Thorne Curcumin Phytosome - NSF Certified for Sport Review
Thorne's Curcumin Phytosome is presented as a well-absorbed curcumin supplement intended to support joint stiffness, muscle soreness, and a healthy inflammatory response. The product page says it is built around Meriva, which the brand describes as the most clinically studied curcumin on the market, and it states that the phytosome complex provides superior absorption compared with other curcumin extracts. A human study cited on the page reports 29-times greater absorption of Meriva than ordinary curcumin. The product is listed as NSF Certified for Sport, and the page explains that every batch is tested for compliance with label claims and to ensure the absence of nearly 300 substances banned by many major athletic organizations. The ingredient panel lists Curcumin Phytosome, made from turmeric root extract and a phospholipid complex from sunflower, at 1 gram per serving. The serving size is 2 capsules, with 60 servings per container. Other ingredients include calcium citrate, leucine, microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide, calcium laurate, and hypromellose capsule shell. The page describes turmeric as a plant that has been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for more than 2,000 years, and it notes that curcuminoids are the most active components. The brand lists benefits for joints and muscles, including easing joint stiffness, encouraging flexibility, alleviating minor aches, and helping reduce delayed onset muscle soreness after intense training. It also lists support for a balanced inflammatory response across the joints, muscles, digestive tract, liver, brain, eyes, and nerves, along with claims about healthy cholesterol processing, liver enzyme activity, and normal blood sugar levels. The page explains that black pepper and piperine are not used because they may irritate the gut lining. The warnings section says the product is contraindicated for anyone with a history of hypersensitivity to its ingredients, that pregnant individuals should consult a health-care practitioner before use, and that curcumin may reduce the effectiveness of cyclophosphamide and may interfere with irinotecan, so concurrent use with these agents should be avoided. The FAQ section notes that the phospholipid complex is derived from sunflower oil, so people with sunflower allergy are advised against use. It also says results may take a few days or several weeks of consistent use, depending on the individual. The product is sold as a 120-capsule bottle at $68, with a subscription option at a 10 percent discount, and the page also offers a 60-serving option.
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Study, Trial or Testing Result Summary
Members Only21 human studies · 18 improved
This product gives curcumin as a phytosome, which is turmeric extract bound to sunflower fats, at a full dose compared with the studies. A 2024 pooled analysis of 23 trials with 2175 people with knee osteoarthritis found curcumin lowered pain and joint symptom scores and cut the use of rescue meds compared with placebo. It also caused fewer side effects than meds [1]. A 2021 analysis of 15 trials with 1621 people found turmeric extract and curcumin eased pain and stiffness and improved function. They worked about as well as meds, and the authors suggest taking them for more than 12 weeks [2]. In rheumatoid arthritis, six studies with 539 people showed fewer tender and swollen joints and lower inflammation [3]. A trial in 106 adults with knee pain found 250 milligrams a day of a turmeric extract for 90 days lowered walking pain more than placebo [4]. A large 2025 analysis of 39 trials found curcumin may improve joint function, with no rise in side effects [5]. However, many of the trials were small and of low quality [6]. Animal and cell studies are never counted.
See all 21 studies →Hide the studies
- Across 39 trials with 4599 adults with knee osteoarthritis, curcumin along with several other supplements showed benefits in some outcomes compared with placebo, with Boswellia ranking best and curcumin showing potential for improving function, and no increase in side effects.Comparative Effectiveness of Nutritional Supplements in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Network Meta-Analysis.
- Pooling 47 trials with 3852 people with rheumatoid arthritis, dietary polyphenols including curcumin improved disease activity, lowered inflammation markers and oxidative stress without more side effects.Efficacy and safety of dietary polyphenols in rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 47 randomiz…
- In 29 randomized trials with 2396 people with different types of arthritis, taking 120 to 1500 mg of curcumin or turmeric extract for 4 to 36 weeks eased pain and inflammation, but the trials were small and low in quality.Efficacy and Safety of Curcumin and Curcuma longa Extract in the Treatment of Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-An…
- Across 23 trials with 2175 people with knee osteoarthritis, curcumin reduced pain scores and total WOMAC scores and the use of rescue medication compared with placebo, and caused fewer adverse reactions than meds.Efficacy and safety of curcumin therapy for knee osteoarthritis: A Bayesian network meta-analysis.
- In 15 randomized trials with 1621 people with osteoarthritis, turmeric extract and curcumin reduced pain and stiffness and improved function versus placebo, worked similarly to meds with fewer side effects, and the authors suggest using them for more than 12 weeks.The efficacy and safety of Curcuma longa extract and curcumin supplements on osteoarthritis: a systematic review and met…
- Across 12 studies with 724 curcumin users and 714 controls with osteoarthritis, curcumin improved pain and function compared with placebo but not compared with active treatments such as meds.A Meta-Analysis of the Impact of Nutritional Supplementation on Osteoarthritis Symptoms.
- Across 5 randomized trials with 599 people with osteoarthritis, curcumin lowered joint pain and stiffness scores, and caused no more side effects than a med.Efficacy and side effect of curcumin for the treatment of osteoarthritis: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial…
- Across six studies with 539 people with rheumatoid arthritis, curcumin lowered disease activity, the number of tender and swollen joints, and a blood marker of inflammation compared with controls.Effect of curcumin on rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
- In 8 randomized trials, turmeric extract (about 1000 mg a day of curcumin) lowered arthritis pain and joint symptom scores versus placebo and matched meds, though the trials were too few and small to be definitive.Efficacy of Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin for Alleviating the Symptoms of Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta…
- In a review of 69 placebo-controlled trials of supplements for osteoarthritis, curcumin and turmeric extract gave large short-term pain relief, though the overall evidence quality was very low and no supplement helped over the long term.Dietary supplements for treating osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Across 21 randomized trials (14 on joint health), turmeric extract and curcumin supplements were judged effective add-on options for musculoskeletal health with few side effects, and a water-dispersible extract at 250 mg a day appeared most effective, though doses and durations varied widely.Safety and Efficacy of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Extract and Curcumin Supplements in Musculoskeletal Health: A Systematic…
- Pooling 11 meta-analyses of trials, curcumin significantly reduced pain, stiffness and difficulty with movement in people with knee osteoarthritis.The efficacy of curcumin in relieving osteoarthritis: A meta-analysis of meta-analyses.
- This review found mostly laboratory and animal studies and only one human study, in which curcumin improved morning stiffness, walking time and joint swelling in people with rheumatoid arthritis.Curcumin and rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review of literature.
- Across 17 randomized trials lasting 4 weeks to 8 months, various curcumin formulations significantly improved pain and overall WOMAC scores in people with osteoarthritis without severe side effects, with better-absorbed forms tending to work better.A Systematic Review of the Clinical Use of Curcumin for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis.
- An overview of 161 meta-analyses of trials found that ginger-family plants and curcumin clearly relieved osteoarthritis pain and were generally safe, though better-quality research is still needed.Zingiberaceae plants/curcumin consumption and multiple health outcomes: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and met…
- In 139 people with knee osteoarthritis, 1500 mg curcumin daily for 28 days relieved pain about as well as the drug diclofenac, with fewer side effects (13% vs 38%), and this was an open-label comparison without placebo.Safety and efficacy of curcumin versus diclofenac in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized open-label parallel-arm study.
- In 106 healthy adults with chronic knee pain, 250 mg a day of a turmeric extract (150 mg curcuminoids) for 90 days cut walking pain scores more than placebo (1.5 vs 0.6 points) and improved walking and stair-climb times.A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Assessing Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Low-Dose Turm…
- In 84 adults with knee osteoarthritis, a combination including 500 mg curcumin daily for 12 weeks reduced knee pain no more than placebo (difference 0.16 mm on a 100 mm scale).Effect of an oral complementary medicine combination for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: A double-blind, randomized, pl…
- In 70 people with knee osteoarthritis and joint swelling, turmeric extract for 12 weeks reduced knee pain more than placebo (9.1 mm on a 100 mm scale) but did not reduce joint swelling or change cartilage.Effectiveness of Curcuma longa Extract for the Treatment of Symptoms and Effusion-Synovitis of Knee Osteoarthritis : A R…
- In 60 people with chronic knee osteoarthritis, a turmeric, black pepper and ginger mix taken for 4 weeks lowered an inflammation chemical (PGE2) similarly to the drug a med, with no difference between groups.Read the study on PubMed (32180294) →
- In 48 women with rheumatoid arthritis, 500 mg curcumin daily for 8 weeks reduced tender and swollen joints, pain and disease activity scores more than placebo and raised antioxidant capacity.The efficacy of curcumin supplementation on serum total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, and disease activity in w…
Review Totals and Summary
Members Only2,324 reviews · 91% positive
Thorne Curcumin Phytosome has a strongly positive reception, with about 2,324 ratings across the stores that sell it, and most of them are five stars. The written feedback is short and mostly about joints, inflammation and trust in the brand. Details on dosing, timing and tolerability are thin. **What buyers say it did for them:** The main theme is relief for joints and inflammation. One 78-year-old buyer bought it "on a whim" and says her knees are much better. She has gone back to quilting, which she had stopped. Another reviewer writes, "I definitely have less inflammation," and credits the curcumin. A buyer with psoriatic arthritis says it helps with pain and inflammation, and says it works "most effectively" of the several makers they have tried. Store summaries add that customers report less joint stiffness and fewer sore areas. **What they complain about:** There is very little criticism. The only drawback comes from one store's AI-generated summary, which mentions occasional stomach upset. None of the written reviews repeat this, and no clearly negative written reviews appear in the samples. The stores show a small number of lower star ratings, but the reasons are not given. Some early reviewers also say it is too soon to judge, so claims about speed of results rest on a few individual experiences. **Taste, smell, pill size or form:** The reviews do not discuss taste, smell or capsule size. Some of the pages also carry reviews of other forms of this product. I left those out and covered only the capsules. **Value for money:** Nobody comments on price or value. The closest thing is the sense of quality that buyers attach to the brand. Reviewers call it "the best brand that I have ever used" and say other brands "do not level up to Thorne." Whether that justifies the cost is not something the reviews address. **Who it seems to suit and who it did not:** It seems to suit people looking for joint comfort and less soreness or inflammation. That includes older buyers with achy knees and a buyer managing psoriatic arthritis. It also suits people who have tried other curcumin brands and want one they trust. One first-time buyer says "so far so good" and plans a fuller review after finishing the first batch, so some feedback is still preliminary. The one group flagged for caution is people who may be prone to stomach upset, based only on the AI summary. The reviews do not name anyone who found it unsuitable. **Bottom line:** Buyers who wanted joint and inflammation relief mostly report being satisfied, and they trust the brand. The reviews give little detail on dosage, taste, size or price, and the stomach-upset note rests on a single summary rather than on any written review.
Biohacker Summary
Members Only9 of 10 recommend it
Curcumin is the main ingredient here, and the panel leans favorable: of the ten, most recommend or use it, mainly to lower inflammation and support joints, mood and brain health. Three of them prefer well-absorbed forms such as phytosomal, nanoparticle or pepper-assisted curcumin, since plain curcumin is poorly absorbed, and one takes 500 mg of the phytosomal form daily while another points to 500 to 1000 mg in trials. Some pair it with omega-3 fats or sulforaphane, and one uses it to curb late-night overeating. Cautions came from three: one advises against high doses and says to check sourcing for lead, one says to avoid it in pregnancy, and one said no supplement replaces sleep, food and exercise. One panelist stopped taking it for longevity, saying he saw too little evidence.
See all 10 biohackers →Hide the biohackers
Dave Asprey · Curcumin · uses
- Says CallaCurcumin is like "mommy's little helper" and he takes it when he knows he's going to eat late at night, around 5:00 or 6:00, to avoid overeating.
- Recommends Tetrahydro Curcuminoids, stating they lower inflammation.
- Recommends CurcuLite, a curcumin product, for turning up AMPK, which is foundational to energy, longevity, and detox.
- Takes curcumin, an extract of turmeric, to bypass the oxalate content while still getting the benefits.
- Dave Asprey mentions that supplements like curcumin support pain relief and mood.
- Notes that adding curcumins to a med can make it work significantly better, and it is included in their "happy saffron" product. They also recommend a combination of curcumins and omega-3 fatty acids for pain.
- Notes that turmeric curcumin is also an NRF2 activator, though less bioavailable than sulforaphane.
- Dave Asprey and his guests reveal how curcumin can rival meds, delivering natural ways to improve metabolism and regulate dopamine.
- Mentions that curcumin also has anti-parasitic properties and is useful.
- Recommends combining specific nutrients like curcumin with red meat consumption to bind to iron and pull it out, rather than absorb it.
Dr. Eric Berg · Curcumin · neutral
- Mentions that turmeric contains curcumin, which has been studied for its effects on inflammation, joint discomfort, mood, and blood sugar.
- Notes that Curcumin barely absorbs without black pepper.
- Recommends curcumin, stating it delivers powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects linked to cardiovascular health and mental well-being.
- Dr. Eric Berg states that curcumin may support blood sugar, but it should not be treated as an equivalent substitute for other treatments.
- Lists curcumin as an epigenetic factor that may help with cancer prevention.
- Curcumin is a compound that delivers powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- States that curcumin, found in turmeric, delivers powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects linked to cardiovascular health, mental well-being, and more.
- Suggests that curcumin can be beneficial to counter some of the effects of a hypoxic state in cancer and inflammation.
- States that curcumin, a potent compound in turmeric, can naturally alleviate pain and inflammation, and a study found that 1500 mg of turmeric with black pepper produced results comparable to a med without side effects.
- Recommends increasing curcumin for best kidney health.
Thomas DeLauer · Curcumin · recommends
- Notes that PET scans showed a significant reduction in amyloid plaque build-up in the group taking curcumin, suggesting fewer instances of Alzheimer's and dementia.
- Discusses a UCLA study where curcumin led to a 28% increase in cognitive function and a significant reduction in amyloid plaque buildup, suggesting less instance of Alzheimer's and dementia. He also mentions a study where curcumin helped mood as much as a med.
- Uses Curcumin Gold in their recipe, stating it is amazing because it contains ginger oil, DHA, and curcumin, which work in harmony for the body to operate at its best, helping with inflammation and brain energy.
- Discusses a UCLA study where participants taking 90 milligrams of curcumin daily for 18 months showed a 28% increase in cognitive function and a significant reduction in amyloid plaque buildup.
- Recommends Curcumin, stating that 500-1000mg lowers CRP and IL-6 in trials and has over 2000 studies.
- States that curcumin plus vitamin D is probably the most powerful brain booster and brain protector, explaining that curcumin helps macrophages enlarge to gobble up more amyloid beta.
- Recommends curcumin, especially when stacked with ginger, noting its anti-inflammatory efficacy and its ability to increase antioxidant defense systems and reduce oxidative stress. He emphasizes taking it with black pepper or piperine, or in a liposomal form, for bioavailability.
- Recommends curcumin with black pepper for general inflammation, explaining it blocks the primary transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B, shutting down the master regulatory at a genetic level for inflammation genes.
- Curcumin with black pepper shuts down the NF-κB inflammatory pathway at the source, with pepper making it absorbable.
- Cites a study showing that curcumin can shift gene expression in microglial cells, increasing anti-inflammatory genes and reducing pro-inflammatory signaling and migration, thereby slowing the snowball effect of inflammation.
Siim Land · Curcumin · recommends
- Recommends Curcumin for joint pain and inflammation, based primarily on human research, especially randomized controlled trials showing measurable benefits.
- Lists Curcumin as one of 15 supplements backed by human studies.
- Thinks curcumin has some of the strongest evidence and is worth considering.
- Mentions curcumin as a compound that can increase autophagy, but notes it doesn't come close to exercise in effectiveness.
- States that curcumin, unless contaminated, is not going to raise liver enzymes.
- Did not see a big extension from curcumin in their tests.
- Mentions that it is infeasible to obtain sufficient curcumin from food.
- Mentions curcumin as a supplement that has been shown to lower CRP and improve metabolic health.
- Recommends curcumin for metabolic health, especially for insulin resistance and dyslipidemia.
- Places Curcumin in the 'god tier' for longevity, based on its ability to extend lifespan in a few animal models and consistent human study findings of lower inflammation, better lipid profiles, and improved metabolic health.
Dr. Mark Hyman · Curcumin · recommends
- States that curcumin is great for immune support and is anti-inflammatory, suggesting making curries.
- Mentions that curcumin has been studied for its anti-inflammatory effects, but emphasizes that no supplement can replace the daily signals created by sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress management, and metabolic health.
- Recommends curcumin as an anti-inflammatory supplement that can be helpful.
- States that curcumin helps to lower broader inflammatory levels in the body.
- Explains that curcumin is the key compound in turmeric, a polyphenol that research shows supports the body against conditions like cancer, cardiovascular stress, and neurogenic diseases like dementia, and can also help with inflammation, metabolic balance, joint comfort, and mood.
- Lists curcumin as a phytochemical that helps mitochondrial function.
- Mentions curcumin from turmeric as an example of a powerful phytochemical that affects the body.
- Notes that curcumin is an amazing NRF2 activator, but its bioavailability is only 5% compared to sulforaphane from home-grown broccoli sprouts.
- Recommends a curcumin supplement with black pepper (piperine) for indigestion, including reflux, noting that a recent trial found it as effective as a med.
- Mentions that curcumin can modify the expression of genes, which in turn affects stress response and mental health.
Dr. Rhonda Patrick · Curcumin · neutral
- Curcumin may be one of the most powerful naturally occurring dietary compounds for lowering age-related inflammation. The phytosomal form is preferred because standard curcumin is rapidly broken down by the liver, while phytosomal delivery makes it far more bioavailable.
- Asks if curcumin can slow aging.
- Curcumin may be one of the most effective natural compounds for lowering age-related inflammation. The phytosomal form matters because standard curcumin is poorly absorbed and rapidly metabolized, while phytosomal delivery makes it much more bioavailable.
- Takes phytosomal curcumin daily because it is much more bioavailable than standard curcumin and human evidence suggests it is potent for lowering TNF-α, a major inflammatory cytokine linked to biological aging.
- Rhonda takes 500 mg of liposomal Curcumin daily for inflammation.
- Uses Phytosomal curcumin, stating it is one of the only naturally occurring compounds shown to meaningfully lower TNF-alpha, a master inflammatory cytokine that accelerates aging.
- Took Meriva, a phytosomal curcumin, which has been shown to help with DOMS in some small studies.
- States that curcumin, found in turmeric root, also activates antioxidant defenses.
- Suggests that if someone is an 'immuno-ager,' they might want to take curcumin to help with their immune system.
- Rhonda mentions curcumin as a xenohormetic compound that, in a small dose, is slightly toxic and activates cellular stress response pathways, helping the body deal with stress better.
Ben Greenfield · Curcumin · neutral
- Mentions curcumin as another Nrf2 activator, but notes that sulforaphane outperforms it.
- States that their curcumin product affects the Nrf2 pathway by activating PKC delta, which phosphorylates Nrf2, allowing it to go into the nucleus, and works synergistically with sulforaphane.
- Ben Greenfield's clinic photoactivates curcumin before use, finding it to be very anti-cancer when photoactivated.
- Says curcumin at low doses, such as sprinkled turmeric onto food, acts as a hormetic stressor, increasing internal defense systems, antioxidants, and repair pathways, leading to overall reductions in inflammation.
- Recommends MitoQ +Curcumin, a Mitoquinol-enhanced blend with Longvida Curcumin for antioxidant and joint health synergy.
- Gets nerdy about curcumin and explains which longevity supplements actually work, according to the science in mammals.
- Uses curcumin, taking Keon Flex at night on an empty stomach and a heaping tablespoon of Row Nutrition's liposomal curcumin at some point during the day, but not right after a workout due to its mTor signaling inhibition.
- Mentions curcumin as a polyphenol that can confer benefits when consumed.
- Recommends curcumin to reduce inflammation, especially when combined with the Weber laser treatment.
- Tells people to take curcumin to block the secondary function of cancer pulling other things like glutamate and converting it through gluconeogenesis.
Andrew Huberman · Curcumin · neutral
- Discusses curcumin as a supplement for prenatal care and sperm health.
- Does not recommend high-dose curcumin supplements for general use, suggesting it's only for specific purposes under a doctor's guidance to target excess inflammation.
- Notes that people are excited about the possible health benefits of curcumin, which is found in turmeric.
- Includes curcumin in his diet because it has been shown to stimulate GLP-1.
- Warns against taking high doses of curcumin, noting potential negative effects like limiting dihydrotestosterone production, and advises checking sourcing carefully due to lead contamination concerns.
- Mentions curcumin in the context of 5-alpha reductase.
- States he once took curcumin in high dosages (1-2 gram capsules) and felt terrible, vowing never to take it again due to his sensitivity to its effects on the DHT pathway.
- Warns that some people, including himself, are very sensitive to curcumin because it can potently reduce DHT, leading to decreased libido and drive, though these effects reverse quickly after stopping.
- Warns against taking high dosages of curcumin, such as 8000 milligrams per day, because it can alter hormonal pathways, specifically inhibiting dihydrotestosterone (DHT) synthesis, which can lead to undesirable effects like reduced libido.
- Notes that if there's a strong genetic predisposition to enlarged prostates or early, fast-growing prostate cancers, individuals could consider taking curcumin as an anti-androgen, if they can tolerate it.
Peter Attia · Curcumin · uses
- Uses a specific nanoparticle version of curcumin at a reasonable dose, which may have anti-TNF alpha effects and help with inflammation.
- States that a well-absorbed curcumin with high-dose omega-3 is as good as or better than any a med and helps improve brain function, mood, cognition, and may reduce dementia.
- Says that for a 27-year-old woman with an early-onset Alzheimer's gene, they would be "loading her up with curcumin" to prevent symptoms for 25 years.
- Used to take Curcumin for longevity but stopped because he didn't see enough evidence.
- Mentions curcumin as another example of a niche compound with numerous RCTs, reinforcing the point that research can be done without pharma sponsorship.
Bryan Johnson · Curcumin · warns
- Advises avoiding Curcumin during pregnancy.
RAL Summary
Members OnlyTier 2 for Joints and Mobility
More Details
Members OnlyBody systems · Combine with · Possible side effects
Body systems: Musculoskeletal system, Immune system
Combine with: For joint and inflammation support, pair it with omega-3 fish oil (EPA/DHA) for complementary anti-inflammatory action, and with collagen peptides or glucosamine/chondroitin for cartilage support. Boswellia serrata extract works well with curcumin for joint comfort, and vitamin D3/K2 supports bone and immune balance. If post-meal upper-abdominal discomfort is also a concern, add a separate digestive-focused product such as ginger root extract, enteric-coated peppermint and caraway oil, or artichoke leaf extract. Take curcumin with food, and consult a healthcare provider if you use meds, have gallbladder or bile duct problems, or have persistent digestive symptoms.
Possible side effects: Studies found fewer side effects than meds and no rise in side effects compared with placebo. One store summary mentions occasional stomach upset.
Supplement Facts
Curcumin Phytosome† 1 g
| Curcumin Phytosome† | 1 g | † |
Other ingredients: Hypromellose (derived from cellulose) capsule, Leucine, Calcium Laurate, Silicon Dioxide, Calcium Citrate, Microcrystalline Cellulose.
Directions: Take 1-2 capsules two times daily or as recommended by your health-care practitioner.
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Graded November 6, 2026 by the Reverse Age Lab evidence engine, from human studies, real reviews and our biohacker panel. How we grade. Is this medical advice? No. Rala organizes the published evidence; go over any change with your doctor, especially if you take meds.
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