Turmeric (Curcumin) Uses, Benefits, Dosages, Side Effects & Interactions

Turmeric has been used as an herbal medicine and culinary spice for thousands of years.

More than eight thousand studies, including more than 50 clinical human trials, have shown a wide array of pharmacological actions associated with turmeric, and its primary bioactive constituent curcumin.

Numerous in vitro (cultured cell) and animal studies have shown that turmeric can help to fight infections, resist and repair damage from free radicals, reduce swelling and redness, promote bone and joint health, keep blood platelets from clotting together, improve various gastrointestinal complaints – and combat various types of cancer.

However, not all studies agree, and some evidence is conflicting. While there have been some clinical trials with promising results, more human research is still needed to be sure of turmeric’s therapeutic efficacy. [1][2]

This article will review what scientists have learned about turmeric and curcumin since research began on them in the 1940s. Turmeric’s active constituents, mechanisms of action, biological effects, uses, possible health benefits, safety, side effects, dosages, interactions, and supplement forms will also be covered.

Turmeric

Herbal Supplement

Joints

Heart Health

Anti- Aging

How It Works:

• Contains anti-inflammatory curcuminoids
• Promotes brain & cardiovascular health
• Supports the immune system & anti-oxidant enzymes

Dosage:

Between 400 - 1800 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Turmeric Description

Turmeric is a tropical plant native to southern Asia. It is bulbous, meaning it develops bulbs.

It is also rhizomatous, meaning it develops horizontal subterranean roots (rhizomes) that shoot out vertical roots at intervals to form new plant stalks. In this manner, turmeric plants colonize with a central rooting system. [1]

Turmeric’s scientific name is Curcuma longa. It is a botanical relative of ginger in the Zingiberaceae plant family. Turmeric is a perennial plant that grow up to 6 feet in height. [1]

Turmeric develops dull-yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers. Its bulbs, rhizomes and roots are yellow/orange in color, and have a mildly-sharp, slightly-bitter taste.

The flowers are commonly boiled, dried and ground into a powder. Turmeric is commonly used as a popular culinary spice in addition to being used to make dietary supplements. [1]

Turmeric powder is one of the most used culinary spices in the world and is the base of curry powders and pastes. [2] Essential oils from this spice and resin is included in various perfumes and food products. [2]

The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM) states, “Turmeric is widely used in cooking and gives Indian curry its flavor and yellow color. It is also used in mustard and to color butter and cheese. Turmeric has been used in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory, to treat digestive and liver problems, skin diseases, and wounds.” [1]

According to researchers at the University of Tennessee (UT) turmeric usage began in ancient times, but scientific research on its effects did not commence until 1949. Extensive research did not begin on turmeric and curcumin until the mid-1990s. [3]

How Does Turmeric Work Inside the Body?

In in vitro studies, turmeric has been seen to have:

• Anti-inflammatory (reduces redness and swelling) effects
• Antiproliferative (inhibits cell growth) effects
• Chemopreventive (interferes with disease process) effects
• Choleretic (increases bile secretion) effects
• Immunomodulatory (normalizes immune system activity) effects
• Neuroprotective (protects nerve cells) effects
• Phytoestrogen (natural plant estrogen) effects

According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), “Scientists have determined that turmeric has many biological activities, although they do not fully understand exactly how it exerts these effects.” [4]

The primary active constituents of turmeric are the curcuminoids, including curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, calebin, and others. The primary compound within this group is curcumin.

Researchers from the UT report that “Curcumin’s use for various disease indications is primarily due to its active biological functions, i.e., anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-Alzheimer, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, and anti-rheumatic activities. In addition, curcumin has been proven as a hypoglycemic, hepato-, nephron-, cardio-, and neuroprotective molecule.”

According to the MSKCC, turmeric:

• Enhances the activity of an important detoxifying enzyme called glutathione
• Demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities in lab studies
• Prevented kidney damage in rats
• Prevents inflammation by inhibiting the molecules that mediate inflammatory reactions
• Protected rats from colon, stomach, and skin cancers
• Protects DNA by neutralizing free radicals
• Stimulates the flow of bile in the gastrointestinal tract
• Stops the replication of tumor cells in lab studies [4]

The MSKCC states, “Curcumin, a curcuminoid in turmeric, has shown biological activity in pancreatic cancer patients and there are ongoing studies to test its effect as an addition to current cancer treatment.” (more below) [4]

According to Nutritional Facts, “Turmeric may be effective in treating osteoarthritis and other inflammatory conditions, such as lupus and inflammatory bowel disease.” [5]

In one recent multicenter, randomized, double-blind human study more than half of patients with ulcerative colitis achieved remission within 30 days of curcumin usage relative to placebo controls. [5]

Researchers from the UT state that the curcumin molecule also suppresses thrombosis (clotting), and protects against myocardial infarction (heart attack). [3]

According to the UMM “Many studies have taken place in test tubes and animals. Turmeric may not work as well in humans. Some studies have used an injectable form of curcumin, the active substance in turmeric, and not all studies agree. Finally, some of the studies show conflicting evidence.” [1]

More clinical research is still needed to determine if the effects seen in in vitro and animal studies are seen in humans as well.

This supplement has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a drug for the prevention or treatment of any medical conditions. The above claims have not been evaluated by the FDA.

Uses for Turmeric

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states that people use turmeric orally for a variety of uses. Some of these include:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Cancer, including colorectal cancer and prostate cancer
• Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery
• Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
• Flatulence, abdominal bloating
• Helicobacter pylori (H pylori)
• Hyperlipidemia (high serum fat levels)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Kidney inflammation
• Liver and gallbladder conditions
• Loss of appetite
• Osteoarthritis (joint cartilage degeneration)
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) [2]

Turmeric extract is also taken by mouth for dyspepsia (indigestion), hemorrhage, diarrhea, jaundice, hepatitis, peptic ulcers, and headaches. It is also used orally for diabetes, respiratory complaints, fibromyalgia, fever, joint pain, edema, worms, depression, fatigue, and dozens of other conditions. [2]

Essential oils containing this space are used topically (applied externally) for inflammatory skin conditions, acne, eye infections, bruising, infected wounds, and gingivitis. It is also used topically for ringworm, analgesia, sprains, swelling, leech bites, skin lesions, and inflamed oral mucosa. [2]

This ingredient is included in some enema preparations for treating ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease marked by inflammation and ulcerations in the lining of the colon. [2]

According to the MSKCC, “It is also used in traditional medicine for improving circulation and digestion. Turmeric extracts are marketed as dietary supplements to improve memory, for arthritis, and for cancer prevention.” [4]

Most of the knowledge about common uses of turmeric has its basis in traditional medicine. There have been many in vitro and animal studies done showing various effects of this compound, however clinical human trials are still lacking for most uses.

More clinical research is still needed to determine the therapeutic efficacy of turmeric for these uses. Turmeric is available as a dietary supplement only, and the FDA has not approved this compound as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

Turmeric Health Benefits

Researchers from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center state, “Owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin plays a significant beneficial and pleiotropic regulatory role in various pathological conditions including cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, inflammatory disorders, neurological disorders, and so on.” [3]

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database has rated Turmeric as Possibly Effective for osteoarthritis (cartilage degeneration in bone joints), hyperlipidemia (high serum lipid levels), and pruritus (severe itching). [2]

Ostoearthritis

Some human studies have shown that turmeric extract is able to improve some of the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

The NMCD reports, “Taking a specific turmeric extract (Meriva, Indena) 500 mg twice daily seems to reduce pain and improve functionality in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee after 2-3 months of treatment compared to pretreatment.” [2]

The extract used in the study was a standardized formulation that contained 20% curcuminoids providing 75% curcumin, combined with a naturally-occurring phospholipid called phosphatidylcholine. [2]

One preliminary clinical research study found that a specific turmeric extract called Turmaci, reduced pain and improved function and other symptoms compared to placebo in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. In that study 1000 mg/day divided doses were given for 42 days. [2]

In research turmeric extract has also been compared to some common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that a significant percentage of people with osteoarthritis routinely use to manage their pain. [2]

The NMCD states, “Some clinical evidence shows that taking a non-commercial turmeric extract 500 mg three to four times daily for 4-6 weeks is comparable to the anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen 400 mg two to three times daily for reducing knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis.” [2]

However other research has shown less successful results. One study gave osteoarthritis patients either 500 mg turmeric extract per day in combination with 25 mg diclofenac (Voltaren) or diclofenac alone. It was seen that there was no statistically significant difference in measures of pain and function between the two groups.

More clinical research is still needed to determine the therapeutic efficacy of turmeric or curcumin for osteoarthritis. At this time the FDA has not approved turmeric as a drug for osteoarthritis.

Speak with your doctor if you are interested in learning more about using turmeric supplements for osteoarthritis.

Hyperlipidemia

A number of studies have been done in rats showing that turmeric lowers cholesterol and other blood lipid levels significantly compared to a placebo. Clinical research in humans is limited at this time, but results have been promising.

One clinical research trial gave overweight hyperlipidemic patients either 1.4 grams/day of turmeric extract, in 2 divided doses, for 3 months or a placebo.

It was seen that total cholesterol levels, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels were reduced in the turmeric group compared to the placebo group. [2]

A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study tested the effects of black seed and turmeric both alone and in combination in male patients who screened positive for metabolic syndrome.

It was observed that compared to placebo, there were significant reductions in LDL cholesterol in the turmeric group. The combination black seed/turmeric group showed an improvement in all measures from baseline, including body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, lipid profile (including cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides), fasting blood glucose, and c-reactive protein.

These results from clinical trials have been promising, but more research is still needed to determine the therapeutic efficacy of turmeric for high lipid levels.

Speak with your doctor if you are interested in taking turmeric for hyperlipidemia, as they can help determine if this supplement is right for you needs.

Pruritus

Pruritus is defined as chronic skin itchiness that can result from a number of causes, including dry skin, skin disorders, pregnancy, diabetes, and various disease/conditions.

Uremic pruritus, also known as chronic kidney disease associated pruritus, is caused by excessive urea in the blood that occurs during end stage renal failure. One clinical research study found that using 1500 mg/day turmeric orally, in 3 divided doses for 8 weeks decreased uremic pruritus symptoms by 1.9-fold over placebo. [2]

Another clinical trial examined the effects of curcumin compared to placebo in Iranian males who had pruritus due to exposure to sulfur mustard (mustard gas). It was found that the patients in the curcumin group had improved quality of life and pruritus scores as measured by the Dermatology Life Quality Index.

The researchers believe that the curcumin supplements helped improve pruritus symptoms by mitigating inflammation. Significantly reduced levels of interleukin 8 and C-reactive protein (inflammation markers) were seen in the curcumin group compared to the placebo group.

More research is still needed to determine all the effects turmeric may have on pruritus and other chronic skin conditions. Speak with your doctor for more information on using turmeric supplements or topical products for skin conditions such as pruritus.

Additional Health Benefits

There are many other traditional and common uses of turmeric supplements that have not been studied much yet in human trials.

Significantly more research is still needed before turmeric’s mechanisms of biological action and therapeutic efficacy for these uses is understood. [2]

At this time the FDA has not approved this natural health product as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

It is always recommended to speak with your doctor before beginning any new supplements to help determine if it is right for your needs.

Anti-Cancer

Concerning turmeric’s possible anticancer effects, Nutritional Facts states, “Carcinogen blockers and antioxidants help prevent the initial triggering DNA mutation, and antiproliferatives work by keeping tumors from growing and spreading. Curcumin is special in that it appears to belong to all three groups, meaning it may potentially help prevent and/or arrest cancer cell growth.” [5]

Preliminary clinical research has shown that turmeric may stabilize disease progression in people with colorectal cancer. Effects have also been seen in prostate cancer patients, where prostate specific antigen levels were lower in patients given turmeric powder compared to placebo patients.

However, it is too early to determine whether turmeric has anti-cancer effects in humans. Research is very preliminary and more studies are required to evaluate efficacy.

Crohn’s Disease

A pilot study found that taking 1.08 g of curcumin per day for a month and then 1.44 g per day for the second month reduced bowel movements, abdominal pain, and diarrhea in Crohn’s patients compared to baseline.

Depression

Some preliminary clinical research has been done using curcumin for depression. One study found that 1000 mg/day curcumin in divided doses for 6 weeks was as effective as 20 mg/day fluoxetine at improving scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.

Diabetes

Preliminary clinical research suggests that using a turmeric extract may delay the development of type 2 diabetes. Patients with prediabetes criteria were given either a placebo or 750 mg curcumin extract for nine months.

At the end of the trial 16.4 % of the placebo group had been diagnosed with diabetes, while there were no patients diagnosed in the curcumin group, showing that the curcumin intervention significantly lowered the number of prediabetic individuals who went on to develop diabetes.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

A preliminary clinical trial found that taking a turmeric extract at a dosage between 72-144 mg per day for 8 weeks reduced IBS symptoms including abdominal pain and discomfort significantly from baseline.

Turmeric, Cucurmin and Nanotechnology

According to researchers from the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, “Curcumin in turmeric has been proven to be effective in treatment of different diseases with low toxicity to human and animals. It is remarkably well tolerated, but its bioavailability is poor. It does not appear to be toxic to animals or humans, even at high doses.” [6]

Nanotechnology is being used increasingly to enhance the bioavailability and solubility of various lipophilic compounds, including curcumin. This technology involves minutely-small particles, called nanoparticles, to enhance drug delivery systems.

Some nanoparticles include liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, nanogels, niosomes, cyclodextrins, dendrimers, silvers, and solid lipids.

Researchers from the University of Tennessee state, “Efficient curcumin delivery using nanotechnology not only helps to overcome solubility, rapid drug metabolism, degradation, and drug stability issues but also should diffuse or target indent tissues while minimizing unintended toxicity to surrounding normal cells/tissues.” [3]

Piperine is an alkaloid found in black pepper that has been seen to increase the bioavailability of curcumin by 2000% when given concurrently in animal trials. Research is being conducted to determine the best method for producing curcumin-piperine nanoparticles to maximize curcumin’s bioavailability in humans.

Turmeric Supplements and Dosages

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database states, “Turmeric extract is typically standardized to curcuminoid content, with percentages ranging from 75% to nearly 100%.” [2]

Turmeric comes in a variety of formats including tablets, capsules, powders, liquid extracts, tinctures, and fresh and dried rhizomes. [2]

Topical products also exist including various creams, lotions, and ointments. Powder formulations are also sometimes mixed with water or liquid oils (ex. Jojoba or sesame oil) to make a paste that is applied to the skin.

Pay attention to expirations dates on products labels. When possible buy organic, non-GMO, toxin-free turmeric supplements. Store your supplements out of heat and light in tightly-sealed glass containers to keep them fresh.

Keep in mind that appropriate dosages will vary based on the format of the supplement, the purpose for use, and personal physiology. The UMM reports the following doses have been used in adults:

• 400-600 mg standardized curcumin powder 3X daily for general health
• 1-3 grams dried powdered rhizome
• 30-90 drops 1:1 fluid extract daily
• 15-30 drops 1:2 tincture 4X daily
• 1.5-3 grams rhizome daily [1]

It is always recommended that you speak with your doctor before beginning any new supplements to help determine the best dosage for your needs and to avoid side effects.

Turmeric Safety and Side Effects

Turmeric has been given generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status by the FDA in the United States as a food ingredient. The NMCD has rated turmeric as Likely Safe when used orally or topically and appropriately in medicinal amounts. [2]

This supplement has also been rated as Likely Safe during pregnancy and lactation when used orally in amounts found in food. However, it is rated as Likely Unsafe in medicinal amounts during pregnancy because it may stimulate the uterus and menstrual flow. [2]

Turmeric has also been rated as Possibly Safe when used in enemas, short-term and appropriately. According to the NMCD, “Turmeric extract in water has been used as a daily enema for up to 8 weeks.” [2]

Turmeric and curcumin extract are generally well tolerated in the majority of people. In clinical research, the incidence of reported side effects is not significantly different than from use of a placebo.

However some mild side effects have been reported, with the most common being nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal reflux, diarrhea, and dyspepsia. [2] Topically turmeric may cause contact dermatitis.

Turmeric Drug Interactions

According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center turmeric may interact with various drug types, including:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet drugs
• Antidiabetes drugs
• Aspirin
• Chemotherapy drugs like cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin
• Drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 1A1, 1A2, and 3A4 substrates
• Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) [4]

The NMCD recommends using extra caution if combining this supplement with herbs with anticoagulant/antiplatelet effects. Some herbs that may cause an interaction include angelica, clove, danshen, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, Panax ginseng, red clover, and white willow bark. [2]

Be careful using turmeric with other drugs or supplements that have hypoglycemic (blood glucose-lowering) potential. Some herbs that can lower blood sugar levels include devil’s claw, fenugreek, garlic, guar gum, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, psyllium, and Siberian ginseng. [2]

The NMCD reports, “Theoretically, high doses of curcumin or turmeric may decrease the absorption of iron.” [2]

This supplement is not known to interact with foods or to affect results on laboratory tests. [2] However, there is a possibility for undocumented interactions.

It is always recommended to speak with your doctor before starting any new supplements, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Talk with your doctor first about using a turmeric supplement if you have: [2]

• Bile duct obstruction disorder
• Bleeding disorder
• Diabetes
• GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
• Hormone-sensitive cancer (breast, uterine, cervical, ovarian)
• Infertility
• Iron deficiency

It is recommended to stop using turmeric or curcumin supplements at least 2 weeks prior to any scheduled surgery. [2]

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