About Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products

Scientific Name
Curcuma longa, Curcuma domestica
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Common Name

Indian saffron, curcumin, jiang huang

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Clinical Summary

Derived from the rhizome and root, turmeric is used as a spice and coloring agent, and in traditional medicine in Asia. The active constituents are thought to be turmerone oil and water soluble curcuminoids, including curcumin. Turmeric may help alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (9) as well as quiescent ulcerative colitis (10). Data from an epidemiological study are suggestive of improved cognitive performance in elderly Asians who consume turmeric in the form of curry powder (11); however, no benefits of curcumin supplementation were detected in patients with Alzheimer's (12). In another study, turmeric extract was found to be safe and equally effective as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for the treatment of osteoarthritis of knee (34).

In vitro studies suggest that curcumin acts as a weak phytoestrogen (43), exhibits neuroprotective (42), antiproliferative and preventative effects against cancer (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (35). Furthermore, curcumin induces apoptosis in human colon cancer (14), promyelocytic leukemia cells (15), and inhibits growth of uterine leiomyosarcoma cells (45). Curcumin also potentiated gemcitabine action in both in vitro and in vivo studies of pancreatic cancer (17). In a phase II trial in pancreatic cancer patients, down-regulation of NF-kappa B and cyclooxygenase-2 were observed (29).
Oral administration is well tolerated, but bioavailability is relatively low (1) (2) (29). Following absorption, curcuminoids are rapidly metabolized. But a recent study in rats shows that bioavailability of curcumin can be increased when coadministered with piperine (38).

Animal studies indicate that curcumin may inhibit cyclophosphamide in treating breast cancer (16), but results from a recent, phase I trial found a combination of curcumin and docetaxel to be safe (36). More research is necessary, but it is advisable for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to limit intake of turmeric. Patients with gastrointestinal disorders or those predisposed to kidney stone formation (13) should use this supplement with caution.

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Purported Uses
  • Cancer prevention
  • Infections
  • Inflammation
  • Kidney stones
  • Stomach and intestinal gas
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Constituents
  • Curcuminoids (mainly curcumin)
  • ar-turmerone
  • Ascorbic acid, carotene
  • Polysaccharides
    (19)
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Mechanism of Action

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and choleretic actions. Both curcuminoids (curcumin) and volatile oils are responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity, which may be due to leukotriene inhibition. Curcuminoids induce glutathione S-transferase and are potent inhibitors of cytochrome P450. Turmeric acts as a free radical scavenger and antioxidant, inhibiting lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA damage. It also inhibits activation of NF-kB 17, 20, c-jun/AP-1 function, and activation of the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway.

In vitro and animal models of breast cancer show that turmeric may inhibit chemotherapy-induced apoptosis via inhibition of the JNK pathway and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Studies also suggest that curcumin induces apoptosis in human colon cancer cells independent of p21 expression (14). In addition, in vitro and in vivo studies report that NF-kB-mediated resistance of cancer cells to gemcitabine and ɣ-radiation was repressed by curcumin administration (17) (21). In laboratory tests, curcumin's antitumor actions appear to be due to interactions with arachidonate metabolism and its in vivo antiangiogenic properties (16) (22). Another possible chemopreventive mechanism of curcumin maybe via binding and activating the vitamin D receptor (VDR), thereby protecting tissues such as small intestine and colon where VDRs are expressed and vitamin D is known to serve anticancer function (30). Curcumin inhibited uterine leiomyosarcoma cells' growth by targeting the AKT-mTOR pathway for inhibition (45).

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Pharmacokinetics

Bioavailability of curcumin is approximately 60-65% following oral administration. Metabolism is primarily via glucuronidation to glucuronide and glucuronide/sulfate metabolites (20). In vitro studies indicate inhibition of Cytochrome P450s (CYPs) such as CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP3A4, CYP2D6, CYP2C9, and CYP2B6 (23). Excretion of parent compound is primarily in the feces with metabolites present in the urine (2).

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Warnings

Recent laboratory findings indicate that dietary turmeric may inhibit the anti-tumor action of chemotherapeutic agents such as cyclophosphamide in treating breast cancer. More research is necessary, but it is advisable for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to limit intake of turmeric and turmeric-containing foods. (3)

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Contraindications

Patients with bile duct obstruction, gallstones, and GI disorders (including stomach ulcers and hyperacidity disorders) should not take this supplement (24).

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Adverse Reactions

Case Reports
Allergic dermatitis has been reported with curcumin (39) (40).
Two cases of contact urticaria from curcumin were reported (41).

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Herb-Drug Interactions

Anticoagulants / Antiplatelets: Turmeric may increase risk of bleeding (25).
Camptothecin: Turmeric inhibits camptothecin-induced apoptosis of breast cancer cell lines in vitro (16).
Mechlorethamine: Turmeric inhibits mechlorethamine-induced apoptosis of breast cancer cell lines in vitro (16).
Doxorubicin: Turmeric inhibits doxorubicin-induced apoptosis of breast cancer cell lines in vitro (16).
Cyclophosphamide: Dietary turmeric inhibits cyclophosphamide-induced tumor regression in animal studies (16).
Norfloxacin: Pretreatment with curcumin resulted in increased plasma elimination half-life, thereby reducing the dosage of norfloxacin (31).
Amphotericin B Curcumin may enhance the effect and decrease the toxicity of amphotericin B (44).
Drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 enzyme: Curcumin inhibits cytochrome 3A4 enzyme, altering the metabolism of some prescription drugs (32).
Drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 enzyme: Curcumin inhibits cytochrome 1A2 enzyme, affecting the metabolism of certain prescription medicines (37).
Drugs metabolized by CYP2A6 enzyme: Curcumin enhances cytochrome 2A6 enzyme, and can affect the metabolism of certain prescription drugs (37).
Celiprolol and Midazolam: Curcumin was shown to downregulate intestinal P-Glycoprotein levels, thereby increasing the concentrations of Celiprolol and midazolam (33).

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Literature Summary and Critique

Kuptniratsaikul V, Thanakhumtorn S, Chinswangwatanakul P, et al. Efficacy and safety of Curcuma domestica extracts in patients with knee osteoarthritis. J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Aug;15(8):891-7.
This study included 107 patients with primary knee osteoarthritis with pain score of > or =5. Participants were randomized to receive 800 mg/day ibuprofen or 2g/day C. domestica extracts for 6 weeks. Improvement in pain on level walking, pain on stairs, and functions of knee assessed by time spent during 100-m walk and going up and down a flight of stairs were the primary outcome measures. The authors report signficant improvement at 0, 2, 4 and 6 weeks compared to baseline values in both the groups, with the exception of pain on stairs (p = 0.016). Adverse events also did not differ much between the groups (33.3% versus 44.2%, p = 0.36 with C. domestica extracts and ibuprofen).
C.domestica extracts demonstrated efficacy and were safe compared to ibuprofen in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. But the small sample size of this study warrants further research. 

 Baum L, Lam CW, Cheung SK, et al. Six-month randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, pilot clinical trial of curcumin in patients with Alzheimer disease. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2008 Feb;28(1):110-3.
Twenty-seven patients with progressive decline in memory and cognitive function for six months were randomized to receive 4g, 1g (with 3g color-matched placebo powder) or 4g of placebo once daily for six months. Patients were also given one capsule containing 120 mg standardized ginkgo leaf extract as it showed moderate benefit in previous studies.  A Mini-Mental State Examination was administered at baseline and at 6 months. Plasma and serum were monitored at 0, 1 and 6 months for levels of antioxidants, Amyloid-Beta, and liver and kidney function. Researchers reported lack of cognitive decline in patients in the placebo group precluding any conclusions about the beneficial effects of curcumin.
However, the serum Amyliod-Beta levels were higher in curcumin group, regardless of dose, compared to placebo. This suggests that curcumin may play a role in disaggregating Amyloid-Beta deposits in the brain releasing them into circulation. No adverse effects were observed with curcumin intake.
Long-term, larger studies are needed to further evaluate curcumin’s role in preventing Alzheimer’s disease.

Dhillon N, Aggarwal BB, Newman RA, et al. Phase II trial of curcumin in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Clin Cancer Res. 2008 Jul 15;14(14):4491-9.
Twenty-five patients with advanced pancreatic cancer were given 8 g curcumin daily, orally, until disease progression, with restaging every 2 months. Serum cytokine levels for interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-1 receptor antagonists and peripheral blood mononuclear cell expression of NF-kappaB and cyclooxygenase-2 were monitored. Researchers observed down-regulated expression of NF-kappaB, cyclooxygenase-2, and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients, many of who had high baseline values compared to healthy volunteers. Clinically relevant biological activity was seen in two patients.
Curcumin should be evaluated in larger, randomized trials. Increasing its bioavailibity may render it more effective.

Baum L, Cheung SK, Mok VC, et al. Curcumin effects on blood lipid profile in a 6-month human study. Pharmacol Res 2007 Dec;56(6):509-14.
The effects of curcumin on blood lipid profiles were assessed in this randomized, double-blind study of 36 elderly participants. Subjects were separated into a control or curcumin-treated groups (1 or 4 g/day), and serum lipid profiles were measured at baseline, 1 month, and 6 months. The side effects were similar between the groups. No significant differences in serum lipid profiles were detected upon curcumin administration; however, levels of absorbed curcumin were modestly associated with increased cholesterol concentration. Larger studies are required to determine if curcumin supplementation may increase cholesterol levels.

Hanai H, Iida T, Takeuchi K, et al. Curcumin maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis: randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2006 Dec;4(12):1502-6.

Eighty-nine patients with quiescent ulcerative colitis were randomized to receive curcumin, 1g after breakfast and 1g after the evening meal, plus sulfasalazine (SZ) or mesalamine, or placebo plus SZ or mesalamine for 6 months. Clinical activity index (CAI) and endoscopic index (EI) were determined at baseline, every 2 months (CAI), at the end of the trial, and at the 6-month follow-up. The recurrence rates showed significant difference between curcumin and placebo groups (P=.049). Curcumin also improved both CAI (P=.038) and EI (P=.0001) thereby reducing the morbidity associated with ulcerative colitis.
Two patients on curcumin relapsed during the study period compared to 8 in the placebo group. A 6-month follow-up showed that an additional eight patients in the curcumin group and 6 in placebo group relapsed. 
Further studies are needed to evaluate curcumin's potential as a maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis.

 

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References
  1. Garcea G, et al. Consumption of the putative chemopreventive agent curcumin by cancer patients: assessment of curcumin levels in the colorectum and their pharmacodynamic consequences. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2005 Jan;14(1):120-5.
  2. Ravindranath V, Chandrasekhara N. Absorption and tissue distribution of curcumin in rats. Toxicology 1980;16:259-65.
  3. Kawamori T, et al. Chemopreventive effect of curcumin, a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory agent, during the promotion/progression stages of colon cancer. Cancer Res 1999;59:597-601.
  4. Mehta K, et al. Antiproliferative effect of curcumin (diferuloylmethane) against human breast tumor cell lines. Anticancer Drugs 1997;8:470-81.
  5. Rao CV, et al. Chemoprevention of colon carcinogenesis by dietary curcumin, a naturally occurring plant phenolic compound. Cancer Res 1995;55:259-66.
  6. Siwak D, et al Curcumin-induced antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in melanoma cells are associated with suppression of 1kB kinase and nuclear factor kB activity and are independent of the B-Raf/Mitogen activated/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase pathway and the Akt pathway. Cancer 2005;104(4):879-90.
  7. Uddin S, et al. Curcumin suppresses growth and induces apoptosis in primary effusion lymphoma. Oncogene 2005:1-9.
  8. Venkatesan N. Curcumin prevents adriamycin nephrotoxicity in rats. Br J Pharmacol 2000;129:231-4.
  9. Bundy R, et al. Turmeric extract may improve irritable bowel syndrome symptomology in otherwise healthy adults: a pilot study. J Altern Complement Med. 2004 Dec;10(6):1015-8.
  10. Hanai H, Iida T, Takeuchi K, et al. Curcumin maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis: randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2006 Dec;4(12):1502-6.
  11. Ng TP, Chiam PC, Lee T, et al. Curry consumption and cognitive function in the elderly. Am J Epidemiol 2006; 164(9):898-906.
  12. Baum L, Lam CW, Cheung SK, et al. Six-month randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, pilot clinical trial of curcumin in patients with Alzheimer disease. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2008 Feb;28(1):110-3.
  13. Tang M, Larson-Meyer DE, Liebman M. Effect of cinnamon and turmeric on urinary oxalate excretion, plasma lipids, and plasma glucose in healthy subjects.Am J Clin Nutr 2008 May;87(5):1262-7.
  14. Watson JL, Hill R, Lee PW, et al. Curcumin induces apoptosis in HCT-116 human colon cancer cells in a p21-independent manner. Exp Mol Pathol 2008 Jun;84(3):230-3.
  15. Liao YF, Hung HC, Hour TC, et al. Curcumin induces apoptosis through an ornithine decarboxylase-dependent pathway in human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells. Life Sci 2008 Feb 13;82(7-8):367-75.
  16. Somasundaram S, et al. Dietary curcumin inhibits chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in models of human breast cancer. Cancer Res 2002;62:3868-75.
  17. Kunnynajjara AB, Guha S, Krishnan S, et al. Curcumin potentiates antitumor activity of gemcitabine in an orthotopic model of pancreatic cancer through suppression of proliferation, angiogenesis, and inhibition of nuclear factor-kappaB-regulated gene products. Cancer Res. 2007 Apr 15;67(8):3853-61.
  18. Juan H, Terhaag B, Cong Z, et al. Unexpected effect of concomitantly administered curcumin on the pharmacokinetics of talinolol in healthy Chinese volunteers. Eur J clin Pharmacol 2007 Jul;63(7):663-8.
  19. Leung AY, et al. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics, 2nd ed. New York: Wiley; 1996.
  20. Asai A, Miyazawa T. Occurrence of orally administered curcuminoid as glucuronide and glucuronide/sulfate conjugates in rat plasma. Life Sci 2000;67:2785-93.
  21. Kunnynajjara AB, Diagaradjane P, Guha S, et al. Curcumin sensitizes human colorectal cancer xenografts in nude mice to gamma-radiation by targeting nuclear factor-kappaB-regulated gene products. Clin Cancer Res. 2008 Apr 1;14(7):2128-36.
  22. Blumenthal, et al. Herbal Medicine, Expanded Commission E Monographs. Austin: American Botanical Council; 2000.
  23. Appiah-Opong R, Commandeur JN, van Vugt-Lussenburg B, Vermeulen NP. Inhibition of human recombinant cytochrome P450s by curcumin and curcumin decomposition products. Toxicology. 2007 Jun 3;235(1-2):83-91.
  24. McGuffin M, et al. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Florida: CRC Press; 1997.
  25. Brinker F. Herbal Contraindications and Drug Interactions, 2nd ed. Sandy (OR): Eclectic Medical Publications; 1998.
  26. Baum L, Cheung SK, Mok VC, et al. Curcumin effects on blood lipid profile in a 6-month human study. Pharmacol Res 2007 Dec;56(6):509-14.
  27. James J. Curcumin: clinical trial finds no antiviral effect. AIDS Treat News 1996;242:1.
  28. Li JK, et al. Mechanisms of cancer chemoprevention by curcumin. Proc Natl Sci Counc Repub China B 2001;25:59-66.
  29. Dhillon N, Aggarwal BB, Newman RA, et al. Phase II trial of curcumin in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Clin Cancer Res. 2008 Jul 15;14(14):4491-9.
  30. Bartik L, Whitfield GK, Kaczmarska M, et al. Curcumin: a novel nutritionally derived ligand of the vitamin D receptor with implications for colon cancer chemoprevention. J Nutr Biochem. 2010 Feb 11. [Epub ahead of print]
  31. Pavithra BH, Prakash N, Jayakumar K. Modification of pharmacokinetics of norfloxacin following oral administration of curcumin in rabbits. J Vet Sci. 2009 Dec;10(4):293-7.
  32. Zhang W, Lim LY. Effects of spice constituents on P-glycoprotein-mediated transport and CYP3A4-mediated metabolism in vitro. Drug Metab Dispos. 2008;36:1283-1290.
  33. Zhang W, Tan TM, Lim LY. Impact of curcumin-induced changes in P-glycoprotein and CYP3A expression on the pharmacokinetics of peroral celiprolol and midazolam in rats. Drug Metab Dispos. 2007;35:110-115.
  34. Kuptniratsaikul V, Thanakhumtorn S, Chinswangwatanakul P, et al. Efficacy and safety of Curcuma domestica extracts in patients with knee osteoarthritis. J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Aug;15(8):891-7.
  35. Chang KW, Hung PS, Lin IY, et al. Curcumin upregulates insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5 (IGFBP-5) and C/EBPalpha during oral cancer suppression. Int J Cancer. 2010 Feb 2.
  36. Bayet-Robert M, Kwiatkowski F, Leheurteur M, et al. Phase I dose escalation trial of docetaxel plus curcumin in patients with advanced and metastatic breast cancer. Cancer Biol Ther. 2010 Jan;9(1):8-14.
  37. Lee JI, Cho BK, Ock SM, Park HJ. Pigmented contact cheilitis: from green tea? Contact Dermatitis. 2010 Jan;62(1):60-1.
  38. Chen Y, Liu WH, Chen BL, et al. Plant polyphenol curcumin significantly affects CYP1A2 and CYP2A6 activity in healthy, male Chinese volunteers. Ann Pharmacother. 2010 Jun;44(6):1038-45.
  39. Hata M, Sasaki E, Ota M, et al. Allergic contact dermatitis from curcumin (turmeric). Contact Dermatitis. 1997 Feb;36(2):107-8.
  40. Lamb SR, Wilkinson SM. Contact allergy to tetrahydrocurcumin. Contact Dermatitis. 2003 Apr;48(4):227.
  41. Liddle M, Hull C, Liu C, Powell D. Contact urticaria from curcumin. Dermatitis. 2006 Dec;17(4):196-7.
  42. Cemil B, Topuz K, Demircan MN, et al. Curcumin improves early functional results after experimental spinal cord injury. Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2010 Jun 10.
  43. Bachmeier BE, Mirisola V, Romeo F, et al. Reference profile correlation reveals estrogen-like trancriptional activity of Curcumin. Cell Physiol Biochem. 2010;26(3):471-82.
  44. Avinash K Kudva, MN Manoj, Bale M Swamy, Candadai S Ramadoss. Complexation of amphotericin B and curcumin with serum albumins solubility and effect on erythrocyte membrane damage. Journal of Experimental Pharmacology 2011:3 1-6.
  45. Wong TF, Takeda T, Li B, et al. Curcumin disrupts uterine leiomyosarcoma cells through AKT-mTOR pathway inhibition. Gynecol Oncol. 2011 Jul;122(1):141-8.

 

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How It Works

Bottom Line: Turmeric demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities in lab studies. Recent clinical trial suggests curcumin has biological activity in some cancer patients but more studies are needed to verify its benefits.
Turmeric is a spice that has been used in cooking for centuries. Scientists have determined that turmeric has many biological activities, although they do not fully understand exactly how it exerts these effects. From laboratory experiments, it has been deduced that substances in turmeric (called curcuminoids) prevent inflammation by inhibiting the molecules that mediate inflammatory reactions. Curcuminoids may protect the body in a few ways: they enhance the activity of an important detoxifying enzyme and they also act as antioxidants by neutralizing free radicals (which can cause DNA damage). In rats, turmeric prevented the development of kidney damage from toxins. Turmeric also stimulates the flow of bile in the gastrointestinal tract.

In rats exposed to cancer-causing substances, those that were treated with turmeric were protected from colon, stomach, and skin cancers. Turmeric also stops the replication of tumor cells when applied directly to them in the laboratory, but it is unknown if this effect occurs in the human body. Curcumin, a curcuminoid, has shown biological activity in pancreatic cancer patients and there are ongoing studies to test its effect as an adjuvant in cancer treatment. However, recent experiments have suggested that turmeric might interfere with the activity of some chemotherapy drugs in breast cancer, so the question remains whether this spice is helpful or harmful during chemotherapy.
Curcumin also showed weak phytoestrogenic activity in a laboratory study. Human data are needed.

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Purported Uses
  • To prevent cancer
    Several animal studies suggest that turmeric prevents colon, stomach, and skin cancers in rats exposed to carcinogens, but there is no proof from clinical trials that it can prevent cancer in humans.
  • To treat infections
    No scientific evidence supports this use. One clinical trial showed that turmeric does not help lower viral load in HIV positive patients.
  • To reduce inflammation
    Laboratory and animal studies suggest that turmeric reduces inflammation. There are ongoing clinical trials on this effect in humans.
  • To treat kidney stones
    No scientific evidence supports this use.
  • To relieve stomach and intestinal gas
    No clinical trials have evaluated this use.
  • To improve gall bladder function
    Several clinical studies show that turmeric enhances contraction of the gall bladder in humans.
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Research Evidence

Osteoarthritis
This study randomized 107 patients with primary knee osteoarthritis with pain score of > or =5 to receive 800 mg/day ibuprofen or 2g/day C. domestica extracts for 6 weeks. The authors report signficant improvement at 0, 2, 4 and 6 weeks compared to baseline values in both the groups, with the exception of pain on stairs. Side effects also did not differ much between the groups. C.domestica extracts were as effective and safe as ibuprofen in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

Alzheimer's Disease
Twenty-seven patients with progressive decline in memory and cognitive function for six months were randomized to receive 4g, 1g (with 3g color-matched placebo powder) or 4g of placebo once daily for six months. Patients were also given one capsule containing 120 mg standardized ginkgo leaf extract as it showed moderate benefit in previous studies. Researchers reported lack of cognitive decline in patients in the placebo group so it is not clear if curcumin can benefit patients with Alzheimer's disease. More studies are needed.

Cancer Treatment
Twenty-five patients with advanced pancreatic cancer were given 8 g curcumin daily, orally, until disease progression, with restaging every 2 months. Researchers reported biological activity (lowered expression of some immune system markers) of curcumin in some patients, with brief remission in one patient. Larger, randomized studies are needed.  

High Cholesterol
The effects of curcumin on blood lipid profiles were studied in this randomized, double-blind trial of 36 elderly participants. Subjects received curcumin (1 or 4 g/day) or placebo and their serum lipid profiles were measured at baseline, 1 month, and 6 months. The side effects were similar between the groups. The authors observed a slight increase in cholesterol levels in the curcumin group. Larger studies are required to determine if curcumin supplementation may increase cholesterol levels.

Ulcerative colitis
Eighty-nine patients with inactive ulcerative colitis were randomized to receive curcumin, 1g after breakfast and 1g after the evening meal, plus sulfasalazine (SZ) or mesalamine, or placebo plus SZ or mesalamine for 6 months. The recurrence rates showed significant difference between curcumin and placebo groups, with those in curcumin group faring better; curcumin reduced the morbidity associated with ulcerative colitis.

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Patient Warnings
  • This product is regulated by the FDA as a dietary supplement. Unlike approved drugs, supplements are not required to be manufactured under specific standardized conditions. This product may not contain the labeled amount or may be contaminated. In addition, it may not have been tested for safety or effectiveness.
  • Recent laboratory findings indicate that dietary turmeric may inhibit the anti-tumor action of chemotherapeutic drugs such as cyclophosphamide in treating breast cancer. More research is necessary, but patients undergoing chemotherapy should ask their doctor if they should limit their intake of turmeric and turmeric-containing foods.
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Do Not Take If
  • You have bile duct obstruction, gallstones, or gastrointestinal disorders such as stomach ulcers and hyperacidity disorders.
  • You are taking reserpine (Turmeric may lessen its effects).
  • You are taking indomethacin (Turmeric may lessen its effects).
  • You are taking warfarin or other blood thinners (Turmeric may increase your risk of bleeding).
  • You are taking chemotherapy drugs such as camptothecin, mechlorethamine, doxorubicin, or cyclophosphamide (Turmeric inhibits the action of these drugs against breast cancer cells in lab experiments).
  • You are taking Norfloxacin: Curcumin makes this stay in the blood for a longer time, thereby reducing the need for taking higher amounts of the drug.
  • You are taking drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 enzyme: Curcumin inhibits cytochrome 3A4 enzyme, altering the metabolism of certain prescription drugs.
  • You are taking drugs transported by P-Glycoprotein: Curcumin was shown to downregulate intestinal P-Glycoprotein level, thereby increasing the concentrations of prescription drugs such as Celiprolol and midazolam.
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Side Effects
  • Allergic Dermatitis
  • Contact Urticaria
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Dosage (Inside MSKCC Only)
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Aliases
Curcuma Longa
Curcumin
Indian Saffron
Jiang Huang
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E-mail your questions and comments to aboutherbs@mskcc.org.
Last updated: December 28, 2011