Turmeric's secret partner: why curcumin needs black pepper

Turmeric gives curry its golden colour, and its most studied compound, curcumin, has been researched in thousands of studies for its antioxidant properties and its role in the body's natural inflammatory response.

The absorption problem

On its own, curcumin is poorly absorbed — much of it passes through the body before it can be used. That's where black pepper comes in.

Enter piperine

Piperine is the compound that gives black pepper its bite. A frequently cited study found that taking piperine with curcumin increased curcumin levels in the blood by up to 2,000% compared with curcumin alone. That's why you'll often see the two paired together, and why piperine appears in several formulas to support the absorption of other botanicals.

What curcumin may support

• Antioxidant activity, helping the body manage oxidative stress
• Joint comfort after exercise, according to some small studies
• Metabolic health — some studies have looked at curcumin alongside diet and exercise in weight management, with modest results

Cooking with turmeric

• Add turmeric and a crack of black pepper to soups, curries and roast vegetables.
• Cook it with a little healthy fat (like olive oil), since curcumin is fat-soluble.
• Try a "golden milk": warm milk, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon and a little honey.

Curcumin and piperine appear in EstroLean, and piperine is included in several of our formulas to support absorption. Curcumin may interact with blood thinners, diabetes medication and some other medicines, so check with your healthcare practitioner if you take any, or if you have gallbladder problems.