A phytopolylphenol pigment isolated from the plant Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, with a variety of pharmacologic properties. Curcumin blocks the formation of reactive-oxygen species, possesses anti-inflammatory properties as a result of inhibition of cyclooxygenases (COX) and other enzymes involved in inflammation; and disrupts cell signal transduction by various mechanisms including inhibition of protein kinase C. 

https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-drug/def/curcumin

1.) Curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory compound

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19594223
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10404539
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12676044

2.) Turmeric increases the antioxidant capacity of the body

Curcumin is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals due to its chemical structure.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17569207

3.) Curcumin boosts Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)

Many common brain disorders have been linked to decreased levels of this hormone, including depression and Alzheimer's disease. Interestingly, curcumin can increase brain levels of BDNF

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006899306027144

4.) Curcumin should lower your risk of heart disease

Curcumin may help reverse many steps in the heart disease process. Perhaps the main benefit of curcumin when it comes to heart disease is improving the function of the endothelium, which is the lining of your blood vessels.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19233493

5.) Turmeric can aid in prevention of Cancer

According to the National Center for Biotechnology, Curcumin has been studied as a beneficial herb in cancer treatment and been found to affect cancer growth, development and spread at the molecular level. Studies have shown that it can contribute to the death of cancerous cells and reduce angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels in tumors) and metastasis (spread of cancer).

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18462866
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2758121/

6.) Curcumin may be useful treating Alzheimer's Disease

There may be good news on the horizon because curcumin has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier.  In addition, a key feature of Alzheimer's disease is a buildup of protein tangles called amyloid plaques. Studies show that curcumin can help clear these plaques.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2781139/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16988474

7.) Arthritis patients respond very well to Curcumin supplements

In a study in people with rheumatoid arthritis, curcumin was even more effective than an anti-inflammatory drug.  Many other studies have looked at the effects of curcumin on arthritis and noted improvements in various symptoms.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22407780
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20657536

8.) Curcumin has incredible benefits against depression

In a controlled trial, 60 people with depression were randomized into three groups. After 6 weeks, curcumin had led to improvements that were similar to Prozac. The group that took both Prozac and curcumin fared best. 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23832433

9.) Curcumin May Help Delay Aging and Fight Age-Related Chronic Diseases

Curcumin has become very popular as an anti-aging supplement. But given that oxidation and inflammation are believed to play a role in aging, curcumin may have effects that go way beyond just preventing disease.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20388102