Suggested Dosing
Extract standardized to 95% curcumin
Dyspepsia
500 mg QID PO
Suggested Uses
Orally
Dyspepsia, abdominal pain, hemorrhage, diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal bloating, loss of appetite, jaundice, hepatitis, and liver and gallbladder complaints, headaches, bronchitis, colds, respiratory infections, fibromyalgia, leprosy, fever, amenorrhea, and cancer
Topically
Analgesia, ringworm, bruising, leech bites, eye infections, inflammatory skin conditions, inflammation of the oral mucosa, and infected wounds
Efficacy
Effective in dyspepsia; insufficient evidence for other uses including various cancers
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) has studied curcumin for Alzheimer disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and prostate and colon cance
Claims that curcuminoids found in turmeric help to reduce inflammation are not supported by strong studies
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results
Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor
Contraindicated (0)
Serious - Use Alternative (0)
Monitor Closely (18)
- alfentanil
turmeric will increase the level or effect of alfentanil by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- carbamazepine
turmeric will increase the level or effect of carbamazepine by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cinnamon
cinnamon and turmeric both increase anticoagulation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cyclosporine
turmeric will increase the level or effect of cyclosporine by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- dihydroergotamine
turmeric will increase the level or effect of dihydroergotamine by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- disopyramide
turmeric will increase the level or effect of disopyramide by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ergotamine
turmeric will increase the level or effect of ergotamine by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ethosuximide
turmeric will increase the level or effect of ethosuximide by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- everolimus
turmeric will increase the level or effect of everolimus by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- fentanyl
turmeric will increase the level or effect of fentanyl by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- midazolam
turmeric will increase the level or effect of midazolam by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- pacritinib
turmeric will increase the level or effect of pacritinib by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- pimozide
turmeric will increase the level or effect of pimozide by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- quinidine
turmeric will increase the level or effect of quinidine by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- quinine
turmeric will increase the level or effect of quinine by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- sirolimus
turmeric will increase the level or effect of sirolimus by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- tacrolimus
turmeric will increase the level or effect of tacrolimus by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- triazolam
turmeric will increase the level or effect of triazolam by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
Minor (0)
Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined
GI disturbances (chronic use)
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity, bile duct obstruction, gastric ulcer
Avoid prior to surgery: may cause bleeding
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category: N/A
Lactation: N/A
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Curcumin: anti-inflammatory (COX inhibition); stimulates production and release of bile; antispasmodic; hepatoprotective; antioxidant
Pharmacokinetics
Low bioavailability limits use as an oral agent
Hydrophobic properties make curcumin unsuitable for intravenous administration
