Turmeric with Black Pepper Extract Capsules

Turmeric with black pepper extract capsules contain 500 mg of turmeric root extract standardised to 95% curcuminoids, with 5 mg of piperine. One capsule a day, 60 capsules, a two-month supply.

Extract, not powder

Culinary turmeric is around 2–5% curcuminoids by weight. This is an extract standardised to 95%, so 500 mg of extract carries roughly 475 mg of curcuminoids — the equivalent of a large spoonful of spice, in one capsule. Curcuminoids are the yellow pigments of Curcuma longa: curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin.

Why black pepper is in it

Curcumin’s problem is bioavailability. It is poorly water-soluble, barely absorbed, and what does get through the gut wall is rapidly glucuronidated by the liver and excreted. Piperine, the alkaloid that makes black pepper hot, inhibits that glucuronidation step, and the combination has been shown to raise plasma curcumin substantially compared with curcumin alone. 5 mg is the standard piperine dose for the purpose. Taking the capsule with a fat-containing meal helps for the same reason.

What the law allows us to say

Health claims for botanicals remain on hold in the EU, so no claim is made for turmeric here. The description above is composition and pharmacokinetics — what is in the capsule and why the pepper is there. Caution: piperine affects how the liver metabolises a range of medicines, so check with your doctor if you take prescription drugs. Avoid turmeric extract if you have gallstones or bile duct obstruction, and discuss it with your doctor if you take anticoagulants.

How to take it

One capsule a day with a meal, preferably one containing some fat. Turmeric stains — keep the capsule intact rather than opening it. In the same part of the range, milk thistle extract is the other standardised botanical, and omega-3 fish oil is taken alongside it often enough to be worth mentioning.

What is in each capsule

• Turmeric root extract (Curcuma longa) — 500 mg, 95% curcuminoids
• Black pepper extract — 5 mg piperine
• One capsule a day with food — 60 capsules, two months

Questions people ask

Why not just use turmeric in cooking?

Spice is 2–5% curcuminoids; this extract is 95%. The doses are not comparable.

Does it have to be taken with food?

It is better absorbed with a meal containing fat, yes.

Can I take it with other supplements?

Generally yes, but piperine interacts with some medicines — medication is the thing to check. Full range in supplements.

Good to know. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Talk to your doctor before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.