Evidence-informed formulation
Dr Loris Juett
Lead Research Scientist
The evidence hub.
BEYOND THE SPICE RACK
The benefits of turmeric.
Turmeric has a medicinal history spanning thousands of years, and modern clinical research increasingly supports its relevance today with much of it focused on curcumin, turmeric’s best-known active compound.
But curcumin is only part of the picture. Turmeric root contains hundreds of other bioactive compounds, including additional curcuminoids, turmerones, and polysaccharides.
At The Turmeric Co., we cold-crush fresh, raw turmeric root to preserve this full spectrum of bioactive compounds.
Meet our scientific advisory board
Evidence-informed formulation
Professional engagement
Corrine Toyn
Registered Dietition & Head of Healthcare Marketing
Elite athlete application
Ed Tooley
Performance Nutritionist
Evidence-informed formulation
Dr Loris Juett
Lead Research Scientist
Professional engagement
Corrine Toyn
Registered Dietition & Head of Healthcare Marketing
Elite athlete application
Ed Tooley
Performance Nutritionist
How does curcumin work?
Curcumin, an active in ingredient in turmeric, is thought to exert many of its biological effects through modulation of multiple signalling pathways involved in inflammation and oxidative stress.1
Key mechanisms may include2:
- Suppression of NF-κB activation, a transcription factor central to the inflammatory response
- Reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6
- Activation of Nrf2, promoting expression of endogenous antioxidant enzymes
- Downregulation of COX-2 enzyme
These overlapping mechanisms may help explain why curcumin has been investigated in a wide range of inflammatory and metabolic conditions.
Why is curcumin bioavailability important?
One of the most frequently discussed challenges in curcumin research is bioavailability.
Curcumin is naturally difficult for the body to absorb because it has low water solubility and is quickly broken down in the gut and liver. As a result, only a small amount typically reaches the bloodstream before it is metabolised.
The Turmeric Co. shots address poor absorption by combining cold-crushed turmeric root with a trademarked BioMax Uptake Blend®:
- Extracting turmeric root provides hundreds of bioactive compounds, including turmerones, which may increase curcumin absorption/bioavailability3.
- Fresh raw turmeric root preserves the full curcuminoid profile.
- The BioMax Uptake Blend® (black pepper mix) contains piperine, which has been shown to enhance curcumin absorption by up to 2,000%.
Importantly, we continue to invest in product-specific research so healthcare professionals can evaluate evidence relating to both the ingredient and the formulation itself.
1. Igbayilola, Y.D., et al (2025) ‘The cardiometabolic benefits of curcumin: a focus on endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness in metabolic syndrome’, Clinical Phytoscience, 11(1), 27.
2. Yue, G.G., et al. (2012) ‘The role of turmerones on curcumin transportation and P-glycoprotein activities in intestinal Caco-2 cells’, Journal of Medicinal Food, 15(3), pp. 242–252
3. Shoba, G., et al (1998) ‘Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers’, Planta Medica, 64(4), pp. 353–356.