First order?Save 20%
(888) 510-7196

Nature Made Turmeric Curcumin Capsules | Deep Dive

Explore Nature Made Turmeric Curcumin capsules: key ingredients, clinical evidence for joints, inflammation & antioxidant support, who it's for, and how to take it.

Product Overview

What Are Nature Made Turmeric Curcumin Capsules?

Nature Made Turmeric Curcumin capsules — officially called Turmeric Curcumin by Nature's Sunshine — deliver a potent Turmeric extract designed to promote a healthy inflammatory response and provide antioxidant defense. Each two-capsule serving delivers 1,100 mg of Turmeric extract along with 1,000 mg of curcuminoids, the primary bioactive polyphenols responsible for Turmeric's distinctive yellow color and its extensively researched health properties.

What sets this formula apart is its emphasis on delivering higher levels of the antioxidant-rich Turmeric extract rather than simply loading up on whole root powder. According to the manufacturer, one serving is equivalent to 32,000 mg of whole root Turmeric, reflecting significant concentration. The formula is also enhanced with Black pepper extract, which research suggests may dramatically improve Curcumin absorption — a critical consideration given Curcumin's well-documented bioavailability challenges.

This non-GMO product comes in a 60-count VegCap format. It is clinically studied and designed to support joint, skin, brain, and gut health, as well as immune system function. If you have questions about whether a Turmeric Curcumin supplement fits your wellness goals, our naturopath is available for a free consultation.

How It Works

The Science Behind Turmeric and Curcumin

Curcumin, the dominant curcuminoid in Turmeric, has been extensively investigated for its capacity to modulate multiple signaling pathways involved in inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular health. Research suggests it exerts its core anti-inflammatory effects primarily by inhibiting activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and suppressing the production of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6.

Curcumin also suppresses the activity of COX-2 and LOX enzymes — the same enzymes responsible for producing prostaglandins and leukotrienes that drive the inflammatory cascade. Through these mechanisms, studies suggest Curcumin may help promote a healthy inflammatory response throughout the body.

On the antioxidant front, Curcumin's primary mechanism involves activation of the Keap1-Nrf2/ARE transcriptional pathway, which upregulates the body's own cytoprotective enzymes. Multiple human RCTs and meta-analyses have shown it may measurably raise total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione, while helping lower the lipid-peroxidation marker malondialdehyde (MDA).

One of the most significant challenges with Curcumin supplementation is its inherently poor oral bioavailability — due to low water solubility, poor intestinal permeability, instability at alkaline pH, and rapid metabolism. This is precisely why Nature's Sunshine Turmeric Curcumin includes Black pepper extract. Research has shown that co-administration with piperine, the active alkaloid in Black pepper, may increase Curcumin bioavailability by up to 2,000% in humans by inhibiting the glucuronidation enzymes that would otherwise tag Curcumin for rapid elimination.

What's inside

Key ingredients

Tumeric Extract — 1,100 mg
Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial belonging to the ginger family Zingiberaceae, with a history of use spanning nearly 6,000 years in Ayurvedic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, and other healing traditions. The extract in this formula delivers a concentrated source of curcuminoids — the polyphenolic compounds responsible for Turmeric's vibrant color and extensively researched biological activity. Research suggests Turmeric extract may support <strong>joint health</strong>: multiple meta-analyses and systematic reviews have found statistically significant benefits of Turmeric/Curcumin for knee osteoarthritis pain and function, with some evidence of comparable efficacy to NSAIDs. A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis examined 29 RCTs involving 2,396 participants across five types of arthritis — including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout — and confirmed potential efficacy. Studies also suggest Turmeric extract may support <strong>flexibility and mobility</strong>: a 2025 network meta-analysis of 39 RCTs (4,599 knee OA patients) ranked Curcumin/Turmeric among supplements with significant functional benefits. For <strong>cartilage health</strong>, Curcumin inhibits NF-κB, COX-2, 5-LOX, and pro-inflammatory cytokines that drive cartilage degradation, and ESCEO guidelines include curcuminoids as a recognized OA nutraceutical. Regarding <strong>chronic inflammation</strong>, Curcumin targets key pro-inflammatory pathways — NF-κB, JAK/STAT, and MAPK — and downregulates cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, though a 2019 systematic review of 19 RCTs found no statistically significant reduction in certain circulating inflammatory markers, reflecting ongoing scientific debate. For <strong>antioxidant defense</strong>, human RCTs and meta-analyses demonstrate that Curcumin measurably raises total antioxidant capacity, SOD, catalase, and glutathione while lowering malondialdehyde, primarily through activation of the Keap1-Nrf2/ARE pathway. The Arthritis Foundation explicitly cites Turmeric for <strong>bursitis</strong> support, and a 2016 systematic review found 1,000 mg/day Curcumin reduced OA pain comparably to NSAIDs. Research also suggests potential benefits for <strong>rheumatoid arthritis</strong>, with Curcumin inhibiting COX-2, 5-LOX, NF-κB, and multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines implicated in RA. It is important to note that poor oral bioavailability remains the primary factor limiting clinical translation of Curcumin research, and evidence quality across studies is consistently rated low to very low due to small sample sizes and methodological heterogeneity.
Curcuminoids — 1,000 mg
Curcuminoids are the family of phenolic pigments within Turmeric extract, consisting primarily of Curcumin (diferuloylmethane, approximately 77%), demethoxycurcumin (approximately 17%), and bisdemethoxycurcumin (approximately 3%). Curcumin — first discovered in 1815 — is the most potent of the naturally occurring curcuminoids and the most extensively researched. For <strong>joint health</strong>, a meta-analysis of 29 RCTs (2,396 participants across 5 arthritis types) confirmed significant pain and inflammation reductions, and a 2014 head-to-head RCT found 1,500 mg/day Curcumin equivalent to ibuprofen 1,200 mg/day in knee OA. For <strong>cartilage health</strong>, Curcumin inhibits NF-κB, COX-2, 5-LOX, and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, MMPs) that drive cartilage degradation, and a 2021 meta-analysis of 10 RCTs confirmed curcuminoids significantly reduced WOMAC pain and stiffness. For <strong>flexibility and mobility</strong>, a 2025 network meta-analysis (39 RCTs, 4,599 knee OA patients) confirmed Curcumin demonstrated significant benefits in joint function outcomes. Studies suggest curcuminoids may support <strong>chronic inflammation</strong> through inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway and downstream pro-inflammatory cytokine cascades, with multiple meta-analyses demonstrating significant reductions in CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α. For <strong>antioxidant defense</strong>, clinical evidence shows curcuminoids significantly reduce malondialdehyde (a lipid peroxidation marker) and raise enzymatic antioxidants such as SOD, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, primarily through activation of the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling axis. Curcuminoids have also been studied for <strong>rheumatoid arthritis</strong>, where a 2025 network meta-analysis of 18 RCTs found Curcumin superior to placebo in reducing swollen and tender joint counts and inflammatory markers. For <strong>bursitis</strong>, Curcumin is cited by the Arthritis Foundation as the primary bioactive in Turmeric for addressing bursitis-related inflammation. As with the parent Turmeric extract, bioavailability remains a key limitation, which is why this formula includes Black pepper extract to help improve absorption.
Black pepper Extract
Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is included in this formula specifically for its well-documented bioavailability-enhancing properties. The primary bioactive compound is piperine, an alkaloid that inhibits the enzymes CYP3A4 and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) as well as P-glycoprotein efflux transporters — the very mechanisms that cause Curcumin to be rapidly metabolized and eliminated from the body. In a landmark human study, co-administration of piperine with Curcumin increased Curcumin bioavailability by 2,000% within 45 minutes. Beyond its role as a bioenhancer, piperine offers its own research-supported benefits. For <strong>antioxidant defense</strong>, human RCTs using Curcumin-piperine combinations show improvements in superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde in metabolic syndrome and chronic disease populations. For <strong>chronic inflammation</strong>, multiple human RCTs using Curcumin-piperine combinations have documented significant reductions in CRP, hs-CRP, and IL-6 in metabolic syndrome and other inflammatory conditions. For <strong>joint health</strong>, piperine has been shown to inhibit IL-6, MMP13, COX-2, and PGE2 in human rheumatoid arthritis synoviocytes in vitro, and in rat arthritis models it significantly reduced paw edema and joint inflammation. Historically, Black pepper has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine, where it is known as Maricha. It forms part of the classical preparation trikatu, and approximately two-thirds of all traditional Ayurvedic formulations are said to include Black pepper for its bioenhancing properties. Black pepper is listed by the FDA as GRAS (generally recognized as safe). It is important to note that piperine's inhibition of drug-metabolizing enzymes means it may interact with certain medications — consult with a healthcare professional if you take prescription medications.
Dicalcium Phosphate
Dicalcium phosphate is a Calcium salt commonly used as an excipient in supplement manufacturing. It serves primarily as a tableting and capsule-filling agent that helps ensure consistent dosage delivery. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, with more than 99% stored in bones and teeth as hydroxyapatite. As an essential mineral, Calcium plays a critical role in bone structure, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and cellular signaling. However, in this formulation, dicalcium phosphate functions mainly as a processing aid rather than a primary active ingredient.
Turmeric Curcumin (Formerly CurcuminBP)
Turmeric Curcumin (Formerly CurcuminBP)
★★★★★ 4.9 (35 reviews)
  • ✓ Free shipping on all orders
  • ✓ 90-day easy returns
  • ✓ Ships within hours
Turmeric Curcumin (Formerly CurcuminBP)
Turmeric Curcumin (Formerly CurcuminBP)
$59.95
Ideal Users

Who Is This Formula For?

Nature made Turmeric Curcumin capsules are designed for adults who want to support a healthy inflammatory response through a concentrated, bioavailability-enhanced Turmeric supplement. This formula may be especially relevant for:

  • Adults concerned about joint comfort — Research suggests Curcumin may support joint pain relief, stiffness reduction, and physical function, particularly in the context of osteoarthritis. Multiple systematic reviews have found effects comparable to NSAIDs in some trials.
  • Those seeking antioxidant support — Curcumin's ability to activate the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway and reduce oxidative stress markers makes this formula relevant for anyone looking to support their body's natural defenses against free radical damage.
  • People interested in whole-body inflammatory balance — The formula's highlights include supporting joint, skin, brain, and gut health, as well as immune system function and healthy microbiome balance, reflecting the broad range of body systems where Curcumin has been studied.
  • Active adults and aging individuals — Anyone wanting to support flexibility, mobility, and cartilage health as part of an active lifestyle or healthy aging routine may find this formula relevant.

This product is non-GMO and delivered in VegCaps, making it suitable for those who prefer plant-based capsules. If you're unsure whether Turmeric Curcumin supplementation is right for your specific health goals, our naturopath offers free consultations to help guide your decision.

Usage Guide

How to Take Turmeric Curcumin

Take 2 VegCaps daily. Each bottle contains 60 capsules, providing a 30-day supply at the recommended serving size of 2 capsules.

The inclusion of Black pepper extract in the formula is specifically designed to support absorption, so no additional steps are needed to optimize bioavailability. As with any dietary supplement, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a pre-existing health condition.

It is worth noting that piperine (from Black pepper extract) may interact with certain medications by inhibiting drug-metabolizing enzymes such as CYP3A4 and CYP2C9. This is especially relevant for individuals taking anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, or other prescription medications. Rare cases of liver injury have been reported with Turmeric supplements, particularly those with enhanced bioavailability — individuals with existing liver conditions should discuss supplementation with their healthcare provider.

About the author

Written by Greg Howlett

GH

Greg Howlett

Founder

Greg has spent over a decade helping customers choose the right natural-health products. He personally vets every formula we carry and writes these guides to cut through the marketing noise with practical, experience-based advice.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What makes Nature's Sunshine Turmeric Curcumin different from standard Turmeric supplements?

While most competing products deliver high levels of whole Turmeric root and low levels of Turmeric extract, Nature's Sunshine delivers both Turmeric root and higher levels of the antioxidant-rich Turmeric extract — providing 1,100 mg of Turmeric extract with 1,000 mg of curcuminoids per serving. The formula also includes Black pepper extract to help address Curcumin's well-documented bioavailability challenge. One serving is equivalent to 32,000 mg of whole root Turmeric.

Why is Black pepper extract included in Turmeric Curcumin capsules?

Curcumin has inherently poor oral bioavailability due to low water solubility, rapid metabolism, and fast elimination from the body. Research has shown that piperine, the active alkaloid in Black pepper, may increase Curcumin bioavailability by up to 2,000% in humans by inhibiting the enzymes that would otherwise tag Curcumin for rapid excretion. Black pepper extract may also aid with some occasional digestive discomfort and has antioxidant properties of its own.

What does the research say about Turmeric Curcumin and joint health?

Multiple meta-analyses and systematic reviews support a statistically significant benefit of Turmeric/Curcumin for knee osteoarthritis pain and function. A 2022 systematic review examined 29 RCTs involving 2,396 participants across five types of arthritis and found potential efficacy, while a separate meta-analysis found Curcumin/Turmeric extract had treatment efficacy similar to NSAIDs based on 16 RCTs. However, evidence quality is consistently rated low to very low due to small sample sizes, high risk of bias, and methodological heterogeneity across formulations and doses.

Is this Turmeric Curcumin supplement safe?

Curcumin is reported to be safe at doses up to 6 g/day orally for 4–7 weeks based on clinical trial data, and the FDA considers Curcumin generally regarded as safe (GRAS). However, gastrointestinal disturbances may occur, particularly at higher doses. There is a rare risk of liver injury from Turmeric/Curcumin in medicinal dosage forms, which may be higher for products with enhanced bioavailability. Additionally, piperine may interact with certain medications by inhibiting drug-metabolizing enzymes. Consult your healthcare provider if you take prescription medications or have existing liver conditions.

How many curcuminoids are in each serving?

Each two-capsule serving provides 1,000 mg of curcuminoids alongside 1,100 mg of Turmeric extract. Curcuminoids are the primary active polyphenols in Turmeric, consisting primarily of Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Curcumin is the most potent and abundant of the three, typically representing about 77% of total curcuminoids.

Is this product non-GMO?

Yes, Nature's Sunshine Turmeric Curcumin is a non-GMO product. It comes in a VegCap format with 60 capsules per bottle, providing a 30-day supply at the recommended serving of 2 capsules daily.

Talk to an expert

Talk to Dr. Shannyn Fowl

Not sure if this is right for you? Book a free, no-pressure consultation for personalized guidance on your health goals.

Book your free consult →
Who we are

About Caring Sunshine

A family-run reseller of premium supplements — free shipping, a 90-day guarantee, and real people who know the products.

Learn more about us →