NOW Foods Turmeric Curcumin Phytosome | Deep-Dive Guide

If you're looking for targeted support for joints, a healthy inflammatory response, and antioxidant defense, a well-formulated Turmeric Curcumin supplement can be a meaningful addition to your daily routine. Nature's Sunshine Turmeric Curcumin (Formerly CurcuminBP) harnesses Turmeric extract to promote a healthy inflammatory response, which in turn supports joint, skin, brain, and gut health as well as immune system function.

One serving of this formula is equivalent to 32,000 mg of whole root Turmeric. Rather than simply delivering high amounts of Turmeric root with minimal extract, this product provides both Turmeric root and higher levels of antioxidant-rich Turmeric extract — delivering 1,000 mg of curcuminoids per serving. It is also enhanced with Black pepper extract to improve absorption.

Curcumin, the primary active compound in Turmeric, has been safely used for centuries in Indian Ayurvedic medicine. Research suggests it supports a healthy inflammatory response through multiple molecular pathways, including NF-κB, COX-2, and JAK/STAT signaling. However, a central challenge with Curcumin is its inherently poor oral bioavailability — it is poorly absorbed, rapidly metabolized, and quickly eliminated. That's why the inclusion of Black pepper extract in this formula is so important: studies suggest piperine from Black pepper can significantly enhance Curcumin absorption.

If you have questions about whether a now foods Turmeric Curcumin phytosome supplement is right for your wellness goals, our naturopath is available for a free consultation to help you decide.

This formula is designed for adults looking for natural support in several key areas. If you experience occasional joint stiffness or discomfort, research suggests curcuminoids may help promote joint comfort and physical function. Multiple systematic reviews have found benefits across several types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

If you're focused on supporting a healthy inflammatory response, this supplement delivers 1,000 mg of curcuminoids per serving — the primary compounds studied for their ability to modulate NF-κB and COX-2 inflammatory pathways. Research suggests Curcumin may help lower inflammatory biomarkers like CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α.

Those interested in antioxidant defense may also benefit: clinical studies suggest Curcumin raises total antioxidant capacity and supports endogenous antioxidant enzymes while reducing markers of oxidative stress.

This product is also non-GMO and comes in VegCaps, making it suitable for individuals who prefer plant-based capsule formats. If you're unsure whether this formula aligns with your health goals, our naturopath offers free consultations — no membership or appointment fees required.

Take 2 VegCaps daily. Each serving (2 capsules) delivers 1,100 mg of tumeric extract providing 1,000 mg of curcuminoids, along with Black pepper extract to support absorption.

The inclusion of Black pepper extract is particularly important because Curcumin has inherently poor oral bioavailability. Studies have shown that piperine from Black pepper can dramatically increase Curcumin absorption, helping your body make better use of each serving.

As with any supplement, it's a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before starting — especially if you are taking prescription medications. Piperine's inhibition of certain metabolic enzymes (CYP3A4, P-glycoprotein) may alter how some drugs are processed. If you'd like personalized guidance, our naturopath is happy to help through a free consultation.

The body of clinical evidence behind Turmeric and Curcumin continues to grow, particularly for joint health and inflammatory response. A 2025 systematic review and network meta-analysis of 17 studies found that all Turmeric preparations significantly reduced WOMAC pain scores in knee osteoarthritis, with bioavailability-enhanced formulations demonstrating a 30% reduction in WOMAC pain compared to placebo — reaching the minimum clinically important difference threshold.

A 2022 systematic review in Frontiers in Immunology examined 29 RCTs involving 2,396 participants across five types of arthritis and verified that Curcumin had treatment efficacy similar to NSAIDs based on findings from 16 RCTs and 1,810 adults. However, the evidence quality is consistently rated low to very low due to small sample sizes, high risk of bias, and heterogeneity across formulations and doses.

For antioxidant defense, multiple human RCTs and meta-analyses show Curcumin measurably raises total antioxidant capacity (TAC), SOD, catalase, and glutathione while lowering malondialdehyde (MDA). The primary mechanism involves activation of the Keap1-Nrf2/ARE transcriptional pathway.

Research into metabolic health is also promising. A 2025 meta-analysis found Curcumin supplementation significantly reduced fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol and total antioxidant capacity in individuals with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. However, heterogeneity was moderate-to-high across these studies.

It's worth noting that Curcumin's clinical application faces a significant bottleneck: its poor oral bioavailability. Numerous factors — low water solubility, poor intestinal permeability, instability at alkaline pH, and rapid metabolism — all contribute. This is precisely why the Black pepper extract in this formula matters: the piperine it contains has been shown to increase Curcumin bioavailability by up to 2,000% in human studies.