Turmeric (Herb/Suppl)

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

Frequency Not Defined

GI disturbances (chronic use)

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, bile duct obstruction, gastric ulcer

Avoid prior to surgery: may cause bleeding

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.

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