Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Curcuminoids, the active compounds in turmeric (Curcuma longa), have been investigated for their effects on circulation, including cerebral (brain) blood flow. Preclinical studies and some clinical trials suggest that curcumin may have beneficial effects on vascular function due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and endothelial-protective properties. For instance, curcumin is known to enhance nitric oxide production, which can improve vasodilation and blood flow. Animal studies have shown that curcumin supplementation can improve cerebral blood flow and protect against ischemic injury in the brain. Human studies are more limited but have shown that curcumin supplementation may improve endothelial function, a key factor in circulatory health, and one small randomized controlled trial found acute improvement in cerebral blood flow after curcumin ingestion.^1,2 However, the evidence is not robust; most clinical studies are small, short-term, or use surrogate markers rather than direct measures of brain circulation. Additionally, bioavailability issues with curcumin limit its efficacy in humans. There is some emerging scientific support for curcuminoids in supporting circulation to the brain, but more large-scale, high-quality clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects and their significance for brain health.

1. Santos-Parker JR, et al. "Curcumin Supplementation Improves Vascular Endothelial Function in Healthy Middle-Aged and Older Adults by Increasing Nitric Oxide Bioavailability." Hypertension. 2017.
2. Cox KH, et al. "Acute effects of curcumin on cognition and mood in a healthy older population: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study." Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2015.

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