Study Types
In Vitro Study
A laboratory study conducted on cells or tissues outside a living organism.
In vitro (Latin: 'in glass') studies are conducted in controlled laboratory environments using cells, tissues, or biochemical components outside a living organism. In supplement research, in vitro studies often examine mechanisms of action — for example, how curcumin affects inflammatory pathways in cell cultures. While valuable for understanding biological mechanisms, in vitro results do not directly translate to human outcomes due to differences in bioavailability, metabolism, and physiological complexity. They represent preliminary evidence that must be validated in animal models and human trials.