Meriva (Phytosome Curcumin)
Patented curcumin formulation using phospholipid technology to enhance bioavailability
Botanicals
Spices
Research: Moderate
Scientific Name
Curcumae phospholipidic complexus
Classifications
Source:
natural
Standardization:
phospholipid complex
Type:
extract
Benefits
- Contains curcuminoids (including curcumin)
- Source of volatile oils
- Traditional use for inflammation
- Contains essential oils and resins
Specific Properties
- Uses phospholipid technology to enhance absorption
- 29x more bioavailable than standard curcumin
- Clinically studied for joint health
- Better tissue distribution than standard extracts
Safety Notes
Generally recognized as safe when used as directed. May interact with blood thinners, acid reducers, and diabetes medications. May increase risk of bleeding when taken in high doses. Not recommended in high doses during pregnancy.
⚠️ Safety Information
Curcumin + Piperine Liver Injury
High-bioavailability curcumin supplements (with piperine/black pepper) linked to liver injury
More Details & Sources
DILIN studies show curcumin + piperine formulations may cause serious liver injury in 1-4 months. Piperine increases curcumin bioavailability 20-fold, potentially overwhelming liver metabolism.
Recommendations:
- Monitor for early symptoms: fatigue, nausea, dark urine
- Discontinue immediately if experiencing liver symptoms
- Avoid if you have HLA-B*35:01 genetic variant
Scientific Sources:
Last updated: 2024-06-28
Turmeric Lead Contamination
Turmeric from South Asian sources may contain dangerous lead levels from industrial adulteration
More Details & Sources
Studies show turmeric from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh often contains lead chromate pigment added to enhance color. Levels can exceed regulatory limits by 500+ times. The practice began in the 1980s when floods damaged crops, and traders used lead chromate to mask poor-quality roots.
Recommendations:
- Choose turmeric from US/European manufacturers with third-party testing
- Avoid loose turmeric powder from South Asian imports
- Look for USP Verified, NSF Certified, or ConsumerLab tested products
- Prefer organic certification (additional testing required)
Scientific Sources:
Last updated: 2024-11-08
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Preparation Form
Meriva (Phytosome Curcumin)
A preparation of Turmeric Root (Rhizome)