The health benefits of herbs and other botanicals has been a subject of scientific study for many years. Many prescription drugs have herbal counterparts. The difference is that most prescription drugs are produced synthetically in the laboratory. While the herbal counterpart may have been safe and effective, these synthetics are accompanied by numerous unwanted side effects.

So, those of us that prefer natural, rather than synthetic remedies head for the herbal section of our local pharmacies. We see curcumin supplements ranging in price from $10-$20 per bottle. We look at the milligrams per serving and find that most of them contain 500-600mg, a little more than an eighth of teaspoon. If you are going to buy this type of supplement, you may as well buy ground or powdered turmeric and take a quarter teaspoon per day.

Curcumin is actually the active component of turmeric, the spice that is used to make curry and many Asian recipes. Turmeric has been used since ancient times to treat a variety of ailments, including infections, arthritis and menstrual dysfunction. When applied directly to the skin, it relieves eczema and promotes wound healing.

When scientists began to evaluate turmeric, they learned that it has anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity. Studies have been conducted using cells and animal models. The results of these studies are the basis for the claims that you will see on curcumin supplements.

In order to find the benefit for people, researchers have to know what effect the digestive system has on the compound. It turns out that turmeric is very unstable. It is changed by the digestive system and taking even 10,000mg orally does not greatly increase blood levels.

So, when taking turmeric as an herbal remedy for something to do with the digestive system, you might see some benefit. But, if you are interested in the anti-cancer and other preventative benefits of this botanical, you need a specially designed supplement.

There are other nutrients that are adversely affected by digestive acids, including resveratrol and SAM-e. The better manufacturers know that they must be protected, if they are to make it to the upper intestine intact, where they can readily pass through the intestinal wall and enter the bloodstream.

Curcumin supplements must be in the form a tablet with an enteric coating in order to make it to the upper intestine. The “veggie-caps” that most companies use will not survive. In order to be most effective, the ingredient piperine, found in black pepper, should be added. Piperine increases the bio-availability of many nutrients.

If you want the most value for your money, skip the single-ingredient curcumin supplements and look for a product that contains you basic vitamins and minerals, along with special formulas like SAM-e and resveratrol. You can get a lot of benefit or just a little, depending on which supplement you choose to buy.