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Does Turmeric Work?

Many people may wonder, "Does turmeric work?" Although turmeric is claimed to be beneficial for several health conditions, there has been very little research done on the effectiveness of turmeric for any use. Preliminary research has indicated that turmeric may have some benefits for indigestion, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain types of cancer. However, more research is necessary before turmeric can be recommended for any use.

 

Does Turmeric Work? -- An Overview

 Turmeric is regulated as a dietary supplement or food in the United States. As such, it can be marketed without any evidence that it is either safe or effective. Like most supplements, turmeric is claimed to work for a wide variety of conditions, usually without much reliable scientific evidence. People use turmeric for the following conditions:
 
  • Abdominal (stomach) pain or bloating
  • Absent menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
  • Bladder infections
  • Bronchitis, the common cold, or other respiratory infections
  • Cancer (for both prevention and treatment)
  • Depression
  • Diarrhea
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Fever
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Fluid retention
  • Gallstones or other gallbladder problems
  • Gas
  • Headache
  • High cholesterol
  • Indigestion or heartburn
  • Jaundice, hepatitis, or other liver problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Leprosy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Rheumatoid arthritis.
     
Applying turmeric topically (to the skin) is said to work for the following problems:
 
  • Bruising
  • Eczema
  • Infections
  • Inflammation
  • Leech bites
  • Pain
  • Ringworm.
     
(Does Turmeric Work? Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;