II. Background
- Turmeric is extracted from plant in the Ginger family
- Yellow-colored spice used to flavor curry powder and mustards
III. Mechanism
- Active ingredient in Turmeric, curcumin is purported to be an antioxidant and antiinflammatory agent
IV. Efficacy
- May be beneficial in Knee Osteoarthritis (insufficient evidence as of 2022)
- May be beneficial in Allergic Rhinitis
- May be effective in Dyspepsia (low quality evidence)
- May have antiplatelet effects
- No strong evidence for any indication
- Despite this, has been touted for reducing Cardiac Risk, cancer risk, cognitive decline, Covid19 complications
V. Adverse Effects
- More common adverse effects at higher doses and in Bioavailable formulations containing piperine
- Gastrointestinal adverse effects
VI. Disadvantages
- Typical extract dose of 1-2 g/day is equivalent to as much as 5 to 10 tsp ground Turmeric per day
- Very expensive (as much as $1 per tablet)
- Some preparations have been contaminated with lead, with risk of Lead Poisoning
- Purchase only USP verified products
VII. Safety
- Typical Turmeric amounts found in food are not a safety concern
- However, natural medicine doses are typically 10 fold higher than might be found in food
- Natural medicine dose safety (1-2 g/day)
- Avoid in pregnancy (risk of uterine contractions)
- Unknown safety in Lactation
- Unknown safety in children
VIII. Drug Interactions
- May increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2, CYP3A4 and P-Glycoprotein
IX. References
- (2016) Presc Lett 23(12): 70
- (2022) Presc Lett 29(1): 4
- (2023) Presc Lett 30(10): 60