Ingredient Evidence Review
Curcumin
Curcuma longa rhizome extract (SLCP complex)
Last updated 2026-05-19 · 3 primary citations
Mechanism
Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric. It calms the kind of low-grade inflammation that drives both brain fog and joint stiffness. The hard part is getting it into your bloodstream — most curcumin supplements don't deliver any meaningful amount. Longvida® is engineered specifically to fix that absorption problem.
Why we use it
Perimenopausal symptoms aren't all hormonal — chronic, smouldering inflammation amplifies brain fog, joint pain, and mood swings. Curcumin is the most studied natural anti-inflammatory. Paired with Reishi's anti-inflammatory triterpenes for compounding effect in the PM packet.
How we dose it
Hericea uses 400 mg per serving (per PM packet). The clinical trial range that anchors this dose is 80–400 mg/day.
400 mg of Longvida® — a specific curcumin form encapsulated in tiny fat particles so your body actually absorbs it. Regular curcumin powder is famously poorly absorbed (this is why turmeric tea doesn't do much). Longvida® was the form used in the 18-month memory trial.
Quality & sourcing
Verdure Sciences Longvida® SLCP (Solid Lipid Curcumin Particle) complex.
Verdure Sciences-licensed supply.
Cautions
- consult physicianMild antiplatelet effect; consult physician if on anticoagulants.
Primary literature
Small GW et al. (2018)
Am J Geriatr PsychiatryRCT · 78 weeks
Bioavailable curcumin improved memory and reduced markers of Alzheimer's-related brain changes on PET scans over 18 months in non-demented adults.
Long-duration trial showing curcumin doesn't just feel good — it shifts brain-scan biomarkers. Most relevant to long-term daily-supplement use.
PMID 29246725
Cox KH et al. (2015)
J PsychopharmacolRCT · 80 people · 12 weeks · Adults 50–80
Longvida® 400 mg/day improved working memory, reduced fatigue, and improved mood in healthy older adults.
Direct dose validation at exactly what we use. Population age and 'healthy but want to feel better' framing match the perimenopausal customer.
PMID 25277322
Cox KH et al. (2020)
NutrientsRCT (replication) · 12 weeks
12-week replication trial — confirmed mood and working memory benefits of Longvida® in healthy older adults.
The same team repeating their own finding — replication is what separates real effects from chance.
PMID 32512782