Curcumin-piperine supplementation (500–1,500 mg/day curcumin with 5–15 mg/day piperine) for 8–12 weeks reduces malondialdehyde levels and increases superoxide dismutase activity and total antioxidant capacity in adults with metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or cardiovascular disease.

Curcumin enters cells and disables a protein that normally blocks the antioxidant defense switch, allowing the switch to turn on and make more protective enzymes. At the same time, curcumin blocks a separate system that causes inflammation and cell damage. Piperine helps more curcumin reach the cells so both actions work stronger and longer. This reduces harmful molecules that damage fats in cell membranes and increases the body’s own enzymes that clean up those harmful molecules.