Curcumin: The Firefighter That Tames Inflammation, Easing Pain and Joint Problems

Curcumin, the nutrient that makes ground turmeric that vibrant yellow-orange color, has a long history of combating an array of conditions.

Curcumin is not an essential nutrient, but it is a powerful ally to have in the fight against inflammation. Illustration by Fei Meng

Picture curcumin as your body’s firefighter, always on standby and ready to spring into action to put out the flames of inflammation. Like a firefighter extinguishes fires to prevent damage, curcumin smothers the slow-burning flames of inflammation and oxidative stress, which can harm cells, tissues, and organs if left unchecked.

Curcumin is the primary ingredient in turmeric, the golden spice from the root of the Curcuma longa plant. A member of the ginger family, turmeric owes its yellow-orange hue to curcumin.