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Turmeric

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Turmeric

  • Background
  1. Turmeric is extracted from plant in the Ginger family
  2. Yellow-colored spice used to flavor curry powder and mustards
  • Mechanism
  1. Active ingredient in Turmeric, curcumin is purported to be an antioxidant and antiinflammatory agent
  • Efficacy
  1. May be beneficial in Knee Osteoarthritis (insufficient evidence as of 2022)
  2. May be beneficial in Allergic Rhinitis
  3. No strong evidence for any indication
    1. Despite this, has been touted for reducing Cardiac Risk, cancer risk, cognitive decline, Covid19 complications
  • Adverse effects
  1. Heartburn
  • Disadvantages
  1. Typical extract dose of 1-2 g/day is equivalent to as much as 5 to 10 tsp ground Turmeric per day
  2. Very expensive (as much as $1 per tablet)
  3. Some preparations have been contaminated with lead, with risk of Lead Poisoning
    1. Purchase only USP verified products
  • References
  1. (2016) Presc Lett 23(12): 70
  2. (2022) Presc Lett 29(1): 4