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Turmeric is a common spice that comes from the root of Curcuma longa. It contains a chemical called curcumin, which might reduce swelling.
Turmeric has a warm, bitter taste and is frequently used to flavor or color curry powders, mustards, butters, and cheeses. Because curcumin and other chemicals in turmeric might decrease swelling, it is often used to treat conditions that involve pain and inflammation.
People commonly use turmeric for osteoarthritis. It is also used for hay fever, depression, high cholesterol, a type of liver disease, and itching, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using turmeric for COVID-19.
Don't confuse turmeric with Javanese turmeric root or tree turmeric. Also, don't confuse it with zedoary or goldenseal, which are unrelated plants that are sometimes called turmeric.
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- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Oral turmeric seems to improve symptoms in people with allergic rhinitis.
Login for details - Depression. Most research shows that oral curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, 1 gram daily improves symptoms of depression after 6 weeks when taken along with an antidepressant. However, it is unclear whether curcumin is beneficial when used for greater than 8 weeks.
Login for details - Hyperlipidemia. Oral turmeric or curcuminoids seem to reduce triglycerides, but the effects on other lipid parameters are inconclusive. Reasons for the conflicting findings may relate to turmeric formulation, duration of treatment, and/or the baseline cholesterol status of the included patients.
Login for details - Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Oral curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, seems to attenuate fat deposition and improve some metabolic parameters in adults with NAFLD.
Login for details - Oral mucositis. Oral curcumin or curcumin-containing mouthwash seem to reduce the development of severe oral mucositis, as well as reduce the severity and pain of oral mucositis, associated with cancer treatment.
Login for details - Osteoarthritis. Some oral turmeric extracts and combination products containing turmeric seem to improve certain symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. However, it is unclear how turmeric compares to the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Login for details - Pruritus. Oral turmeric has been evaluated for the management of pruritus of various etiologies, with promising results.
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- Alzheimer disease. Neither oral turmeric nor its constituent curcumin appears to improve cognitive function or attenuate cognitive decline in adults with this condition.
Login for details - Peptic ulcers. Oral turmeric does not seem to improve the healing of peptic or gastric ulcers when compared with placebo or liquid antacids.
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- Acne. Login for details
- Age-related cognitive decline. Some small clinical studies suggest that oral curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, may modestly improve cognition in elderly patients experiencing cognitive decline.
Login for details - Amenorrhea. Login for details
- Ankylosing spondylitis. Login for details
- Asthma. Some small clinical studies suggest that oral turmeric, as an adjunct to conventional asthma treatment, does not improve lung function or symptoms in adults and children with asthma.
Login for details - Athletic performance. It is unclear if oral curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, is beneficial for athletic performance.
Login for details - Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is unclear if oral curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, is beneficial in BPH.
Login for details - Beta-thalassemia. It is unclear if oral turmeric is beneficial for iron overload in patients with beta-thalassemia.
Login for details - Bruises. Login for details
- Cachexia. It is unclear if oral curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, is beneficial for cancer cachexia.
Login for details - Canker sores. Some preliminary research suggests that topical curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, is beneficial for minor canker sores.
Login for details - Chemotherapy-induced acral erythema. It is unclear if oral or topical turmeric reduces the risk for acral erythema from capecitabine.
Login for details - Chemotherapy-induced constipation. It is unclear if oral curcumin reduces symptoms of chemotherapy-induced constipation.
Login for details - Chemotherapy-induced diarrhea. It is unclear if oral curcumin reduces symptoms of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea.
Login for details - Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). It is unclear if oral curcumin reduces CINV.
Login for details - Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. It is unclear if oral curcumin reduces symptoms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Login for details - Chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is unclear if oral turmeric is beneficial for CKD.
Login for details - Colorectal adenoma. It is unclear if oral turmeric is beneficial for managing colorectal adenoma.
Login for details - Colorectal cancer. It is unclear if oral turmeric is beneficial for the prevention or treatment of colorectal cancer.
Login for details - Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. One small study suggests that oral turmeric may reduce the risk for myocardial infarction after CABG surgery.
Login for details - Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It is unclear if oral turmeric or its constituent, curcumin, is beneficial for reducing symptoms of COVID-19.
Login for details - Crohn disease. It is unclear if oral turmeric is beneficial for improving symptoms of active Crohn disease.
Login for details - Denture stomatitis. Topical turmeric may be beneficial for treating denture stomatitis.
Login for details - Diabetes. Low-quality clinical studies suggest that oral curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, may modestly improve glycemic control in patients with diabetes.
Login for details - Diabetic foot ulcers. It is unclear if oral curcumin is beneficial in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.
Login for details - Diabetic nephropathy. It is unclear if oral curcumin is beneficial in patients with diabetic nephropathy.
Login for details - Dysmenorrhea. It is unclear if oral curcumin is beneficial in patients with primary dysmenorrhea.
Login for details - Dyspepsia. Oral turmeric may be modestly beneficial for some patients with dyspepsia. It is unclear if oral curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, is beneficial in patients using antacids.
Login for details - Erythema. Login for details
- Exercise-induced muscle soreness. It is unclear if oral turmeric is beneficial for reducing muscle soreness from exercise.
Login for details - Gingivitis. Small clinical studies suggest that oral turmeric and turmeric mouthwash may reduce the severity of gingivitis. Turmeric mouthwash appears to be similarly effective to chlorhexidine mouthwash.
Login for details - Gout. Login for details
- Gulf war syndrome. It is unclear if oral curcumin is beneficial in patients with Gulf war syndrome.
Login for details - Helicobacter pylori. Small clinical studies suggest that oral turmeric is not beneficial for eradicating H. pylori when used alone or in combination with standard triple therapy or famotidine.
Login for details - Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes). Oral turmeric may modestly improve glucose control in some patients with prediabetes.
Login for details - Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is unclear if oral turmeric is beneficial for improving symptoms of IBS.
Login for details - Joint pain. Oral turmeric has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Login for details
- Knee pain. It is unclear if oral turmeric is beneficial for knee pain.
Login for details - Lichen planus. It is unclear if oral turmeric is beneficial for lichen planus.
Login for details - Metabolic syndrome. It is unclear if oral turmeric is beneficial for metabolic syndrome.
Login for details - Migraine headache. It is unclear if oral curcumin is beneficial for migraine headache.
Login for details - Myocardial infarction (MI). It is unclear if oral curcumin is beneficial for reducing myocardial injury following a MI.
Login for details - Obesity. Oral turmeric might modestly improve weight loss, although any effect is unlikely to be clinically significant.
Login for details - Oral submucous fibrosis. Small studies suggests that topical or oral curcumin might be beneficial for oral submucous fibrosis. However, the research is heterogenous with respect to outcomes, comparators, and the turmeric preparations, doses, and routes of administration utilized.
Login for details - Pain (acute). Oral turmeric has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Periodontitis. There is limited evidence on the oral or topical use of turmeric or its constituent curcumin in patients with periodontitis.
Login for details - Physical performance. It is unclear if oral turmeric may be beneficial for improving physical performance in older adults.
Login for details - Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Small clinical studies suggest that oral curcumin may improve some metabolic parameters in patients with PCOS, but these improvements may not be considered clinically significant.
Login for details - Postoperative pain. Small clinical studies suggest that oral curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, may modestly reduce pain in various postoperative recovery settings.
Login for details - Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is unclear if oral turmeric may be beneficial for improving symptoms of PMS.
Login for details - Prostate cancer. It is unclear if oral turmeric is beneficial for the prevention or treatment of prostate cancer.
Login for details - Psoriasis. Evidence is limited to one small study of topical use in patients with scalp psoriasis.
Login for details - Quality of life. Some preliminary clinical research suggests that oral curcumin might improve quality of life in patients with various chronic conditions.
Login for details - Radiation dermatitis. It is unclear if oral or topical turmeric is beneficial for reducing the severity of radiation dermatitis.
Login for details - Radiation proctopathy. It is unclear if oral turmeric is beneficial for preventing proctitis or cystitis in patients receiving radiotherapy for prostate cancer.
Login for details - Respiratory tract infections. Login for details
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Small clinical studies suggest that oral curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, may modestly improve some symptoms of RA.
Login for details - Sarcopenia. Oral turmeric has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Schizophrenia. Login for details
- Sepsis. It is unclear if oral curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, is beneficial in patients with sepsis.
Login for details - Stress. It is unclear if oral turmeric is beneficial for reducing occupational stress in healthy adults.
Login for details - Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). There is limited evidence on the oral use of turmeric in adults with lupus nephritis.
Login for details - Tuberculosis. It is unclear if oral turmeric is beneficial in patients receiving treatment for tuberculosis.
Login for details - Ulcerative colitis. It is unclear if oral or rectal turmeric, or its constituent, curcumin, is beneficial in adults with ulcerative colitis.
Login for details - Uveitis. It is unclear if oral curcumin is beneficial for uveitis.
Login for details - Wound healing. Login for details
When taken by mouth: Turmeric is likely safe when used short-term. Turmeric products that provide up to 8 grams of curcumin daily seem to be safe when used for up to 2 months, Also, taking up to 3 grams of turmeric daily seems to be safe when used for up to 3 months. Turmeric usually doesn't cause serious side effects. Some people can experience mild side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, dizziness, or diarrhea. These side effects are more common at higher doses.
When applied to the skin: Turmeric is likely safe. It is possibly safe when turmeric is applied inside the mouth as a mouthwash.
When applied into the rectum: Turmeric is possibly safe when used as an enema.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy: Turmeric is commonly used in small amounts as a spice in foods. But it's likely unsafe to use larger amounts of turmeric as a medicine during pregnancy. It might cause a menstrual period or stimulate the uterus, putting the pregnancy at risk. Do not take medicinal amounts of turmeric if you are pregnant.Breast-feeding: Turmeric is commonly used in small amounts as a spice in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if turmeric is safe to use in medicinal amounts during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Gallbladder problems: Turmeric can make gallbladder problems worse. Do not use turmeric if you have gallstones or a bile duct obstruction.
Bleeding problems: Taking turmeric might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
Hormone-sensitive condition such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Turmeric contains a chemical called curcumin, which might act like the hormone estrogen. In theory, this might have effects on hormone-sensitive conditions. Until more is known, use cautiously if you have a condition that might be made worse by exposure to hormones.
Infertility: Turmeric might lower testosterone levels and decrease sperm movement. This might reduce fertility. Turmeric should be used cautiously by people trying to have a baby.
Liver disease: There is some concern that turmeric can damage the liver, especially in people who have swelling (inflammation) of the liver (hepatitis) or reduced or blocked flow of bile from the liver (cholestasis). Don't use turmeric if you have these liver problems.
Surgery: Turmeric might slow blood clotting. It might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using turmeric at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Amlodipine (Norvasc)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Turmeric might increase how much amlodipine the body absorbs. Taking turmeric while taking amlodipine might increase the effects and side effects of amlodipine.
Docetaxel (Taxotere)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Turmeric might increase how much docetaxel the body absorbs. Taking turmeric while taking docetaxel might increase the effects and side effects of docetaxel.
Estrogens
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Large amounts of turmeric might interfere with the effects of estrogen. Taking turmeric along with estrogen might decrease the effects of estrogens.
Some estrogen pills include conjugated equine estrogens (Premarin), ethinyl estradiol, estradiol, and others.
Glyburide (Diabeta, others)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Turmeric contains curcumin. Curcumin might lower blood sugar. Glyburide is also used to lower blood sugar. Taking curcumin or turmeric along with glyburide might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. Your dose of glyburide might need to be changed.
Losartan (Cozaar)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Taking turmeric while taking losartan might increase the effects and side effects of losartan.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Turmeric might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Turmeric might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications for cancer (Alkylating agents)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Turmeric is an antioxidant. There is some concern that antioxidants might decrease the effects of some medications used for cancer. If you are taking medications for cancer, check with your healthcare provider before taking turmeric.
Medications for cancer (Antitumor antibiotics)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Turmeric is an antioxidant. There is some concern that antioxidants might decrease the effects of medications used for cancer. If you are taking medications for cancer, check with your healthcare provider before taking turmeric.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Turmeric might lower blood sugar levels. Taking turmeric along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Medications moved by pumps in cells (P-Glycoprotein Substrates)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Some medications are moved in and out of cells by pumps. Turmeric might change how these pumps work and change how much medication stays in the body. In some cases, this might change the effects and side effects of a medication.
Medications that can harm the liver (Hepatotoxic drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Turmeric might harm the liver. Some medications can also harm the liver. Taking turmeric along with a medication that can harm the liver might increase the risk of liver damage.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Turmeric might slow blood clotting. Taking turmeric along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Norfloxacin (Noroxin)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Turmeric might increase how much norfloxacin the body absorbs. Taking turmeric while taking norfloxacin might increase the effects and side effects of norfloxacin.
Paclitaxel (Abraxane, Onxol)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Turmeric might change how much paclitaxel stays in the body. Taking turmeric while taking paclitaxel might change the effects and side effects of paclitaxel. However, this doesn't seem to be a big concern.
Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Turmeric might increase how much sulfasalazine the body absorbs. Taking turmeric while taking sulfasalazine might increase the effects and side effects of sulfasalazine.
Tacrolimus (Prograf)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Turmeric might increase the amount of tacrolimus in the body. This can increase the side effects of tacrolimus and even damage the kidneys.
Talinolol
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Turmeric might decrease how much talinolol the body absorbs. Taking turmeric while taking talinolol might decrease the effects of talinolol.
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Turmeric might decrease how much tamoxifen is in the body. Taking turmeric with tamoxifen might decrease the effects of tamoxifen.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Taking turmeric while taking warfarin might increase the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.
Herbs and supplements that might damage the liver: Turmeric might harm the liver. Taking it with other supplements that can also harm the liver might increase the risk of liver damage. Examples of supplements with this effect include garcinia, greater celandine, green tea extract, kava, and kratom.
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: Turmeric might lower blood sugar. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might lower blood sugar too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include aloe, bitter melon, cassia cinnamon, chromium, and prickly pear cactus.
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: Turmeric might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include garlic, ginger, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng.
Iron: There is some concern that turmeric and curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric, might prevent the body from absorbing iron. But most research shows that this isn't a major concern with turmeric from food or supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Turmeric has most often been used by adults in doses of up to 1.5 grams daily for up to 9 months. It is also sometimes used in mouthwashes, gels, creams, and tonics. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
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