Turmeric
Turmeric and curcumin: what NIH says about osteoarthritis, liver and other uses, why bioavailable curcumin products have been linked to liver damage, and how forms differ.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Safety first. Supplements can cause side effects and interact with medicines. Read mushroom safety and interactions before you use any mushroom product.
Stop turmeric or curcumin and talk to a clinician right away if you notice fatigue, nausea, poor appetite, dark urine or yellow skin or eyes. Liver damage has been reported with curcumin products made to be absorbed better. [1]
Overview
Turmeric is a plant in the ginger family grown commercially in Southeast Asia and India. Its rhizome (underground stem) is used in cooking and cosmetics, and curcumin, a major component, gives the spice its yellow color. The health activity is commonly attributed to curcuminoids, which include curcumin. It has been used in Chinese, Ayurvedic, Islamic and Thai traditional medicine for conditions such as indigestion, colds, skin infections, arthritis and liver disease. [1]Names, parts and forms
Curcuma longa (synonym Curcuma domestica). [1][2] The rhizome is the part used. Kitchen turmeric, turmeric supplements and curcumin supplements are not the same: oral curcumin products vary in how much curcumin they contain and often contain other plant substances such as piperine from black pepper, which improves absorption. [1] See Turmeric vs curcumin.What the research shows (NIH summary)
NIH says it does not know enough to conclude whether turmeric or curcumin is beneficial for any health purpose, and that it is challenging to compare the evidence. [1]| Use | What NIH says | Strength of evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Osteoarthritis (oral) | Several meta-analyses looked at knee pain, stiffness and function. The initial evidence is positive, but higher-quality evidence is needed, and more research is needed on how absorption affects results. [1] | Initial |
| Osteoarthritis (curcumin ointment) | Unclear whether it has an effect on knee pain. [1] | Unclear |
| Fatty liver disease (NAFLD) | Initial research suggests oral turmeric or curcumin might improve some measures, but it is unclear which ones consistently. [1] | Initial |
| Oral mucositis from cancer treatment | Initial research suggests an oral or mouthwash form might improve symptoms. [1] | Initial |
| Other conditions | Not enough evidence to conclude. [1] | Insufficient |
Safety
- Conventionally formulated oral turmeric or curcumin (not modified to enhance absorption) is likely safe in the recommended amounts for up to 2 or 3 months. [1]
- Side effects of oral turmeric can include nausea and vomiting, acid reflux, stomach upset, diarrhea or constipation. Topical curcumin can cause hives or itching. [1]
- Liver: highly bioavailable formulations may harm your liver, and liver damage has been reported in some people who used them. [1]
- Turmeric supplements during pregnancy may be unsafe. Little is known about amounts above food levels while breastfeeding. [1]
- NIH does not name specific drug interactions on this page. Ask a pharmacist, especially if you take medicines processed by the liver.
Quality
Products vary in curcumin content and may include other ingredients. [1] See the label guide.Frequently asked questions
Is turmeric the same as curcumin?
No. Curcumin is a major component of turmeric. Supplements differ in how much curcumin they contain and what else is added. [1]
Does turmeric help arthritis?
NIH says the initial evidence for osteoarthritis is positive, but better studies are needed. [1]
Can turmeric harm the liver?
Liver damage has been reported with highly bioavailable curcumin products. [1]
References
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Turmeric: Usefulness and Safety. Page last updated April 2025.
- GBIF Secretariat. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Names checked 2026-10-22 through the GBIF species match service.