Turmeric

Derived from turmeric root, curcumin is a herbaceous and bright yellow spice belonging to the ginger family. In turmeric, curcumin is the primary compound in a family of active compounds called curcuminoids.

Considered a staple in traditional Chinese and Indian (Ayurvedic) medicine, turmeric has an incredible list of healing properties including use as an antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-carcinogenic and natural anti-inflammatory supplement.

Curcumin’s powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties however are the two primary mechanisms that have shown to be effective in modern-day therapeutics, such as targeting exercise-induced inflammation and soreness, as well as overall joint health.

Interfering with inflammation pathways is one of curcumin’s key modes of action. It does this by blocking inflammatory cytokines and enzymes which would otherwise create inflammation and painful flare-ups in areas such as our joints. Curcumin also scavenges for multiple types of free radicals, including reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species to help neutralise any oxidative damage. Curcumin has even been effective in helping to relieve the symptoms of arthritis, with research showing that supplementation of 1,000mg a day allowed for significant reductions in tenderness and swelling of joints. It has also been shown to improve markers of oxidative stress within the human body.