Turmeric Vs White Turmeric vs Black Turmeric
The Truth About White Turmeric: Not Just a Curcumin Substitute
More supplement companies are adding white turmeric to their formulas, often claiming that it provides the same benefits as the more common yellow turmeric. However, while both contain curcumin, the key active compounds in each differ—meaning their effects on the body do too.
Why Is White Turmeric Gaining Popularity?
The growing interest in white turmeric is largely due to Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), a compound that is about six times more bioavailable than curcumin. While this might sound like a game-changer, it’s important to consider that curcumin’s natural bioavailability is quite low to begin with.
Although some curcumin is converted into THC in the gut (with the help of E. coli bacteria), the two remain distinct compounds. Structurally, curcumin (C₂₁H₂₀O₆) is a bright orange-yellow pigment, whereas THC (C₂₁H₂₄O₆) is colorless or white.
Are White and Yellow Turmeric Really the Same?
Many supplement brands claim that white turmeric offers the same benefits as traditional turmeric, but this is misleading. The primary reason to use white turmeric is its THC content, while yellow turmeric is valued for curcumin.
While THC does have some notable advantages—such as superior antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties—it isn’t a one-for-one replacement for curcumin. In fact, curcumin still outperforms THC in several key areas. The two compounds also interact with different molecular targets, meaning they do not affect all the same conditions.
What This Means for Joint Health Supplements
Many joint health supplements are now including white turmeric, even though THC doesn’t target the same inflammatory pathways that make curcumin beneficial for dogs with arthritis. This shift seems more like a marketing strategy than a science-backed choice.
It’s also important to note that some products are using concentrated Curcumin or THC extracts while others are using the whole plant which is around 6% curcumin.
What’s Next? Black Turmeric?
As white turmeric gains traction, it’s likely that supplement companies will soon turn to black turmeric as the next trendy ingredient. However, research on black turmeric is even more limited than on white turmeric, meaning its benefits remain largely unverified.
The Takeaway
While white turmeric and THC have their own unique properties, they aren’t interchangeable with curcumin. If you’re looking for a turmeric supplement, be sure to check which active compounds are actually included and whether they match your health goals—especially when it comes to joint support.
Aggarwal BB, Deb L, Prasad S. Curcumin differs from tetrahydrocurcumin for molecular targets, signaling pathways and cellular responses. Molecules. 2014 Dec 24;20(1):185-205. doi: 10.3390/molecules20010185. PMID: 25547723; PMCID: PMC6272158.