NOW Turmeric Curcumin Phytosome – Deep-Dive Guide

Name: Turmeric Curcumin (Formerly CurcuminBP)
Brand: Nature's Sunshine
SKU: 238
Price: 44.95 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.9 (35 reviews)

Explore NOW Turmeric Curcumin Phytosome: 1,000 mg curcuminoids, Black pepper extract for absorption, and joint, gut, brain, and immune support.

Overview

What Is NOW Turmeric Curcumin Phytosome and Why Does It Matter?

Turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Asian medicine for nearly 6,000 years, valued for its role in supporting a healthy inflammatory response and overall well-being. Nature's Sunshine Turmeric Curcumin (Formerly CurcuminBP) concentrates the most researched active compounds from Turmeric root — the curcuminoids — delivering 1,000 mg of curcuminoids per serving, which the manufacturer states is equivalent to 32,000 mg of whole root Turmeric.

One of the central challenges with Turmeric supplementation has always been bioavailability. Research shows that Curcumin has low water solubility, poor intestinal permeability, and undergoes rapid metabolism, resulting in limited oral absorption. This formula addresses that challenge by including Black pepper extract, which has been shown in human pharmacokinetic studies to increase Curcumin bioavailability by up to 2,000%.

If you're navigating the world of now Turmeric Curcumin phytosome products and wondering which factors actually matter, the combination of high-potency curcuminoids plus a proven absorption enhancer is a strong place to start. Our naturopath is available for a free consultation if you'd like help deciding whether this formula fits your health goals.

How It Works

The Science Behind Turmeric Curcumin's Multi-Pathway Support

Curcuminoids — the primary active compounds in Turmeric — work through multiple biological pathways. Research suggests that Curcumin inhibits the NF-κB signaling pathway, one of the body's central regulators of inflammatory response. It also modulates the MAPK, JAK/STAT, and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways, which play pivotal roles in regulating inflammatory processes, cellular proliferation, and immune signaling.

On the antioxidant front, studies suggest Curcumin activates the Keap1-Nrf2/ARE transcriptional pathway, which upregulates the body's own cytoprotective enzymes. Multiple human RCTs and meta-analyses have shown it measurably raises total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione, while lowering the lipid-peroxidation marker malondialdehyde (MDA).

Curcumin also suppresses COX-2 and LOX enzymes responsible for producing prostaglandins and leukotrienes — inflammatory mediators that contribute to joint discomfort and stiffness. These overlapping mechanisms are what make now Turmeric Curcumin phytosome formulas appealing for people looking to support multiple body systems simultaneously.

The Black pepper extract in this formula enhances these benefits by inhibiting glucuronidation — the Phase II metabolic process that tags Curcumin for rapid excretion — allowing more Curcumin to remain active in the bloodstream for a longer period.

What's inside

Key ingredients

tumeric extract — 1,100 mg

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a rhizomatous plant in the ginger family whose dried rhizome has been used in Ayurvedic, Unani, and traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to support a healthy inflammatory response, digestive comfort, and overall vitality. Research suggests Curcumin — the dominant curcuminoid in Turmeric — inhibits NF-κB, COX-2, and LOX inflammatory pathways while scavenging reactive oxygen species. In the area of joint health, multiple RCTs and systematic reviews demonstrate consistent improvements in knee osteoarthritis pain, stiffness, and function compared to placebo, with some analyses finding effects comparable to NSAIDs. A 2022 meta-analysis of 29 RCTs (2,396 participants across five arthritis types) confirmed significant pain and inflammation reductions. For chronic inflammation, studies suggest Curcumin lowers key biomarkers including CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6, though a 2019 meta-analysis of 19 RCTs found non-significant reductions, reflecting ongoing scientific debate likely tied to bioavailability differences across formulations. Research also supports Curcumin's role in antioxidant defense: multiple human RCTs show it raises total antioxidant capacity, SOD, catalase, and glutathione via activation of the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway. In metabolic health, meta-analyses suggest Curcumin may support healthy fasting blood sugar, lipid levels, and inflammatory-oxidative balance in individuals with metabolic syndrome. For gut health, a 2025 meta-analysis of 13 placebo-controlled RCTs demonstrated significant efficacy in achieving clinical remission in ulcerative colitis patients when used as adjunctive therapy. Preliminary human data also suggest possible benefits for cognitive aging and mood through BDNF restoration and neuroinflammation modulation, though clinical evidence remains early-stage.

curcuminoids — 1,000 mg

Curcuminoids are the family of polyphenolic pigments responsible for Turmeric's yellow color, consisting primarily of Curcumin (approximately 77%), demethoxycurcumin (17%), and bisdemethoxycurcumin (3%). Curcumin — the most potent of the three — was first isolated in 1815 and has been the subject of hundreds of human clinical trials. For joint and musculoskeletal support, a 2025 systematic review of 21 RCTs (1,705 knee OA patients) found that Curcumin significantly lowered CRP and TNF-α levels compared to placebo. A landmark RCT (n=367) found 1,500 mg/day Curcumin equivalent to ibuprofen 1,200 mg/day for knee pain relief with better gastrointestinal tolerability, and ESCEO guidelines recognize curcuminoids as an OA nutraceutical. For chronic inflammation, Curcumin's core mechanism involves inhibition of NF-κB, downstream cytokine cascades, and the NLRP3 inflammasome. Multiple meta-analyses of RCTs demonstrate significant reductions in CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α. In antioxidant defense, clinical evidence shows Curcumin significantly reduces malondialdehyde while raising SOD, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase through Nrf2-Keap1 signaling activation. For autoimmune conditions, a 2022 meta-analysis found improvements across 10 autoimmune diseases including ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis. Curcumin has also been studied for cartilage health, where it inhibits MMP-mediated collagen degradation, and for flexibility and mobility, where a 2025 network meta-analysis of 39 RCTs (4,599 KOA patients) ranked it among the most effective supplements for functional outcomes. A key limitation is Curcumin's inherently poor oral bioavailability, which has driven the development of enhanced formulations including the piperine co-administration used in this product.

Black pepper extract

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), often called the 'King of Spices,' contains the alkaloid piperine — its primary bioactive compound — at concentrations of 5–9%. In Ayurvedic medicine, Black pepper has been used for thousands of years as a digestive stimulant and bioenhancer; approximately two-thirds of all traditional Ayurvedic formulations include it. The most robustly documented pharmacological property of piperine in human studies is its ability to enhance the bioavailability of co-administered compounds. In a landmark human pharmacokinetic study, 20 mg of piperine increased Curcumin blood concentrations by 2,000% from 0.25 to 1 hour post-administration. The mechanism involves inhibition of CYP3A4, P-glycoprotein, and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) — the enzyme responsible for the glucuronidation that normally tags Curcumin for rapid elimination. Beyond absorption enhancement, research suggests piperine has its own anti-inflammatory activity through suppression of COX-2 gene expression and enzyme activity, and it has been shown to inhibit IL-6, MMP13, and PGE2 in human rheumatoid arthritis synoviocytes in vitro. 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. Black pepper is listed by the FDA as generally recognized as safe (GRAS).

dicalcium phosphate

Dicalcium phosphate is a Calcium salt used here primarily as an excipient (a manufacturing aid that helps form the capsule contents). Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, with over 99% stored in bones and teeth as hydroxyapatite. It plays essential roles in muscle contraction, neurotransmission, and cellular signaling. In this formula, dicalcium phosphate serves a structural role in the supplement rather than functioning as a primary therapeutic ingredient.

Turmeric Curcumin (Formerly CurcuminBP)

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Turmeric Curcumin (Formerly CurcuminBP)

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Who Benefits

Who Should Consider NOW Turmeric Curcumin Phytosome?

This formula is designed for adults looking to promote a healthy inflammatory response and support multiple body systems. Based on the clinical evidence behind its ingredients, it may be particularly relevant for:

People with joint concerns: Research suggests curcuminoids may support joint comfort, flexibility, and physical function — particularly for those dealing with occasional stiffness or age-related joint changes.
Those seeking antioxidant support: Studies suggest Curcumin raises the body's endogenous antioxidant defenses, which may be especially valuable for people exposed to oxidative stressors.
Individuals focused on gut health: Clinical trials suggest Curcumin may support a healthy gut lining and promote healthy microbiome balance, particularly as adjunctive support for digestive comfort.
People interested in brain and immune support: Preliminary research suggests Curcumin may support cognitive function in aging and promote healthy immune system activity.

This product is non-GMO and comes in VegCaps, making it suitable for those who prefer plant-based capsule formats. If you're unsure whether now Turmeric Curcumin phytosome supplementation is right for your specific situation, our naturopath offers free consultations to help you make an informed choice.

Usage

How to Take Turmeric Curcumin

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

Because this formula contains Black pepper extract — which may affect how the body metabolizes certain medications by inhibiting CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein — it's worth discussing with a healthcare professional if you're taking prescription drugs, particularly blood thinners, anti-seizure medications, or immunosuppressants. Our naturopath is happy to talk through any questions in a free consultation.

About the author

Written by Greg Howlett

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

Why does this Turmeric formula include Black pepper extract?

Curcumin — the primary active compound in Turmeric — has notoriously poor oral bioavailability due to low water solubility, rapid metabolism, and fast systemic elimination. Piperine, the active alkaloid in Black pepper, inhibits the glucuronidation enzymes that tag Curcumin for rapid excretion. In human pharmacokinetic research, co-administering piperine with Curcumin increased blood concentrations of Curcumin by up to 2,000%. This is why Black pepper extract is included: to help your body actually absorb and utilize the curcuminoids.

What does '1,000 mg curcuminoids' mean compared to whole Turmeric root?

Whole Turmeric root powder typically contains only 2–5% curcuminoids by weight. A standardized extract concentrates these active compounds to much higher levels. According to the manufacturer, one serving of this product delivers potency equivalent to 32,000 mg of whole root Turmeric, ensuring you receive a clinically meaningful amount of the compounds that research has associated with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.

What kind of joint support does Turmeric Curcumin provide?

Multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials show that curcuminoids may help reduce joint pain, stiffness, and improve physical function — particularly in knee osteoarthritis. Research suggests Curcumin works by inhibiting the NF-κB and COX-2 inflammatory pathways that drive cartilage degradation and joint inflammation. Some analyses have found effects comparable to common over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, though evidence quality is generally rated low to moderate.

Can I take this formula alongside other supplements or medications?

Black pepper extract (piperine) can inhibit CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, which are involved in metabolizing many common medications. This means piperine may increase the blood levels of certain co-administered drugs. If you take prescription medications — especially blood thinners, anti-seizure drugs, or immunosuppressants — consult a healthcare professional before starting this supplement. Our naturopath offers free consultations and can help you evaluate potential interactions.

Does this product support gut and digestive health?

Yes. Research suggests Curcumin may promote a healthy gut lining and support healthy microbiome balance. A 2025 meta-analysis of 13 placebo-controlled RCTs found that Curcumin demonstrated significant efficacy in achieving clinical remission in ulcerative colitis patients when used as adjunctive therapy. The formula also highlights its potential to promote healthy microbiome balance.

Is this product non-GMO?

Yes, Nature's Sunshine Turmeric Curcumin is a non-GMO product and comes in VegCaps, making it suitable for people who prefer plant-based capsule formats.

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