turmeric curcumin

Turmeric is a member of the ginger family cultivated mainly in India and Southeast Asia; the spice and supplement come from its rhizome (underground stem), which has a characteristic yellow-orange color. Curcumin is one of the plant's naturally occurring compounds and is generally regarded as its principal active constituent. Turmeric has a long record of use in several traditional medicine systems, including Chinese, Indian (Ayurvedic), Islamic, and Thai medicine.

Per NCCIH, there is not yet enough high-quality evidence to firmly conclude that turmeric or curcumin helps with any health condition. For knee osteoarthritis the early findings on oral curcumin are encouraging, but better-designed studies are still needed before any conclusion can be drawn (and the effect of topical curcumin ointment is unclear). Preliminary research also hints that oral turmeric or curcumin might improve some measures of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and that turmeric or curcumin in an oral/mouthwash form might ease oral mucositis — though these results are early and not definitive. Turmeric is also promoted as a supplement for conditions such as allergies, itching, and high cholesterol, but NCCIH indicates there isn't enough evidence to determine whether oral turmeric or curcumin benefits these or most other conditions.

NCCIH does not define a standard supplement dose. Conventionally formulated oral turmeric or curcumin (not altered to boost absorption) is described as likely safe at the amounts on product labeling for roughly 2 to 3 months. Because curcumin is poorly absorbed on its own, some products are reformulated to increase bioavailability; however, these enhanced-absorption products carry added safety concerns (see Safety). Speak with your doctor or another qualified clinician before starting turmeric or curcumin, especially if you take any medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a liver condition.

According to NCCIH, ordinary (conventionally formulated) oral turmeric or curcumin that has not been modified to enhance absorption is likely safe at labeled amounts for about 2 to 3 months. Products designed to increase curcumin bioavailability are a particular concern: liver damage has been reported in some people who used these enhanced-absorption formulations. Turmeric supplements may be unsafe during pregnancy, and little is known about safety while breastfeeding when used in amounts beyond those found in food. Tell all of your health care providers about any complementary or dietary supplements you take.

Taken by mouth, turmeric or curcumin may cause digestive complaints such as nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, stomach upset, diarrhea, or constipation. Applied to the skin, curcumin can cause hives or itching. Stop use and contact a health care provider promptly if you notice possible signs of liver injury, such as unusual tiredness, nausea, loss of appetite, darkened urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).

NCCIH's consumer page does not list specific drug interactions for turmeric or curcumin. It does offer a general caution: if you take any kind of medication, talk with your health care provider before using any herbal product, because some herbs and medicines can interact in harmful ways.