Because curcumin is the constituent of turmeric that has the heaviest-rotation testing and research, it’s the one we’ve all been sold on, and probably the most effective extract from turmeric. Who knows.
But I’ve always believed that Mother Nature, as wretchedly bitchy as She can sometimes be, is wise beyond time and words regarding what she lumps together in one package, and since there’s less research on the other compounds and constituents of turmeric, I prefer to take a compound that includes both the isolate, curcumin, as well as the whole herb, turmeric, just in case some of those other compounds have their own medicinal properties that work either independently of curcuminoids, or work synergistically with them.
You know, just to cover all the bases.
Here’s a listing of all the major constituents of the herb/spice turmeric: Curcumin, Piperine, Curcuminoid, Bisdemethoxycurcumin, Desmethoxycurcumin, Zingiberene, Bisabolene, Germacrone, Phellandrene, Elemene, Curdione, Bisacurone.
At least one of them is critical to the absorption and bioavailability of curcumin, in this case, piperine. All curcumin products will note with pride that they contain BioPerine, which is possibly in the compound to replace the missing Piperine, found naturally in turmeric.