion that curcumin is a potential treatment for dementia symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Participants in the study showed marked cognitive as well as mental impairment. After one year of treatment with turmeric powder, their condition is said to have improved markedly. (4)

The anti-inflammatory active substances of turmeric are supposed to be responsible for the positive effect. This finding is consistent with the observation that in Southeast Asia, where turmeric is usually part of the diet, Alzheimer’s disease is observed relatively rarely.

What side effects can curcumin cause?

To best avoid side effects, we recommend not setting the dosage too high. In general, the use of curcumin is relatively safe. Normally, no side effects should occur because of this.

Kurkumin-2

Side effects mainly affect people who take curcumin in a high dose over a longer period of time.
(Image source: pixabay.com / stevepb)

People who experience side effects when taking curcumin should reduce the dosage or abstain from the substance for a certain period of time. The side effects should subside after a short time. Most often, such side effects affect the digestive tract.

People with sensitive gastrointestinal tracts tend to experience various stomach complaints when using curcumin. Patients with liver disease, gastritis, stomach ulcers or gastritis should only enjoy curcumin in small moderation.

Did you know that avoiding turmeric is incredibly important for people with thrombocytopenic purpura?

In the case of the disease thrombocytopenic purpura, taking curcumin can be life-threatening in certain cases. In the case of specific disease symptoms, it is always important to check with your GP whether it is safe to use curcumin.

How expensive is curcumin?

The price difference of curcumin is relatively large and depends on the characteristics of the substance. The area of application, dosage, combination of supplements and volume of content all contribute to the pricing of curcumin.

Curcumin powder is commercially available in a wide range of products. Different content volumes significantly determine the set price. The cheapest product has a price tag of 7 €. The most expensive product has a market value of 50 €.

Product type Price range
Curcumin powder 7 €-50 €
Curcumin capsules 9 €-50 €

A wide range of different curcumin capsules are also available. The price range of curcumin capsules is very similar to that of curcumin powder. The product with the lowest price costs 9 €. The highest price of curcumin tablets is 50 €.

Check the price comparison before buying Curcumin. This will ensure you get the best deal.

What are the alternatives to curcumin?

As an alternative to curcumin, a variety of other spices are also suitable for a healing and beneficial effect. We focus especially on the relief of digestive complaints. Ginger, fennel, camomile and sage are all good substitutes for curcumin.

Alternatives Effect
Ginger Ginger contains high levels of vitamin C and many other health-promoting substances, such as calcium, iron and magnesium. The ginger root has antibacterial and virustatic properties and aids digestion.
Fennel Fennel is rich in vitamins C, A, K and E. The spice also contains many beneficial minerals, such as manganese, potassium and calcium. Fennel also has active ingredients that can help with stomach problems, flatulence, cramps and bloating.
Camomile Camomile is the medicinal plant par excellence for inflammations in the gastrointestinal area. Camomile has a very positive effect on digestive problems due to its antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Sage Sage is rich in vitamin C and B3, as well as many other minerals. The medicinal plant has antibacterial, antiviral and even antitumour properties. Due to its disinfecting, anti-inflammatory effect, it supports the digestive process.

Decision: What types of curcumin are there and which is the right product for you?

What distinguishes curcumin powder and what are its advantages and disadvantages?

Curcumin in powder form is perfect for seasoning various dishes. Not only are meals made tasty, but they are also enriched with valuable ingredients.

Curcumin powder is also used for adding to liquids. For example, the powder is served as a tea or as an ingredient in shakes or smoothies.

For the most part, curcuma powder does not contain any undesirable additives. The substance consists mostly of 100 percent pure turmeric.

Advantages
  • Suitable as a spice and for cooking
  • Use in drinks
  • 100% turmeric
Disadvantages
  • More complicated to take
  • More complicated to transport
  • Manual dosage

In order to take the curcumin powder effectively, it has to be bound in other substances, for example water or sauces. Taking it “pure”, without dissolving the substance, is less recommended.

Transporting curcumin powder is somewhat difficult. It is best to seal the substance airtight to prevent potential leakage. In addition, it is almost necessary to transport an additional liquid for ingestion.

Unlike capsules, the dosage of curcumin powder must be measured out by hand. A precision scale can be used as an aid.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of curcumin capsules?

The daily recommended dosage of curcumin capsules is automatically adjusted. You can comfortably grab a capsule and take it quickly and easily with water. The time-consuming measuring of the dosage is automatically omitted.

Curcumin capsules are commercially available in a wide variety. Larger and smaller ones with higher or lower dosages are offered. You can decide for yourself which capsules suit you best.

Curcumin in capsule form is usually combined with additional herbal ingredients to get maximum health benefits from the product. The most proven is the addition of piperine.

Advantages
  • Easy dosage
  • Large selection
  • Addition of health-promoting substances
Disadvantages
  • Use of undesirable additives
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Possible unsuitability for vegans

In some cases, undesirable additives are added to curcumin capsules. Unwelcome substances may include gelatine, cellulose and various colourings.

If you often have problems swallowing tablets or similar, buying curcumin capsules may not be the best option. In this scenario, it seems much easier to take turmeric powder.

As mentioned, gelatine or other animal ingredients may be present in the curcumin capsules. Vegans should definitely look for a seal of approval on the package that guarantees the product is 100% vegan.

Buying criteria: You can compare and evaluate curcumin based on these factors

Area of application

Curcumin is very suitable for spicing up various dishes. Especially in Asian cuisine, curcumin is often used. If you want to give your meals an oriental kick, curcumin is a good way to do so. The spice is also used to spice up drinks.

With its minerals, curcumin has health-promoting properties. Consumers who want to improve their health and performance often consider taking a curcumin supplement. The substance has many healthy ingredients and can contribute to optimising well-being.

Of course, curcumin can be used as a spice as well as a health-promoting substance.

Dosage

Capsules have a wide range of different dosage options. Adjust the dosage of curcumin to your personal needs. We especially recommend products that are in line with the suggested daily dose.

The dosage of curcumin powder has to be done manually and is often a bit more complicated. A precision scale can be used to help determine the exact amount. Again, we advocate following the suggested daily dose.

Combination of supplements

Curcumin products, especially curcumin capsules, are often enriched with additional health-promoting ingredients to get the maximum potential out of the effect. Basically, the choice is yours whether you prefer pure or fortified curcumin.

Typically, curcumin is enriched with piperine, i.e. black pepper. When integrated into the curcumin powder, piperine enhances the flavour of the spice mixture. Above all, piperine has the positive properties of having an anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour effect.

Content volume

When buying curcumin capsules, you can choose from a wide range of different packaging sizes. For those who are interested in testing the product first, smaller content volumes are better suited than large packages. You can always buy more later if you need it.

Curcumin powder can be purchased in different volumes. You can find everything from packages with a few 100 grams to products with a volume of several kilos. After buying curcumin powder, make sure that you store the product in a cool, dry place.

Facts worth knowing about curcumin

What kind of flavour does curcumin have?

Curcumin has a typical oriental, spicy aroma. The strong, earthy taste is somewhat similar to ginger, only curcumin is a little more bitter. The aroma could also be somewhat reminiscent of mustard seeds or horseradish.

Kurkumin-3

Turmeric is one of many popular spices used in oriental cuisine.
(Image source: pixabay.com / atulkprajapati2000)

The strong colouring of curcumin gives curry powder its typical yellow colour. This is also why curcumin is called turmeric. Curcumin is suitable as an inexpensive alternative to the costly saffron to give dishes a rich yellow colour.

Where does curcumin come from?

Turmeric has been used by mankind as a spice and natural remedy for a very long time. The exact origin of the plant cannot be 100 percent determined. However, it is assumed that turmeric originated in South/Southeast Asia.

It is believed that Marco Polo first brought turmeric to Europe in the 14th century. He described the turmeric plant as a saffron-like herb. Curcumin was incorporated into European monastic medicine a little later.

Did you know that curcumin has been used in the Far East for thousands of years?

In China, the first documentation of the use of curcumin as a medicinal plant dates back to the 7th century. Especially in India, turmeric has been used in healing practices and as a spice for centuries.

What dishes can be prepared with curcumin?

Originally, curcumin was used as a spice in countless oriental dishes. Traditionally, curcumin is used in Indian, Thai, Indo-Malaysian, Arabic and Persian cuisine. However, curcumin can be safely used in many western meals.

The following dishes can harmonise with curcumin:

  • Curries
  • Noodles
  • Soups
  • Poultry
  • Vegetables
  • Eggs
  • Rice

Image source: Kerdkanno / 123rf.com

References (4)

1. Efficacy of turmeric in the treatment of digestive disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Source

2. Dose-escalation and pharmacokinetic study of nanoparticle curcumin, a potential anticancer agent with improved bioavailability, in healthy human volunteers.
Source

3. Oral supplementation of turmeric decreases proteinuria, hematuria, and systolic blood pressure in patients suffering from relapsing or refractory lupus nephritis: a randomized and placebo-controlled study.
Source

4. Effects of turmeric on Alzheimer's disease with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia
Source

Studie: Wirkung bei Verdauungsbeschwerden
Efficacy of turmeric in the treatment of digestive disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
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Studie: Wirkung bei Krebs
Dose-escalation and pharmacokinetic study of nanoparticle curcumin, a potential anticancer agent with improved bioavailability, in healthy human volunteers.
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Studie: Wirkung bei Krebs
Oral supplementation of turmeric decreases proteinuria, hematuria, and systolic blood pressure in patients suffering from relapsing or refractory lupus nephritis: a randomized and placebo-controlled study.
Go to source
Studie: Wirkung bei Demenz
Effects of turmeric on Alzheimer's disease with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia
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