Both curcumin and CBD offer mental and physical health benefits individually, and taking them together bolsters their powerful effects
Cannabidiol (CBD) product sales have continued to increase, growing from $108 million in 2014 to a projected $1.9 billion in 2022. The curcumin market has seen a steady rise as well, with the growth expected to continue at an even pace until at least 2027. While some supplemental users swear by one substance over the other for improving health and wellness, another option is to use a product that offers the benefits of both curcumin and CBD.
CBD for pain, anxiety, inflammation, arthritis
CBD is a hemp plant extract that has been associated with a variety of health benefits. We are only beginning to understand more about these benefits thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill which legalized industrial hemp, making it easier to study on a scientific level.
For example, a 2020 article published in Cell Death & Disease explains how CBD appears to have anti-arthritic properties, reducing inflammation of this category of diseases through its effects on synovial fibroblasts. Its ability to reduce inflammation has also prompted some researchers to tout it as a potential treatment (and preventative) for cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Another 2020 study reports that chronic pain patients were not only able to find some pain relief after using CBD but they were also able to reduce or eliminate their opioid use within two months of starting a CBD regimen. They also reported experiencing higher quality sleep.
Research also connects CBD with mental health benefits. A review of eight articles shares that CBD shows promise for people diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. An additional piece of research indicates that this cannabinoid can also serve as an antidepressant, providing positive results “without the potential for becoming a drug of abuse, unlike THC” (tetrahydrocannabinol).
Curcumin as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant for mood and more
Curcumin is another nature-given substance that has been connected with improved health and wellness. Curcumin comes from the turmeric plant, which is in the ginger family and is known for its yellow color. It is found in many Indian and Asian foods, such as curry, but is also known for its medicinal properties.
A 2017 review published in the journal Foods talks about how curcumin acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, even potentially reducing exercise-related muscle soreness. A 2020 review adds that this turmeric extract has several other properties that can help to improve human health. Among them are serving as an anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-depressant, anti-obesity, and aiding in wound healing. It is also thought to help prevent various chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, and cancer.
A 12-week study further found that, when compared to a placebo, those taking curcumin daily had better working memory and lower levels of fatigue. The curcumin group also had less total mood disturbance (tension, anger, and confusion) at four weeks into the study.
Combining curcumin and CBD for maximal health benefits
If both curcumin and CBD offer mental and physical health benefits individually, taking them together could help bolster these effects. Using a product that combines the two substances is also more convenient, allowing consumers to take only one supplement versus remembering to take two.
To get the most out of a combination curcumin and CBD product, choose one that offers full-spectrum CBD. This means that, in addition to containing CBD, the product also contains other healthful cannabinoids from the hemp plant. This makes the potential effects even more powerful as these cannabinoids work together, creating a sort of synergy.
It’s also beneficial to choose a curcumin and CBD product that promotes optimal bioavailability. Like with many other dietary supplements, the body isn’t always able to use all of the CBD or curcumin in a given product.
In fact, curcumin is known for its low bioavailability rate, with some research citing that this is due to its “poor absorption, rapid metabolism, and rapid systemic inflammation.” CBD absorption can be limited as well, with the exact rate of bioavailability changing based on the type of product used (oral vs transdermal, for instance).
Not only does poor bioavailability reduce the likelihood of obtaining positive, therapeutic results but it also becomes a waste of money. Patients can avoid these types of negative outcomes by selecting a curcumin and CBD product designed to promote absorption of both substances. This can give them the best results possible, offering the health-promoting benefits of both all-natural ingredients.
