Synergistic Effects of Curcumin with Other Polyphenols on Gut Microbiome

Abstract

Curcumin, the principal bioactive compound in turmeric, possesses well-documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and prebiotic properties. Despite its therapeutic potential, clinical applications are limited by poor bioavailability and rapid systemic metabolism. Recent evidence has suggested that combining curcumin with complementary polyphenols can significantly enhance its pharmacokinetic profile and biological activity. This review has systematically evaluated the synergistic mechanisms by which these combinations modulate gut microbiome composition and function, while addressing critical gaps in current understanding of these interactions.