Turmeric

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a core ingredient in Recovery Rx because of its clinically studied anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity.

How turmeric works

The bright orange rhizome of Curcuma longa contains curcumin, a polyphenolic compound that has been shown in multiple studies to:

• Down-regulate key inflammatory pathways – Curcumin inhibits activation of NF-κB, a transcription factor that turns on many pro-inflammatory genes, including COX-2 and cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6.

• Reduce production of inflammatory mediators – By modulating COX-2 and related enzymes, curcumin can decrease prostaglandins that drive pain and swelling.

• Influence pain signaling directly –Research has also shown that curcumin can dampen hyper-excitability in pain pathways, including TRPV1 (the same receptor activated by capsaicin), contributing to an anti-hyperalgesic effect.

Evidence for pain and joint support

• Topical preparations of curcumin have shown benefit in human studies, improving pain scores and functional measures in conditions with a strong inflammatory component, when compared with placebo or even topical steroids.