Abstract: The invention provides novel curcuminoid formulations which have improved aqueous solubility and bioavailability when compared to known curcuminoid dosage forms. Formulations of the invention exhibit an enhanced intestinal absorption of curcuminoids, a slower curcuminoid metabolism and a reduced rate of systemic curcuminoid elimination. Additionally, upon administration in vivo, the formulations described and claimed herein produce a high, sustained level of the curcuminoid metabolite tetrahydrocurcumin. For example, at about eight to about ten hours after oral administration to a human, tetrahydrocurcumin plasma levels of between about 50 ng/mL to about 175 ng/mL are detectable, even when that metabolite is absent from the administered formulation. Novel processes for making curcuminoid formulations which have improved aqueous solubility and oral bioavailability, and methods of treating a wide variety of inflammatory, immune and neurogenerative disorders and cancers, are also provided.