The same molecules inhibit inflammation anywhere within the body, thus acting as pain relieving agents, as well. Curcumin has been shown to improve joint mobility and reduce the pain and swelling associated with all forms of arthritis. This activity is equivalent to the effect of some NSAID drugs. Curcumin also lowers the level of harmful, or LDL, cholesterol and increases the level of helpful, or HDL, cholesterol. It increases circulation and blood flow. All of these properties make curcumin a good choice for individuals with compromised circulation, heart disease and high cholesterol.

Recently, curcumin is being recognized for its anti-amyloid properties. A key feature of Alzheimer's disease is the development of amyloid plaques in the brain. Beta-amyloid is a normally harmless protein which builds up in the brain as we age. It is thought that some sort of genetic defect in these proteins may be involved in the degree of decline in neuronal activity that occurs in individuals suffering from Alzheimer's. Curcumin, due to its anti-amyloid properties is showing significant results in terms of treatment for these patients, improving overall memory.

Curcumin can be used as a spice (tumeric), encapsulated herb, dried herb, tincture or liquid extract. Better quality supplements are standardized which is an assurance that the product contains a certain amount of the more well know active constituents. Curcumin is found as a component of pain relieving, anti-inflammatory and cholesterol lowering formulas. It may be also be found in topical creams or gels for pain relief.

Curcumin is a lipophilic or fat soluble substance. Our ability to effectively absorb curcumin is low. Its ability to reach the blood stream to have its therapeutic effect has been questioned by those in the health field. Recently, supplement companies have started to change their formulations (liposomal curcumin, curcumin nanoparticles, curcumin phospholipid complexes) all in the name of making the curcumin more readily absorbed, with significantly higher percentage of curcumin reaching the blood stream.

Curcumin contains substances that decrease blood clotting ability therefore those with active bleeding, or individuals who use blood thinners, aspirin or NSAIDs should use caution. For the same reason, stop using curcumin 2 weeks prior to surgery or dental procedures. Curcumin may alter the effectiveness of some heart and cholesterol medications. Some individuals have found it to irritate the gastrointestinal tract and liver or gallbladder.