Is Turmeric the same as Curcuma?

Yes, Turmeric and Curcuma refer to the same plant, Curcuma longa . Turmeric is the Danish name, while Curcuma is the Latin name used in scientific contexts. Turmeric contains active substances called curcuminoids , of which Curcumin is the best known.

Curcuminoids are active polyphenols and are responsible for many of Turmeric's health properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

The primary curcuminoids in Turmeric:

  1. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) – The most bioactive and well-studied curcuminoid, which gives turmeric its yellow color.
  2. Demethoxycurcumin (DMC) – A natural variant of curcumin with similar antioxidant properties.
  3. Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) – Another curcuminoid with anti-inflammatory properties, but with a slightly lower biological activity than curcumin.
  4. Cyclocurcumin – A lesser-known curcuminoid with potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

These curcuminoids often work together and are found naturally in Turmeric extracts.

Poor absorbability - can be improved

Since Curcuma is very poorly absorbed - you can increase its bioavailability in the following way:

When using fresh Turmeric root, freshly ground black pepper (piperine) can be added to increase absorption. In the case of extracts, Curcuma can be combined with various fats or encapsulated in liposomes, which significantly improves bioavailability. Liposomal technology and piperine are two effective methods to ensure that the curcuminoids are better absorbed by the body, as they otherwise have a low natural absorption.

A new method I have tried (after reading an exciting article) is to puree the fresh turmeric and then boil the turmeric with some water for approx. 15-20 min. This should make the turmeric's active ingredients, the curcuminoids, up to a factor of 100 more water-soluble.

If you want to know more, see my article on Is turmeric a health plant? , which contains various links to exciting research regarding curcuma :)


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