Turmeric capsules are taken to reduce inflammation, treat digestive disorders, reduce cancer risk, treat skin conditions and reduce risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease.
This supplement is also taken to generally support health and wellness and as a natural adaptogen.
Turmeric is made from the roots of the plant Curcuma longa, a relative of ginger. It is made by boiling and drying the plant’s roots and rhizomes (underground stems) before they are ground into a powder. The spice is common in Indian cooking and gives curry its distinctive golden color.
Turmeric has been used for thousands of years throughout Asia as both a spice and therapeutic. For example, it has been used in both Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for liver and digestive disorders.
A number of naturopaths and doctors are now recommending turmeric capsules for reducing pain from arthritis and for inflammation relief.



- Contains anti-inflammatory curcuminoids
- Promotes brain & cardiovascular health
- Supports the immune system & anti-oxidant enzymes
Turmeric Capsules for Cognition
Related Topics
- What is Turmeric?
- What is Curcumin?
- Turmeric vs. Curcumin
- Turmerones
- Turmeric Uses
- Effects and Benefits
- Recommended Dosages
- Taking Turmeric Daily
- How to Use Turmeric
- Is Turmeric Safe
- Turmeric for Arthritis
- Turmeric for Inflammation
- Turmeric for Diabetes
- Turmeric for Skin
- Possible Side Effects
- Best Turmeric Supplements
Turmeric is sometimes used for neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, but it has not been approved by the FDA for the treatment of any disorder or disease.
Oral turmeric capsules are also sometimes used for mood disorders like depression. This contemporary use may also have its origins in traditional practice.
Siddha practitioners were said to use turmeric for the treatment of depression and stress. Siddha medicine is a traditional form of medicine that originated in South India and is still being practiced today.
Contemporary researchers have yet to establish what effect turmeric has on cognitive performance, but some hypothesize that the plant’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may impact diseases associated with chronic inflammation. For instance, depression is now being increasingly tied to instances of inflammation, [1] which may open up different treatment approaches.
Turmeric Pills for Dyspepsia and Digestive Disorders
The German Commission E, the council that regulates the safety and prescription of herbals, has approved turmeric for use in the treatment of digestive upset. Turmeric has historically been used for the treatment of digestive problems, but its exact mechanism of action remains unknown.
Curcumin has been observed to stimulate the production of bile by the gallbladder, which some hypothesize helps aid digestion.
According to the Natural Medicines Database, turmeric capsules with 250 mg of dried root powder have been used up to four times per day for seven days to alleviate symptoms of dyspepsia. These capsules are standardized to contain 0.02 mL of volatile oil and 24 mg of total curcuminoids per serving.
Turmeric Evidence for Heart Health
The anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet properties of turmeric capsules are thought to help reduce some risk factors associated with heart disease, but research results are mixed.
In animal studies, curcumin was observed to reduce cholesterol levels, particularly LDL-C (low density lipoprotein cholesterol or “bad” cholesterol).
It has also exhibited antiplatelet properties, meaning it may prevent the clumping of blood platelets that can cause a blood clot. However, in recent trial individuals who took 4 g of curcumin per day did not experience significant changes in their cholesterol levels.
Turmeric Capsules and Cancer Research
A great deal of research has been conducted on turmeric and its ability to both treat and prevent cancer. However, most research has been conducted in the laboratory or on animals. There is little data available on the effects of turmeric on human cancers. Further research is needed and the use of turmeric for cancer has not be approved by the FDA.
Turmeric and its main bioactive substance, curcumin, have been tested for their chemopreventive and anti-cancer properties. The majority of available research concerns the effects of curcumin on cancer cells in vitro. For instance, the direct application of curcumin to tumors in a laboratory was observed to prevent tumor cell proliferation.
Animal studies have also been conducted. In one study, curcumin was observed to protect rats from developing stomach, colon and skin cancers.
The effects of turmeric and curcumin on human cancers are not well understood. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that neither curcumin nor turmeric should be used as a replacement for conventional cancer therapies.
In addition, there is some evidence that turmeric capsules could interact with certain medications used to treat cancer. It is important to speak with your doctor before taking turmeric during cancer treatments.
Turmeric Capsules for Inflammation and Pain
Turmeric capsules are often taken to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation is a generalized reaction of the immune system to injury or infection. It is caused by the flow of blood and immune cells to the affected area, which causes the swelling, redness and pain that is associated with the condition.
Acute (short-term) inflammation is an important part of the healing process because it helps kill pathogenic bacteria, viruses or fungi as well as clears away any dead tissue in the area. But chronic (long-term) inflammation is being increasingly tied to a host of diseases, including depression, diabetes, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome and cancer.
The anti-inflammatory effect of turmeric on humans is the subject of current investigation. Preliminary research indicates turmeric, particularly curcumin, decreases the quantity of enzymes associated with inflammation.
Turmeric Capsules for Dogs
Many consumers report using turmeric capsules for their dogs, cats and other animals. It is used on domesticated animals to treat bone pain, help heal wounds and improve overall health and vitality.
Some dog and cat owners say that this supplement can have a positive effect on arthritis pain and loss of functionality in the joints of aging animals. Before giving turmeric to your pet, speak to a veterinarian for recommended dosage guidelines. Dosages can vary considerably based on the bodyweight, age, species and condition of the animal it is being used for.
Negative Effects of Turmeric Capsules
According to user reviews and research reports, turmeric and curcumin capsules are generally well tolerated. This spice has been used for thousands of years in culinary preparations in India and is recognized as a GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) food ingredient by the US FDA. Reported side effects are mild, but can include digestive upset and diarrhea.
Turmeric and curcumin may interact with a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking turmeric capsules or any other supplemental form of this herbal extract.
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment