Medications
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Turmeric
Turmeric is a type of spice that is claimed to help with a variety of conditions, including depression, heartburn, and cancer. It contains several compounds that may stimulate the immune system, have anti-inflammatory effects, and help prevent blood clots. Although it is a "natural" product, turmeric may cause side effects, such as nausea and diarrhea. Make sure to discuss any safety concerns with your healthcare provider before using it medicinally.
Turmeric is a spice and coloring agent used in curry powder. There has been much interest in using it to treat or prevent a number of different medical conditions, such as depression, heartburn, and cancer. There are many other reported uses as well, some of which are more valid than others.
(Click Benefits of Turmeric for more information on what it is used for.)
It is not known exactly how turmeric works, as there are several compounds in it that may have medicinal properties. These compounds may have several different effects in the human body, such as:
- Angiogenesis inhibition -- Compounds in turmeric may inhibit the growth of new blood vessels (a process known as angiogenesis). This property may be useful for preventing or treating cancer, but could cause problems in the treatment of heart disease.
- Anti-inflammatory -- Compounds in turmeric seems to inhibit several different inflammatory substances and enzymes. This may potentially be helpful for a number of conditions, such as arthritis or heart disease.
- Blood clotting -- There is some evidence that compounds in turmeric may help prevent blood platelets from sticking together (a process known as platelet aggregation), an important step in the formation of blood clots.
There is also some evidence that it may have antioxidant effects and may also stimulate the immune system.
There is not enough evidence to evaluate the effectiveness of the spice for most uses. Some uses have more scientific evidence in their favor than others (see Does Turmeric Work? for more information).
The best turmeric dose has not yet been determined.
(Click Turmeric Dosage for more information.)
Even though it is a "natural" product, turmeric can cause side effects, such as diarrhea and nausea.
(Click Turmeric Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Theoretically, it could interact with some medications (see Turmeric Drug Interactions).
Turmeric is considered safe when used in normal amounts in food. It is not known if medicinal uses are equally as safe. Some people are more likely than others to experience problems. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking it if you have:
- A bleeding disorder
- Gallstones or gallbladder disease
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Turmeric and Pregnancy)
- Breastfeeding (see Turmeric and Breastfeeding).
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
(Click Is Turmeric Safe? for more information, including any available warnings and precautions.)
It is not known what exactly to expect from an overdose, or even if a turmeric overdose is possible. It is reasonable to assume that taking too much may cause the usual side effects, but perhaps more severely.
(Click Turmeric Overdose for more information.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
