Scientific research and clinical studies in the modern era validate turmeric’s traditional use, particularly looking at curcuminoids produced by the rhizome of Curcuma longa. Turmeric’s principal curcuminoid is curcumin, turmeric’s primary pharmacologically active ingredient. Major, longstanding interest relates to curcumin’s effect on oxidative stress, joint inflammation, and hepatoprotection, but in recent times studies on curcuminoids have explored a wider range of health benefits in the areas of anti-aging, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.
