Related Terms

• 1-(3-Cyclopentylpropyl)-2,4-dimethylbenzene, 1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione, 1,8-cineole, 2-(2'-methyl-1'-propenyl)-4,6-dimethyl-7-hydroxyquinoline, 2,5-dihydroxybisabola-3,10-diene, 4''-(4'''-hydroxyphenyl)-2''-oxo-3''-butenyl-3-(4'-hydroxyphenyl-3'-methoxy)-propenoate, 4''-(4'''-hydroxyphenyl-3'''-methoxy)-2''-oxo-3''-butenyl-3-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-propenoate, 4,5-dihydroxybisabola-2,10-diene, (6S)-2-methyl-6-(4-formylphenyl)-2-hepten-4-one, (6S)-2-methyl-6-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-hepten-4-one, (6S)-2-methyl-6-(4-hydroxyphenyl-3-methyl)-2-hepten-4-one, alantone, alpha-curcumene, alpha-turmerone, alpha-zingiberene, Amomum curcuma, anlatone (constituent), ar-curcumene, ar-tumerone, ar-turmerone, atlantone, BCM-95® (Biocurcumax™), beta-bisabolene, beta-caryophyllene, beta-curcumene, beta-sesquiphellandrene, beta-turmerin, beta-turmerone, bisacurone, bisacurone A, bisacurone B, bisacurone C, bisdemethoxycurcumin, calebin, C.I. 75300, C.I. Natural Yellow 3, CUR, Curcuma, Curcuma aromatica, Curcuma aromatica Salisbury, Curcuma domestica, Curcuma domestica Valeton, curcuma long oil, Curcuma longa, Curcuma longa Linn., Curcuma longa oils, Curcuma longa rhizoma, curcuma oil, curcumin, curcuminoids, curlone, dehydrozingerone, demethoxycurcumin, diaryl heptanoids, diferuloylmethane, E 100, e zhu, Gelbwurzel (German), germacrene, gurkemeje (Danish), haidr, halad (Marathi), haldar (Gujarati), haldi (Dogri, Hindi, Nepali, Punjabi, Urdu), halud (Bengali), haridra (Sanskrit), HSDB 4334, Indian saffron, Indian yellow root, jiang huang (Mandarin Chinese), jianghuang, kacha haldi, kunir (Indonesian), kunyit (Indonesian), Kurkumawurzelstock (German), kurkumin, kyoo (Japanese), merita earth, NMXCC95™, Number Ten (NT), oil of turmeric, olena, radix Zedoaria longa, resveratrol, rhizome de curcuma, safran des Indes (French), sesquiterpenoids, shati, souchet, tumeric, tumerone, turmeric oil, turmeric root, turmeric yellow, turmerone, turmeronol A, ukon (Japanese), ukonan A, ukonan B, ukonan C, ukonan D, yellow ginger, yellow root, yellowroot, yo-kin, yujin, zedoary, zerumbone, zingerone, Zingiberaceae (family), zingiberene, zingiberone, Zitterwurzel (German), zlut prirodni 3.

Background

• Turmeric is a spice, commonly used in Asian food, derived from the root of the turmeric (Curcuma longa) plant. Curcumin is the yellow-colored primary active constituent derived from turmeric and is commonly used to color foods and cosmetics.

• The rhizome (root) of turmeric has long been used in traditional Asian medicine to treat gastrointestinal upset, arthritic pain, and "low energy." Although not well studied in humans, turmeric and its constituent curcumin have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, nerve-protective, insecticidal, and anticancer properties. Preliminary human evidence suggests possible efficacy for dyspepsia (heartburn), Helicobacter pylori infection, pain relief, leukoplakia (patches in the mouth), osteoarthritis, and high cholesterol.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Abdominal bloating, abscess, acne, aging, alcohol abuse, allergy, amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), anthelmintic (expel parasitic worms), antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, antivenom, antiviral, appetite stimulant, arthritis (general), asthma, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), boils, bruises, burns, cataracts, chemoprotective, childbirth (umbilical stump care), chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic obstructive lung disease, colic, constipation, contraception, cosmetic uses, cough, Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, dementia, dental cavity prevention, depression, diabetes, diarrhea, diagnostic procedure (histological dye), dizziness, dry eye syndrome, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), epilepsy, expectorant (loosens mucus), fever, fistula, flavoring agent, food uses (coloring), gas, gonorrhea, hair growth, heart conditions, heart damage from doxorubicin (Adriamycin®, Doxil®), hematuria (blood in the urine), hemorrhage, hepatitis, herpes (cold sores), high blood pressure, human papillomavirus (HPV), immune function, increased sperm count/motility, increasing breast milk, infertility (bovine), insect bites, insect repellent, jaundice, kidney disease, kidney stones, kidney transplant, leprosy, liver disease, lung fibrosis, malaria, menopause, menstrual pain, multidrug resistance, multiple sclerosis, muscle ache, muscle strains/pain, nerve damage, nerve disorders, nutritional support, organ transplantation (immune suppression), pancreatitis, parasites, Parkinson's disease, prostate conditions, protection from tobacco smoke, rabies, radioprotection, respiratory disorders, rheumatic disorders, rhinitis (stuffy nose), ringworm, scar healing, scleroderma, sepsis, skin disorders, snakebite, soft tissue injuries, stroke prevention, toxicity (5-aminosalicyclic acids, 5-ASA), ulcerative colitis, urinary disorders, vitiligo (loss of pigment in the skin), Wilson's disease, wound healing.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (over 18 years old)

• Traditional doses are in the range of 1.5-3 grams of turmeric root taken by mouth daily in divided doses. As a tea, 1-1.5 grams of dried root may be steeped in 150 milliliters of water for 15 minutes and taken by mouth twice daily. Average dietary intake of turmeric in the Indian population may range between 2 and 2.5 grams, corresponding to 60-200 milligrams of curcumin daily.

• For increased antioxidant effects, 500 milligrams of turmeric has been taken by mouth twice daily for three months.

• For cancer, 750 milligrams of turmeric has been taken by mouth twice daily. Turmeric alcohol extract or 0.5% curcumin ointment in Vaseline® has been applied to the skin three times daily for up to four weeks.

• For heartburn, 250 milligrams of dried root powder (containing 0.02 milliliters of volatile oil and 0.024 grams of total curcuminoids) has been taken by mouth four times daily for seven days.

• For Helicobacter pylori infection, 700 milligrams turmeric has been taken by mouth three times daily for four weeks.

• For high blood cholesterol, a hydroalcoholic extract of turmeric rhizome has been taken by mouth as two tablets daily for 30 days.

• For irritable bowel syndrome, 60 milligrams turmeric has been taken by mouth three times daily for 18 weeks.

• For sores of the mouth, 0.6 milliliters of turmeric oil three times daily for one month and one milliliter in three divided doses for two months have been taken by mouth.

• For osteoarthritis, two grams of extract has been taken by mouth daily for six weeks.

• For peptic ulcer disease, 250 milligrams of powdered turmeric root four times daily, or six grams of turmeric daily in three divided doses, or 300 milligrams of turmeric five times daily, has been taken by mouth.

• For scabies, the affected area has been covered with a paste containing a 4:1 mixture of Azadirachta indica (neem) and turmeric for up to 15 days. Scabies should be treated under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

Children (under 18 years old)

• For scabies, the affected area has been covered with a paste containing a 4:1 mixture of Azadirachta indica (neem) and turmeric for up to 15 days. Scabies should be treated under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to turmeric, its constituents (including curcumin), certain yellow food colorings, or other members of the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Turmeric is generally considered safe when used in amounts commonly found in foods.

• Turmeric may cause delusion, mild fever, throat infection, worsening of arthritis symptoms, skin redness, skin hardness, rash, elevated areas of skin, abdominal fullness and pain, transient complete atrioventricular block (a heart measurement), oxidative stress, hair loss, altered heart beat, thyroid effects, stomach upset, heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, induced ulcers, or kidney stones.

• Turmeric may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or those taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

• Turmeric may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.

• Turmeric may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that lower blood pressure.

• Turmeric may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be increased in the blood and may cause increased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. Patients using any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions

• Use cautiously in patients with a compromised liver or decreased liver function, as turmeric may increase liver function tests.

• Use cautiously in patients with immune system deficiencies, as turmeric may weaken the immune system.

• Use cautiously in men, as extracts of turmeric may decrease the production of sperm and fertility.

• Use cautiously in smokers or ex-smokers, in patients at risk for iron deficiency or kidney stones, or in patients with acquired metal storage diseases (including hepatitis C), vitiligo (loss of pigment in the skin), sensitivity to changes in hormone levels, or gastrointestinal disorders.

• Use cautiously with cholesterol-lowering drugs or medications absorbed by p-glycoprotein.

• Use cautiously in combination with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors or docetaxel.

• Use cautiously in patients looking to conceive, due to the potential for antifertility effects.

• Use cautiously in pregnancy, as turmeric may cause uterine stimulation and stimulate menstrual flow.

• Avoid curcumin in doses over 8,000 milligrams daily.

• Avoid in patients with bile duct obstruction or cholelithiasis.

• Avoid in patients with gastric or duodenal ulcers or with gastric hyperacidity disorders.

• Avoid in patients allergic to turmeric, any of its constituents (including curcumin), certain yellow food colorings, or other members of the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Use cautiously in pregnancy, as turmeric may cause uterine stimulation and stimulate menstrual flow. Turmeric is not recommended in breastfeeding women, due to a lack of safety data.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• Turmeric may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®).

• Turmeric may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.

• Turmeric may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking drugs that lower blood pressure.

• Turmeric may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be increased in the blood and may cause increased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. Patients using any medications should check the package insert and speak with a healthcare professional or pharmacist about possible interactions.

• Turmeric may also interact with acetaminophen, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, amiloride, analgesics, antibiotics, anticancer drugs, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antifungals, anti-inflammatory drugs, antimalarial drugs, antiobesity agents, antiparasitics, antivirals, bone agents, calcium channel blockers, cardiovascular agents, celecoxib, cholesterol-lowering drugs, ciprofloxacin, cisplatin, cyclodextrin, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, dimethylsulphoxide, docetaxel, drugs that are toxic to the liver, drugs that affect the immune system, drugs that widen blood vessels, erythromycin, erythropoietin, fluoride, gastrointestinal agents, histone deacetylase inhibitors, hormonal drugs, metronidazole, morphine, muscle relaxants, neurological agents, nifedipine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), norfloxacin, oxaliplatin, p-glycoprotein-regulated drugs, paclitaxel, paracetamol, polyethylene glycosylated curcumin, praziquantel, prulifloxacin, rapamycin, retinol, ritonavir, sulindac sulfone, sulfinosine, tacrolimus, talinolol, tamoxifen, taxol, thalidomide, trichostatin A, vinorelbine, and warfarin.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Turmeric may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with herbs and supplements that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba, some cases with garlic, and fewer cases with saw palmetto. Numerous other agents may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding, although this has not been proven in most cases.

• Turmeric may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.

• Turmeric cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking herbs or supplements that lower blood pressure.

• Turmeric may interfere with the way the body processes certain herbs or supplements using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of other herbs or supplements may become too high in the blood. It may also alter the effects that other herbs or supplements possibly have on the cytochrome P450 system.

• Turmeric may also interact with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, analgesics, antibacterials, anticancer herbs and supplements, anticonvulsant herbs and supplements, antidepressant herbs and supplements, antifungal herbs and supplements, anti-inflammatory herbs and supplements, antimalarial herbs and supplements, antiobesity herbs and supplements, antioxidants, antiparasitic herbs and supplements, antiviral herbs and supplements, beta-carotene, betel leaf extract, bone herbs and supplements, calcium channel blockers, capsaicin, cardiovascular herbs and supplements, casein, catechin, cholesterol-lowering herbs and supplements, cobalt, coffee, copper, danshensu, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), fenugreek, fish oil, garlic, gastrointestinal herbs and supplements, genistein, green tea, herbs and supplements that are toxic to the liver, herbs and supplements that affect the immune system, herbs and supplements that widen blood vessels, hormonal herbs and supplements, iron, isoflavones, isothiocyanates, lignin, Monascus pilosus, muscle relaxants, neurological herbs and supplements, omega-3 fatty acids, p-glycoprotein-regulated herbs and supplements, piperine, piplartine, Protandim®, quercetin, resveratrol, retinol, saffron, selenium, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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2. Aggarwal BB, Kunnumakkara AB, Harikumar KB, et al. Potential of spice-derived phytochemicals for cancer prevention. Planta Med 2008 Oct;74(13):1560-9. View Abstract

3. Adhvaryu MR, Reddy NM, Vakharia BC. Prevention of hepatotoxicity due to anti tuberculosis treatment: a novel integrative approach. World J Gastroenterol 2008 Aug 14;14(30):4753-62. View Abstract

4. Brinkhaus B, Hentschel C, Von Keudell C, et al. Herbal medicine with curcuma and fumitory in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Scand J Gastroenterol 2005 Aug;40(8):936-43. View Abstract

5. Chandran B, Goel A. A randomized, pilot study to assess the efficacy and safety of curcumin in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. Phytother Res. 2012 Mar 9. [Epub ahead of print] View Abstract

6. Epstein J, Sanderson IR, Macdonald TT. Curcumin as a therapeutic agent: the evidence from in vitro, animal and human studies. Br J Nutr 2010:103(11):1545-57. View Abstract

7. Koosirirat, C., Linpisarn, S., Changsom, D., Chawansuntati, K., and Wipasa, J. Investigation of the anti-inflammatory effect of Curcuma longa in Helicobacter pylori-infected patients. Int Immunopharmacol. 2010;10(7):815-818. View Abstract

8. Kositchaiwat C, Kositchaiwat S, Havanondha J. Curcuma longa Linn. in the treatment of gastric ulcer comparison to liquid antacid: a controlled clinical trial. J Med Assoc Thai 1993;76(11):601-605. View Abstract

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14. Taher MM, Lammering G, Hershey C, et al. Curcumin inhibits ultraviolet light induced human immunodeficiency virus gene expression. Mol Cell Biochem 2003;254(1-2):289-297. View Abstract

15. Usharani P, Mateen AA, Naidu MU, et al. Effect of NCB-02, atorvastatin and placebo on endothelial function, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, 8-week study. Drugs R D 2008;9(4):243-50. View Abstract