Herbs & Botanicals · Herbs · Golden spice and joint-pain supplement

Turmeric

Q: What is turmeric good for?

Turmeric is a long-used kitchen spice and traditional herb. The best-studied modern use is concentrated curcumin extract for knee osteoarthritis pain, with low-certainty evidence of small benefit. Pooled trials also show lower CRP and blood sugar, rated moderate, but these are lab markers. Evidence for mood, memory and most other uses is low or very low. Almost all trials used extracts, not food.

Q: Can turmeric supplements damage the liver?

Yes, rarely, and it can be serious. Case series from the US, Italy and Spain describe jaundice, dark urine and itching 1 to 4 months after starting a turmeric or curcumin supplement. In 10 US cases, five people were hospitalised and one died of acute liver failure. Most people recovered after stopping. No study measured how often it happens, and Australia's regulator calls the risk rare. If you notice warning signs, stop the product and get medical care the same day.

Q: Is turmeric in food safe for the liver?

The liver reports involve concentrated or high-absorption supplements, not turmeric used as a spice. The Australian regulator says the risk does not appear related to typical dietary amounts. This does not apply to people with liver disease or gallstones who have been told to avoid it, so ask a clinician if that is you.

Q: Does black pepper make turmeric work better, and is that safe?

A 1998 study found 20 mg of piperine (the active part of black pepper) raised blood levels of 2 g of curcumin by about 2,000%. Two later crossover studies did not find a clear piperine benefit. Several liver injury cases involve products with piperine, and a review says it may contribute, but this is not proven. Piperine can also affect how some medicines are processed. Ask a pharmacist if you take a medicine with a narrow safety margin.

Q: Why is curcumin so poorly absorbed?

Curcumin does not dissolve well, is broken down quickly and is converted by the gut and liver into other forms. In one study, no curcumin was detected in blood after doses of 500 to 8,000 mg. Boosted forms raise blood levels, but higher blood levels have not been shown to bring better results.

Q: Is kitchen turmeric as good as a curcumin supplement?

They are different. Turmeric spice is only up to about 5% curcuminoids, so a normal meal gives a tiny amount. No placebo-controlled trial of cooking-level turmeric was found for the uses in this guide. In one meal study, turmeric powder gave more blood curcumin than purified curcumin powder, so food may help absorption. But that was a blood-level test, not a health result. Food turmeric is not shown to do what extract capsules were tested for.

Q: Does turmeric help arthritis and joint pain?

For knee osteoarthritis, pooled trials of concentrated extracts find less pain and stiffness than placebo over 4 to 12 weeks. One 367-person trial found an extract matched ibuprofen with fewer stomach complaints. The trials are small and of low quality, so confidence is low. For rheumatoid arthritis the evidence is very low, and it is not a replacement for arthritis medicine.

Q: Can turmeric lower blood sugar or cholesterol?

Pooled trials found lower fasting blood sugar (about 11 mg/dL) and HbA1c (about 0.54 points) in people with type 2 diabetes, rated moderate. Cholesterol changes are small and rated low. These are lab changes in short trials. Tell your prescriber if you take diabetes medicines, because blood sugar could drop further.

Q: Does turmeric help depression or memory?

Small trials, mostly adding curcumin to an antidepressant, found a small to moderate drop in depression scores, with low certainty. For memory the results are mixed. Curcumin has not been shown to treat or prevent Alzheimer's disease. It is not a replacement for treatment.

Q: Who should avoid turmeric supplements?

People with liver disease or a past turmeric liver injury, bile duct blockage or gallstones, and anyone with an allergy to turmeric should avoid concentrated supplements. The EU monograph also advises against supplement doses in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and under age 18. Take care if you form oxalate kidney stones, take blood thinners or diabetes medicines, or have surgery planned.

Curcuma longa L. · also called Turmeric, common turmeric, Indian saffron, haldi or haridra (Hindi and Sanskrit), cúrcuma (Spanish), kurkuma (German), jianghuang (Chinese medicine). The main yellow compound is curcumin.

Turmeric is the yellow underground stem (rhizome) of a ginger-family plant. It is a kitchen spice and a long-used traditional herb. Most modern research is on curcumin, its main yellow compound, taken as a concentrated extract. Trials suggest small benefits for knee arthritis pain and some blood markers, but most evidence is low certainty. Rare serious liver injury has been reported with supplements.

General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update October 24, 2026 · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made

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About Turmeric

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is the bright yellow rhizome of a ginger-family plant, used for centuries as a spice and in traditional medicine. Please read this first: nearly all the human trials used concentrated extracts of its main yellow compound, curcumin, not the turmeric you cook with. The only turmeric-powder trials we found were a single-meal memory test and a three-person case report. For most uses the evidence is low or very low certainty. A few findings are moderate, and they are lab markers: lower CRP (an inflammation marker) and lower blood sugar. Knee osteoarthritis pain has the most trials, and they are small and of low quality. Safety needs equal attention. Turmeric and curcumin supplements have caused rare but serious liver injury, including hospital stays and at least one death, mostly with concentrated or high-absorption products and often with black pepper added. Cheap turmeric spice has also been found adulterated with toxic lead chromate. Ordinary kitchen amounts are not linked to the liver reports. People with liver, bile duct or gallbladder problems, and people who are pregnant, should avoid supplements.

What it is

Turmeric is Curcuma longa, a plant in the ginger family. The part used is the rhizome, an underground stem that is yellowish-orange inside, aromatic and a little bitter. It is a staple spice in South Asian cooking and has also been a yellow dye and a food preservative.

Turmeric spice, a turmeric root capsule and a curcumin extract are three different things. Curcumin is only up to about 5% of the spice. Extracts sold for health are usually purified to about 95% curcuminoids, so one capsule can hold far more curcumin than you would ever eat in food.

Do not confuse it with Javanese turmeric (temulawak, Curcuma zanthorrhiza), a related plant used in Indonesian jamu medicine.

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What makes it distinctive

The yellow colour and most of the research come from curcumin and two close relatives, together called curcuminoids. In test tubes and animals curcumin switches off inflammation signals and boosts the body's own antioxidant response. But the amounts used in the lab are far higher than the amounts that reach human blood.

Absorption is the big problem. In one study of 24 healthy people, no curcumin could be detected in the blood after single doses of 500 to 8,000 mg. Curcumin that is swallowed is mostly converted by the gut and liver into other forms. This is why makers add black pepper (piperine) or use phospholipid, micelle or nanoparticle forms. A 1998 study reported black pepper raised curcumin blood levels by about 2,000%, but two recent crossover studies did not find a piperine benefit. Boosted forms also raise blood levels of conjugates, and higher blood levels have not been shown to give better results.

A chemistry review also warns that curcumin is unstable and reactive and can look active in many lab tests for the wrong reasons. So lab findings about curcumin should not be read as findings about turmeric as a food.

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Historical and current uses

Reviews describe turmeric in Indian (Ayurvedic) medicine for skin, lung and stomach complaints, aches, wounds and liver disorders, and in Chinese medicine as jianghuang. The reviews give different ages for this use, so we do not put a date on it. Curcumin was first isolated in 1815.

In Europe, the EMA herbal committee accepts turmeric rhizome only as a traditional herbal medicine for digestive complaints such as fullness, slow digestion and wind. The traditional amounts are 0.5 to 1 g of powder 2 to 3 times a day, as a tea or powder, with a tincture or a small dry extract as other forms. That approval rests on long use, not on trials.

Today most people take turmeric for joint pain, and many take it for inflammation, blood sugar or mood. Those uses come from modern curcumin trials, not from tradition.

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What the research shows

Knee osteoarthritis has the most trials. Pooled analyses of small trials of extracts find lower pain and stiffness than placebo over 4 to 12 weeks, and one 367-person trial found an extract roughly matched ibuprofen. Quality is low and the results vary widely between trials. Heterogeneity in one analysis was above 85%, so the size of benefit is uncertain.

The moderate-certainty findings are lab markers. Pooled trials show lower blood CRP, and in people with type 2 diabetes lower fasting blood sugar and HbA1c. Smaller improvements in cholesterol, liver enzymes and waist size are rated low. None of these has been shown to prevent a joint replacement, heart attack or diabetes complication.

For depression, small short trials mostly add curcumin to an antidepressant and find a small to moderate gain, with low certainty. For memory, results are mixed, and curcumin has not been shown to treat or prevent Alzheimer's disease. For radiation skin reactions in breast cancer, the best trial found no benefit.

Almost every trial used a concentrated extract or a boosted-absorption product. No placebo-controlled trial of cooking-level turmeric was found for any of these uses. Many trials are small, short and come from a few research groups, and we read abstracts only. Natural turmeric in food is not shown to do what these capsules did.

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Root, leaf, powder, extract: what is the difference?

Kitchen spice, ground turmeric and fresh root

Dried ground rhizome or grated fresh root used in food. Only a few percent of the powder is curcuminoids, so 1,000 mg of powder holds roughly 10 to 50 mg of them.

Cooking amounts are far below the doses used in trials, so trial results do not apply to a pinch in your food. In one single-meal study of healthy men, turmeric powder or fresh root gave more blood curcumin than purified curcumin powder, which suggests the food and the other turmeric compounds help absorption. That study measured blood levels, not health benefit. Spice can be adulterated with lead chromate, so choose a seller that tests for lead.

Turmeric root powder capsules and EU traditional forms

Whole-rhizome powder in capsules, or the EU traditional forms: 0.5 to 1 g of powder 2 to 3 times a day, an infusion of the same amount, tinctures, or small dry extracts, all for digestive complaints.

The EU uses are traditional and are not backed by trials. EMA advises seeing a doctor if symptoms last more than 2 weeks, and advises against use under 18, in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and with liver, bile duct or gallstone disease. No health-outcome trial of plain root powder capsules was found.

Standardised curcuminoid extract (about 95%)

Purified curcumin and related curcuminoids in a capsule or tablet, without an absorption booster. This form is behind many of the knee arthritis, colitis and mood trials.

Very little reaches the blood. In one study no curcumin was detected in blood after up to 8,000 mg. Trial benefits may come from effects in the gut or at low blood levels. Do not assume results from boosted products apply to plain extract, or the reverse.

Curcumin with black pepper (piperine)

Curcuminoids sold with piperine, a black pepper extract that slows the gut and liver from clearing curcumin.

A 1998 study of 2 g of curcumin with 20 mg piperine reported about a 2,000% rise in blood levels, but later crossover studies found no clear piperine benefit. Many liver injury reports involve piperine products, but piperine has not been proven to be the cause. Piperine can also affect how some medicines are processed.

Boosted-absorption branded forms

Phospholipid complexes such as Meriva, micelles, nanoparticles, lipid-particle products such as Longvida, and Theracurmin and similar forms.

Blood-level studies in healthy people show much higher curcumin or conjugate levels than plain powder, from about 8 to 185 times depending on the product and the study. Most are small, short and linked to the makers. No head-to-head trial shows one form works better, and higher blood level has not been shown to mean more benefit. The Italian and Tuscan liver injury reports involve high-dose, high-absorption forms.

Combination products and tea

Curcumin blended with boswellia, ginger or other herbs, and turmeric teas or golden-milk drinks.

A blend cannot show which ingredient does the work. We found no reliable source for golden-milk amounts. Teas made from the whole rhizome differ in strength from product to product and cannot be compared in milligrams with extract capsules.

At a glance

Traditional uses history, not proof

Ayurveda and other Asian medicine: used on the skin, for the stomach and gut, for aches and pains, for wounds and for liver complaints
A food spice, a yellow dye and a food preservative across South Asia
EU traditional herbal use: a tea, powder, tincture or extract for digestive complaints such as fullness, slow digestion and wind, based only on long use and not on trials

Studied for research

Knee osteoarthritis pain and stiffness, low certainty
Blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and the blood inflammation marker CRP, moderate certainty for these lab markers
Depression, added to usual treatment, low certainty
Cholesterol, fatty liver and metabolic syndrome, low certainty
Ulcerative colitis (added to usual medicine) and indigestion, low certainty
Memory, anxiety and rheumatoid arthritis, very low or mixed certainty

Main compounds

Curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin (the yellow curcuminoids; curcumin is up to about 5% of the spice)
Turmerones such as ar-turmerone (aroma compounds in the essential oil)
Tetrahydrocurcumin and other breakdown products that form in the gut and liver after swallowing curcumin

Common forms

Ground spice and fresh root, used in cooking
Turmeric root powder capsules or tea
Standardised curcuminoid extracts (often 95% curcuminoids), used in most trials
Boosted-absorption products: with black pepper (piperine), phospholipid, micelle, nanoparticle or lipid-particle forms
Tinctures and dry extracts (EU traditional use)

Research links: NIH NCCIH: Turmeric · EU herbal monograph on turmeric rhizome (EMA) · Australia TGA safety alert: turmeric, curcumin and liver injury · PubMed: Turmeric supplement liver injury, 10 cases from the US DILIN network · PubMed: curcumin randomized trials · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library

The plant and its history

Accepted scientific name: Curcuma longa L.
Naming authority: L. (Linnaeus); GBIF accepted species, usageKey 2757624
Synonyms: Curcuma domestica Valeton; Curcuma domestica L. (as listed); Curcuma tinctoria Guibourt; Curcuma brog Valeton; Curcuma ochrorhiza Valeton; Curcuma soloensis Valeton; Amomum curcuma Jacq.; Amomum curcuma Murray; Kua domestica Medik.; Stissera curcuma Giseke; Stissera curcuma Raeusch.; Curcuma longa var. vanaharidra Velay., Pandrav., J.K.George & Varapr.
Common names: Turmeric; common turmeric; Indian saffron (English); Haridra (हरिद्रा); Haldi (हलदी) (Sanskrit; Hindi (as listed by GBIF)); Cúrcuma; azafrán de la India (Spanish); Curcuma; safran des Indes (French); Kurkuma; Gelbwurzel (German); Açafrão-da-terra; açafrão-da-Índia (Portuguese); Jianghuang (姜黄 / 薑黃) (Chinese)
Botanical family: Zingiberaceae (ginger family, which also holds ginger, cardamom and galangal)
Classification: Plantae > Tracheophyta > Liliopsida (monocots) > Zingiberales > Zingiberaceae > Curcuma > Curcuma longa
Native range: Not verified from a primary source in this pass. Turmeric is a cultivated plant grown in warm climates in many regions (Sharifi-Rad 2020, p33041781) and is strongly tied to South Asia in the literature. Kew POWO native-range data were not retrieved.
Habitat: Cultivated in warm, humid regions (p33041781). Further agronomy details not verified.
What the plant looks like: Roots: The used part is the rhizome (underground stem), yellowish in colour, aromatic, slightly bitter (p33041781, describing rhizome organoleptic features). The EMA monograph names the herbal substance Curcuma longa L., rhizoma (s-ema-hmpc-curcuma-longa-2018).; Stems: Not verified in a source read.; Leaves: Not verified in a source read.; Flowers: Not verified in a source read. Reviewers note flowering is very short, which makes botanical identification in the genus hard (p33041781).; Fruit: Not verified in a source read.
Cultivation: Grown as a crop for the rhizome; agronomy, sowing and yields were not verified.
Harvest and processing: Not verified. Extraction method strongly changes what ends up in a product: in one lab study steam distillation gave at most 0.46% essential oil and 0.16% curcuminoid pigment, while solvent extraction gave up to 5.49% oil and 7.98% pigment (p14582978). These are process yields, not the content of the spice.
Look-alikes and adulterants: Name: Javanese turmeric / temulawak (Curcuma zanthorrhiza Roxb., written C. xanthorrhiza in much literature); Note: A separate accepted species (GBIF 2757547). Major jamu (Indonesian traditional medicine) rhizome used for appetite loss, stomach, liver and other complaints; chemistry includes curcuminoids and terpenoids (p34194529) and the compound xanthorrhizol (PubChem CID 93135), linked to this species by review titles in PubMed but not verified from text read. Not interchangeable with turmeric in monographs: the EMA monograph covers Curcuma longa only.; Name: Curcuma aromatica Salisb. (wild turmeric); Note: A separate accepted species (GBIF 2757544, NCBI taxid 136209). I could not retrieve a source that quantifies how its chemistry differs from C. longa, so no comparison numbers are given. Check the Latin name on any product label.; Name: Other Curcuma species (zedoary Curcuma zedoaria and others); Note: The genus holds about 120 species and identification is hard (p33041781). Mix-ups in trade are possible; rates were not verified.; Name: Turmeric powder adulterated with lead chromate pigment; Note: In Bangladesh, lead chromate yellow pigment adulteration was found in 7 of 9 major turmeric-producing districts, with up to 1152 ug/g lead in turmeric powder (p31550596). Not a look-alike plant but a real quality hazard; see the safety file.
Sustainability and conservation: Cultivated crop; no conservation status was verified.

The plant and the parts used

Close-up of turmeric rhizomes — The rhizome, the part used.

Close-up of turmeric rhizome — Turmeric rhizome, close-up.

Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof

Tradition or era	Documented use	Source
Ayurveda / Indian subcontinent	Reviews state turmeric has been used in Indian medicine, as a spice, as a food preservative and as a yellow textile dye. One review dates therapeutic use to the time of Ayurveda, which it gives as 1900 BC; another says Curcuma use goes back about 5,000 years (Ayurveda) and 2,000 years (Atharveda). The two dates disagree and are the authors' own statements. Uses listed include skin, lung and stomach/gut conditions, aches and pains, wounds, sprains and liver disorders.	p17569205; p33041781
Chinese medicine	Turmeric is described as widely used in Chinese medicine (rhizome Jianghuang). Specific classical texts, indications and the split between rhizome and tuber drugs were not verified in the sources read.	p33041781 (general statement only)
Indonesian jamu (related species)	Curcuma zanthorrhiza (temulawak) rhizome is a key jamu ingredient for loss of appetite, stomach and liver illness, constipation, dysentery and arthritis. This is a different plant from C. longa.	p34194529
Isolation of curcumin (science history)	Curcumin first isolated in 1815, purified crystalline compound described in 1870 and its structure (diferuloylmethane) proposed in 1910, as reported by two reviews (the second says first isolated 'almost two centuries ago').	p33041781; p17569205
Modern pharmacopoeial and regulatory status	Rhizome appears in the WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants vol. 1 (1999), the European Pharmacopoeia monograph 2543 and ESCOP. The EMA/HMPC EU herbal monograph (first adopted 12 November 2009, revised 25 September 2018) accepts only traditional use: relief of digestive disturbances such as fullness, slow digestion and flatulence, based exclusively on long-standing use, not on clinical trial proof.	s-ema-hmpc-curcuma-longa-2018; p33041781
Important note	The ages above describe tradition. Whether curcumin or turmeric helps a given condition is judged only by trials (see benefit files). Dating of ancient use varies by source and could not be verified from primary texts.	n/a

Traditional use shows how a plant was used. It does not show that a supplement works or is safe today.

What is inside, and how it may work

What the plant contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.

Main compounds

Compound	Family	Where it is concentrated	Activity studied	Level of evidence
Curcumin (curcumin I, diferuloylmethane) PubChem 969516	curcuminoid (diarylheptanoid polyphenol; yellow pigment)	Rhizome Curcumin is stated to be up to about 5% of turmeric (p28074653). Extract yields vary with method (pigment 0.16% by steam distillation up to 7.98% by solvent extraction, p14582978). No reliable single content figure for raw spice was verified.	Lab results include inhibition of NF-kB and COX-2 expression in cells and Nrf2/HO-1 activation in cells. It is chemically unstable at neutral pH (about 90% broken down in 30 min in pH 7.2 buffer), reacts with proteins and interferes in lab assays, and has been classified as a PAINS and an 'invalid metabolic panacea' candidate (Nelson 2017). Oral bioavailability is very poor. ^{130 186 170 144 18 8}	Laboratory research
Demethoxycurcumin PubChem 5469424	curcuminoid	Rhizome Present with curcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin; relative proportions were not verified. After a phospholipid formulation, demethoxycurcumin rather than curcumin was the main plasma curcuminoid (p21413691).	Similar effect on liver/gut enzymes (CYP3A, UGT, SULT) to curcumin in test-tube work; stronger CYP2C9 inhibition than the other two (IC50 about 8.8 microM) (p18480186). Described as more potent in many lab anti-inflammatory assays (p21413691). ^{185 37}	Laboratory research
Bisdemethoxycurcumin PubChem 5315472	curcuminoid	Rhizome Relative proportion not verified.	Similar effect to curcumin on CYP3A, UGT and SULT in the test tube (p18480186). Little else verified. ¹⁸⁵	Laboratory research
Tetrahydrocurcumin (metabolite) PubChem 124072	reduced curcumin metabolite	Formed in gut and liver after swallowing curcumin; not a native plant compound in meaningful amounts (not verified) n/a	Formed by reduction of curcumin in human gut and liver tissue (p11815407). Only weak PGE2-inhibiting activity compared with curcumin in human colon cells (p11221833). ^{91 90}	Laboratory research
ar-Turmerone PubChem 160512	sesquiterpenoid ketone (turmerone, essential oil)	Rhizome (essential oil) Part of the volatile oil; amounts not verified. Oil yields vary widely with method (0.46% to 5.49%, p14582978).	Main aroma/pungency compound of turmeric extract (p33041781). In the lab it made rat neural stem cells multiply and, injected into rat brain ventricles, mobilised stem cells (p25928248). No human data. ^{89 120 166}	Animal research
alpha-Turmerone PubChem 14632996	sesquiterpenoid ketone (turmerone)	Rhizome (essential oil) Quantity not verified.	Named as a component of the oil measured in extraction work (p14582978). Biological activity not verified in a source read. ¹²⁰	Laboratory research
beta-Turmerone PubChem 196216	sesquiterpenoid ketone (turmerone)	Rhizome (essential oil) Quantity not verified.	As alpha-turmerone: named as an oil component (p14582978); activity not verified. ¹²⁰	Laboratory research
Xanthorrhizol (mainly Javanese turmeric, not C. longa) PubChem 93135	bisabolane sesquiterpenoid phenol	C. zanthorrhiza rhizome Not measured here.	Titles of two reviews (PMIDs 26500452, 35933899) tie xanthorrhizol to Curcuma xanthorrhiza, but they were not read, so activity claims are not given. The Rahmat 2021 abstract names terpenoids and curcuminoids but not xanthorrhizol specifically. ¹⁴⁸	Laboratory research
Turmeric essential oil (mixture)	mono- and sesquiterpenoids	Rhizome Oil yield depends on method; 0.46% (steam) to 5.49% (solvent) in one study (p14582978).	Volatile fraction responsible for aroma. Added back into a curcumin formulation in one study it raised blood curcuminoids only 1.3-fold versus standard curcumin (p24461029). Turmeric essential oils and oleoresins have US GRAS status per the Sharifi-Rad review (p33041781). ^{120 93 166}	Laboratory research
Piperine (not from turmeric; added to some products) PubChem 638024	alkaloid from black pepper	Black pepper fruit; not a turmeric constituent Doses in the key trial: 20 mg with 2 g curcumin (p9619120).	Inhibits glucuronidation and strongly inhibits intestinal CYP3A in the test tube (IC50 5.5 microM); raised human serum curcumin by 2000% in a small 1998 study (p9619120, p18480186). ^{168 185}	Laboratory research

Mechanisms, receptors and pathways

Target or pathway	Gene or receptor	What was found	Level
NF-kB / IKK signalling	NFKB1 / RELA (p50/p65); IKBKB / CHUK (IKK beta / alpha); NFKBIA (IkB alpha)	Curcumin blocked TNF-, phorbol ester- and hydrogen peroxide-induced NF-kB activation in human myeloid cells, stopping IkB alpha phosphorylation and p65 nuclear entry (1995), and prevented IkB phosphorylation by inhibiting IKK activity in human colon cells (1999). Cell-culture concentrations are micromolar; human blood after swallowing curcumin is mostly conjugates far below such levels (p21413691). Laboratory finding only. ^{170 144 37}	Laboratory research
COX-2 / prostaglandin E2	PTGS2 (COX-2)	Curcumin stopped TNF-alpha or fecapentaene-12 from inducing COX-2 in human colon cells, and 20 microM curcumin reduced PGE2 in human colon cells. The authors state this needs 10-5 to 10-4 M concentrations, which swallowed curcumin does not reach in blood, and metabolites (tetrahydro-, hexahydrocurcumin, sulfate) were much weaker. It may matter inside the gut itself, where exposure to unmetabolised curcumin is highest (their suggestion). Laboratory/animal finding only. ^{144 90}	Laboratory research
Nrf2 / antioxidant response (HO-1)	NFE2L2 (Nrf2), KEAP1, HMOX1 (HO-1); p38 MAPK	In kidney epithelial cells curcumin raised Nrf2 and HO-1 protein and activity, apparently by inactivating the Nrf2-Keap1 complex so Nrf2 bound the antioxidant response element. Cell-culture finding; this electrophile-type effect fits the reactive chemistry noted by Nelson 2017. ^{18 130}	Laboratory research
Reactivity / assay interference (PAINS behaviour)	Many proteins (non-specific)	Curcumin is chemically reactive and breaks down quickly at neutral pH, with degradation products including vanillin and ferulic acid. Nelson and colleagues argue that this explains many apparently positive 'hits' on many unrelated targets in lab screens and that the likely false activity led to over 120 clinical trials. Their view is critical expert opinion; it limits how far target lists can be trusted. ^{130 186}	Laboratory research
Drug-metabolising enzymes (CYPs, UGT, SULT)	CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2B6; UGT; SULT1A1/1A3	Curcuminoid extract inhibited human enzymes with IC50 about 1 to 25 microM (SULT strongest, then CYP2C19, CYP2B6, UGT, CYP2C9, CYP3A), mainly predicted to act inside the gut wall after swallowing. Piperine adds selective CYP3A4 inhibition. Test-tube data; clinical interaction size not shown here. ^{185 91}	Laboratory research
Systemic inflammation marker (CRP) in people	CRP (blood protein, not a gene target)	Meta-analysis of six placebo-controlled trials (172 curcuminoid, 170 placebo) found lower blood CRP: weighted mean difference -6.44 mg/L (95% CI -10.77 to -2.11), kept only with improved-absorption preparations and 4 weeks or longer. This is a human biomarker result, not proof of a clinical benefit, and it comes from few small trials. ¹⁵⁶	Human biomarker (meta analysis)
Neural stem cell proliferation (ar-turmerone)	Not identified (Ki-67 proliferation marker measured)	ar-Turmerone increased rat neural stem cell numbers in culture and mobilised stem cells in rat brain after direct injection into the ventricles. No oral or human data. ⁸⁹	Animal research

Absorption, metabolism and elimination

Absorption: Very poor from the gut. In a single-dose escalation in 24 healthy people no curcumin was detected in serum after 500 to 8,000 mg, and only low levels in two people at 10,000 and 12,000 mg (p16545122). At 10 g and 12 g, only one of 12 had detectable free curcumin; glucuronide and sulfate conjugates were detected in everyone, with Tmax about 3.3 h (p18559556). With 2 g plain curcumin, human serum was undetectable or very low (p9619120). Reviews list poor solubility, poor absorption, rapid metabolism and rapid elimination as the causes (p17999464, p31500361).
Distribution: Not verified in people. Rat data indicate curcumin disappears from plasma within 1 h after intravenous dosing (p11221833). Tissue distribution in humans was not found in the sources read.
Metabolism: Extensive conjugation (glucuronide, sulfate) and reduction (to tetrahydro- and hexahydrocurcumin) in the gut wall and liver; conjugation in human intestine is much greater than in rat intestine (p11815407, p11221833). In blood, conjugates are glucuronide or sulfate, not mixed, about 1.92:1 (p18559556). Curcumin also decomposes chemically at neutral pH (p9278892).
Elimination: Estimated half-life about 6.8 h for conjugates at 10-12 g doses (p18559556). Other figures not verified.
Bioavailability: Plain curcumin: negligible free curcumin in blood; mostly conjugates. Piperine (20 mg with 2 g curcumin) raised human bioavailability by 2000% in a small 1998 study (p9619120) and acts by blocking glucuronidation and intestinal CYP3A (p18480186); it also can raise exposure to other drugs (see safety file). Formulations versus plain curcumin in healthy-volunteer crossovers: micronized 9-fold and liquid micelles 185-fold (all subjects, p24402825); lecithin phytosome about 29-fold (Meriva, p21413691) or 7.9-fold in another study (p24461029); hydrophilic-carrier formulation 45.9-fold; turmeric volatile-oil formulation only 1.3-fold (p24461029). Even boosted blood levels are mostly inactive-ish conjugates and below concentrations active in lab tests (p21413691). Whether higher absorption means better clinical effect is not shown by these studies. Reviews: p17999464, p31500361, p32204372.

^{106 183 168 91 90 186 185 165 37 93 8 45 175}

Isolated compounds versus whole extracts

Turmeric spice (the whole rhizome) is not the same as curcumin or a curcuminoid extract. Curcumin is up to about 5% of turmeric (p28074653), so ordinary culinary amounts give small doses of curcuminoids, and the rhizome also holds essential-oil terpenoids such as ar-turmerone. Most lab and clinical research uses isolated curcumin or concentrated curcuminoid extracts (often 95% curcuminoids, p29065496), at doses far beyond the kitchen. The EMA's traditional-use monograph, by contrast, covers the whole rhizome as powder, tea, tincture or extracts at 0.5-1 g of powder or extract equivalents (s-ema-hmpc-curcuma-longa-2018), for digestive complaints only. Adding turmeric volatile oil to a curcumin product raised absorption only 1.3-fold in one trial, whereas other formulation strategies raised it far more (p24461029). Critics (Nelson 2017) argue that isolated curcumin is a poor drug candidate because it is unstable, reactive and not bioavailable, so findings on curcumin in a test tube should not be read as findings about turmeric as a food. Whether whole-turmeric components such as turmerones add real benefit in people has not been established.

Nutritional composition

Turmeric is eaten in small amounts as a spice, so it adds little to total nutrient intake. I did not retrieve USDA nutrient values in this pass, so no vitamin or mineral figures are given here; none are verified.

Products, quality and comparisons

Independent evidence comes first. Nothing in this section is a paid ranking. If a product link is added later, it will be marked clearly as an affiliate link and will never change what the research says.

Quality indicators

Plant named as Curcuma longa, with the part (rhizome) and whether it is root powder or an extract
Curcuminoids stated as a percentage with the test method (for example HPLC), and mg of curcuminoids or curcumin per serving, not only mg of 'turmeric'
Named formulation and the same daily mg of curcumin as a published trial, if you want to match research
Piperine or black pepper extract listed with its amount, not hidden in a blend
A statement or certificate that the lot was tested for lead and other heavy metals
A statement that the curcumin is from turmeric and not synthetic (a certificate of analysis or a natural-origin test)
Lot number and a certificate of analysis available on request
Independent seal checked on the certifier's own website

Identity and authenticity

A 2026 scoping review of 48 publications covering 2,235 commercial turmeric samples found an overall adulteration rate of 20.0%: 20.4% in spice samples and 22.0% in dietary and food supplements. The authors name artificial dyes, undeclared diluents and synthetic curcumin among the adulterants.
A 2022 study used carbon-14 and HPLC testing on 14 supplements that claimed to be 'all natural' turmeric products; only 4 supported the claim; the authors link the shortfall to synthetic curcumin. Two authors are at a curcumin trade association.
A 2020 HPLC study of 16 Curcuma longa extracts bought in India found 4 with the chemical signature of synthetic curcumin; the authors work for an herbal extract maker.
Methods papers describe metanil yellow, acid orange 7 and lead chromate as deliberate turmeric powder adulterants, and Raman spectroscopy detected metanil yellow down to 1% in powder. These are detection-method studies, not surveys of how common each dye is.
These findings describe the products tested and cannot be applied to any single brand.

Standardization and extract strength

The rhizome contains about 1 to 5% curcuminoids. Of the curcuminoids, curcumin is roughly 75 to 80%, demethoxycurcumin 15 to 20% and bisdemethoxycurcumin 3 to 5% (BfR, citing a review).
The food colouring E 100 must have a curcuminoid content of at least 90% under Regulation (EU) 231/2012, according to the BfR. Supplement extracts sold as '95% curcuminoids' are of that purified type.
The EU traditional-use monograph says the rhizome material must comply with European Pharmacopoeia monograph 2543.
Serving size is NOT the same as curcuminoid content: mg of curcuminoids = serving mg x percent.
Percent on the bottle does not predict absorption. In one crossover a micellar product raised the area under the curve 57-fold and a cyclodextrin product 30-fold versus native curcumin, while forms such as liposomes, turmeric oils, piperine adjuvants, submicron particles and phytosomes did not differ significantly.
Some studies compare against a 95% extract as reference. Whether the reference is plain curcuminoids, curcumin alone or a curcuminoid mix changes the fold numbers, so 'x-fold higher' claims are not comparable between studies.
A 2025 independent crossover study argues that bioavailability claims should be based on unconjugated curcumin, because conjugated forms cross membranes poorly; plasma conjugates were over 10 nM with all three formulations but free curcumin stayed below 2 nM in most cases.

Third-party testing

US supplements are not approved by the FDA before sale; NCCIH notes that oral curcumin products vary in how much curcumin they contain and often include other plant substances such as piperine.
Independent testing programmes (USP, NSF, ConsumerLab and others) differ in what they test, and a seal is a statement about that programme, not a guarantee of effect. We did not re-read their test lists for turmeric.
In the EU, a traditional herbal registration is a regulator's quality-and-safety route based on long use, not proof of efficacy.
In Italy, after 28 reports of liver inflammation linked to turmeric supplements in the first half of 2019, the national health institute tested the suspected products for drugs, heavy metals, aflatoxins, pesticides, synthetic dyes and pyrrolizidine alkaloids and regulators took action; the abstract does not give the test results.

Contaminants and adulterants

Lead chromate (a yellow industrial pigment) has been added to turmeric to brighten colour. In Bangladesh (2019), evidence of lead chromate adulteration was found in 7 of the 9 main turmeric-producing districts; maximum lead in turmeric powder was 690 micrograms per gram in those districts and 1,152 in Dhaka and Munshiganj. After an enforcement campaign, market samples with detectable lead fell from 47% in 2019 to 0% in 2021 (n=631).
A 2024 survey of 356 turmeric samples from 23 cities in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal found 14% with lead above 2 micrograms per gram; samples above 1,000 micrograms per gram came from Patna (India), Karachi and Peshawar (Pakistan).
A 2026 study of 503 samples from eastern India found 30% above India's lead limit of 10 micrograms per gram, highest in Bihar (maximum 6,416 micrograms per gram).
These studies sampled spice roots and powders in South Asian markets. We found no equivalent lead-chromate figure for finished capsules in the sources read, so these results do not show that supplements are contaminated.
Rapid tests exist: handheld X-ray fluorescence detects about 2 mg of lead per kg in powder, while a simple colour test works only above roughly 1,000 mg per kg in powders (5 to 70 in dried roots).
Pesticides, aflatoxins, microbes and solvent residues in turmeric supplements were not covered by the sources read, apart from the Italian testing programme above.

Reading a product label

Find Curcuma longa and the part used (rhizome); note whether it is powder or extract.
Look for mg of curcuminoids (or curcumin) per serving and servings per day, and compare mg per day and the named formulation with a trial, not with another bottle.
Check for piperine, black pepper extract, ginger or other added herbs and their amounts.
Look at the cautions: liver or gallbladder disease, pregnancy and breastfeeding, blood thinners, planned surgery and other medicines. Stop and call a clinician for fatigue, nausea, poor appetite, dark urine or yellow skin or eyes (NCCIH lists these as liver warning signs).
For an absorption-boosted product, the maker's fold-increase claim usually comes from one small, maker-linked crossover study.
Ask for the lot number and a certificate of analysis that includes lead and other heavy metals.
Check any seal on the certifier's own site.

Certifications and what they actually mean

Certification	What it means	What it does not tell you
EU traditional herbal medicinal product registration	A European route for herbal medicines based on long use; the EU monograph for turmeric rhizome sets amounts for tea, powder, tincture and dry extracts for digestive complaints.	Says the product is acceptable for the stated mild indication on the basis of tradition; does not claim trial-proven benefit.
European Pharmacopoeia monograph compliance (Ph. Eur. 2543)	The EMA says the material complies with this pharmacopoeia monograph.	A maker's statement; check a certificate of analysis. We did not read the pharmacopoeia text.
Third-party quality seals (USP, NSF, ConsumerLab and similar)	Independent programmes that test selected label and contaminant points.	What each programme tests differs; their lists were not re-read for this file, and testing of one lot does not apply to another.
Heavy metal or lead test statement	Maker or lab states the lot was tested for lead.	Ask for the certificate of analysis and the limit used; a statement alone is not a test result.
Natural-origin (carbon-14) or non-synthetic curcumin statement	A lab method that separates plant-based from petroleum-based carbon was used in one published turmeric study.	Not a standard label seal; ask the maker for the report.
GMP statement (cGMP)	The maker says it follows good manufacturing practice.	Not an independent test of the product.
Organic, vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free	Farming and ingredient claims.	Say nothing about curcuminoid content, absorption, lead or synthetic curcumin unless tested.

Comparing price and servings

Do not compare bottle prices. Step 1: cost per serving = bottle price / servings per bottle. Step 2: servings per day needed to reach the studied daily mg of curcuminoids or curcumin (studied mg per day / mg per serving). Step 3: cost per day = cost per serving x servings per day. Cost per 100 mg of curcuminoids = bottle price / (servings x mg of curcuminoids per serving / 100); use only products of the same type, because a boosted 80 mg product and a plain 1,000 mg product are not equivalent. Leave prices blank until a real current product is entered; no prices are included here.

Extract types compared

Extract	Plant part	Standardization	Trials	Evidence note	Safety note	Limitations	Studies
Plain standardized curcuminoid extract (about 95%; includes C3 Complex)	rhizome	Standardized to curcuminoids; percent not in most abstracts	Lao 2006 (single doses 500-12,000 mg); Kuptniratsaikul 2009 and 2014 (1,500-2,000 mg a day vs ibuprofen); Hanai 2006 (2 g a day); Lang 2015 (3 g a day)	Used as the reference in absorption studies: undetectable in serum up to 8,000 mg (Lao); not detected after 650 mg (Gota); 570 to 2,280 mg gave very low free curcumin (Kroon).	High single doses were well tolerated in healthy volunteers (minimal toxicity in 7 of 24, not dose-related).	Benefits in trials occur despite almost no blood curcumin; effects may be in the gut or independent of blood level.	^{106 71 102 104 103 78 105}
Curcumin plus piperine	rhizome extract + black pepper extract	Typical trial: curcuminoids 1,500 mg plus piperine 15 mg a day	Shoba 1998 (2 g curcumin + 20 mg piperine, human volunteers); Panahi 2016 (osteoarthritis); Flory 2021 and Kroon 2025 (crossovers)	Mixed: the 1998 study reported a 2000% rise in bioavailability; the 2021 crossover found adjuvants including piperine did not significantly raise exposure; the 2025 study found piperine added no benefit.	The BfR says liver-damaging effects have been seen with absorption-boosted curcumin products, often with piperine, but those products sometimes held other ingredients too.	Medicine interactions were not reviewed for this file.	^{168 138 54 102 64}
Whole turmeric (powder or fresh root) in a meal	rhizome	400 mg curcumin from each source in a fatty meal	Ahmed Nasef 2019 crossover	Plasma curcumin peak 8.4 ng/mL (turmeric powder), 4.9 ng/mL (fresh root), 0.19 ng/mL (curcumin powder). The authors suggest other turmeric compounds or the food matrix help.	Not reported in the abstract.	Healthy men only; participant count not in the abstract; absorption not benefit.	³
Meriva (curcumin-phosphatidylcholine complex)	rhizome extract	Not in abstracts	Cuomo 2011 (absorption); Asher 2017 (steady-state plasma and rectal tissue); Belcaro 2010 (8-month osteoarthritis study, 100 people)	About 29-fold more total curcuminoids absorbed than a plain mixture, mainly as conjugates; main plasma form was demethoxycurcumin, not curcumin. Asher found equal plasma exposure after dose adjustment but 5-fold more rectal tissue curcumin per dose.	Excellent tolerability reported in the osteoarthritis abstract; no numbers given.	Osteoarthritis abstract lacks dose and control details; plasma levels still below test-tube effect levels.	^{37 14 22 176}
Longvida (solid lipid curcumin particles)	rhizome extract	80 mg curcumin per 400 mg capsule	Gota 2010 (absorption); Cox 2015 and 2020 (older adults, 4 and 12 weeks); Gupte 2019 (osteoarthritis, 90 days)	Free curcumin 22.43 ng/mL peak after 650 mg vs not detected for plain 95% extract. A review of 11 formulations listed Longvida among those with over 100-fold relative bioavailability. Memory and mood benefits were reported in healthy older adults.	Blood glucose was significantly higher in the curcumin group in the 12-week trial; one withdrawal for rash in the osteoarthritis trial.	Small trials; some authors have supplement-industry funding.	^{71 35 36 75 94 102}
Theracurmin (colloidal nanoparticle)	rhizome extract	30 to 400 mg curcumin per dose in studies	Sasaki 2011; Kanai 2012 and 2013; Nakagawa 2014 and 2022; Sunagawa 2015 (3-way vs BCM-95 and Meriva); Hirose 2022 (newer compositions)	27-fold area under the curve vs curcumin powder (30 mg dose); 10.7- and 5.6-fold higher peak than BCM-95 and Meriva at labelled doses. Clinical: lower knee pain at 8 weeks (180 mg a day); no clinical difference from placebo at 12 months after cartilage surgery.	One case of grade 1 diarrhea in 6 volunteers at 150 mg; no unexpected adverse events in cancer patients on chemotherapy.	Most studies come from the product's research circle; no independent replication in the abstracts read.	^{164 95 96 127 128 176 85}
BCM-95 (Biocurcumax: curcuminoids with turmeric essential oil components)	rhizome	Not in abstracts; capsule held 279.3 mg curcumin in the 2015 study	Antony 2008 (absorption); Shep 2019 (500 mg three times a day vs diclofenac)	About 6.93-fold relative bioavailability vs normal curcumin and 6.3-fold vs curcumin-lecithin-piperine; osteoarthritis pain similar to diclofenac in an open-label study.	Adverse effects 13% vs 38% for diclofenac (open-label).	Absorption study by the maker's staff; open-label clinical trial.	^{9 176 167}
Micellar and cyclodextrin curcumin (for example NovaSOL)	rhizome extract	207 to 500 mg curcumin or curcuminoids in studies	Schiborr 2014; Flory 2021; Grafeneder 2022; Kroon 2025	Largest rises in blood level among forms tested: area under the curve 185-fold (500 mg) and 57-fold (207 mg) vs native; cyclodextrin 30-fold; 14-fold in the 7-day study. Even so, free curcumin stayed far below the levels that work in test tubes.	Safety markers stayed in reference ranges in the 2014 crossover.	No health-outcome trial read; a micellar form did not reduce cytokines in a blood-stimulation model.	^{165 54 73 102}
Dispersion and carrier systems (LipiSperse; omega-3 monoglyceride)	rhizome extract	750 mg curcuminoid (LipiSperse); 400 mg curcuminoids with 1 g carrier	Briskey 2019; Mallard 2021; Aguilera 2022	LipiSperse: plasma curcuminoids 807 vs 318 ng/mL; less soreness at 48 and 72 h after exercise. Omega-3 carrier: 40% higher at 1 h, similar area under the curve to powder (166.8 vs 163.1).	Called safe in the absorption abstract (LipiSperse).	Small studies; maker-supported.	^{27 118 2}
Other named bioenhanced products (CURCUGEN, CurQfen, Cureit)	rhizome	CURCUGEN: dispersible turmeric extract with 50% curcuminoids; CurQfen: curcumin with fenugreek fibre, 500 mg a day in one trial	Panda 2021 (CURCUGEN absorption); Campbell 2019 (CurQfen, 22 obese men); Amalraj 2020 (Cureit, muscle soreness); Amalraj 2017 (turmeric-matrix product, rheumatoid arthritis)	CURCUGEN: free curcumin area under the curve 39 times the 95% extract. CurQfen: homocysteine and HDL differed from control but baseline HDL was very different between groups. Cureit: less soreness, no numbers in abstract.	Reported well tolerated in the short trials.	Each is one maker-linked study; no independent replication read. Italian liver reports linked high-dose, high-bioavailability turmeric products to acute hepatitis (7 Tuscan cases).	^{139 29 7 6 111}

Compare Turmeric with another ingredient

Compare with

Turmeric vs Ginger

Both have modest, low-to-moderate-certainty evidence for knee osteoarthritis pain. Turmeric has more and larger trials, and ginger's effects were smaller. No study tested them one against the other.

	Turmeric	Ginger
Benefits studied	Knee osteoarthritis pain and function (most trials), rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis add-on, depression, blood sugar and inflammation markers	Knee osteoarthritis pain and function; inflammatory markers (in one meta-analysis)
Evidence certainty	low: reviews rate the knee osteoarthritis trials as low quality (Bannuru 2018) or moderate risk of bias with very high heterogeneity (turmeric extracts vs placebo, pain SMD -0.82, 95% CI -1.17 to -0.47, I2 86%; Wang 2021)	low to moderate: a 2015 meta-analysis of 5 trials (593 people) found small benefits for pain (SMD -0.30, 95% CI -0.50 to -0.09) and disability (SMD -0.22, CI -0.39 to -0.04) and judged the evidence of moderate quality; a 2020 review of 7 trials (4 pooled) called the evidence insufficient for oral ginger, with heterogeneous and poor methods; a 2022 meta-analysis found pain fell with ginger (3 studies, 166 vs 164 patients) and also with curcumin (12 studies)
Typical studied dose	Varies by product: 120 to 1,500 mg of curcumin or extract a day for 4 to 36 weeks in arthritis trials; 160 to 180 mg a day of curcumin from absorption-boosted products	Not in the abstracts read
Head-to-head trial	None found herb against herb. One trial gave a turmeric, black pepper and ginger combination against naproxen (the blood marker PGE2 fell in both, no difference), which cannot separate the herbs.	Same trial
Safety and interactions	Stomach upset is the usual effect (NCCIH). Rare liver injury reports, mostly with high-dose, high-bioavailability products (Italy: 28 reports in 6 months of 2019)	In the 2015 meta-analysis ginger patients were more than twice as likely to stop treatment (RR 2.33, 95% CI 1.04 to 5.22); interactions not verified here
Forms	Capsule or tablet extract, powder, boosted formulations (phytosome, lipid particle, nanoparticle, micelle), tea, tincture	Capsule; topical ginger also reviewed
Cost note	Use the price-per-day formula; no prices stored	Use the same formula

^{21 12 121 80 188}

Turmeric vs Boswellia (Boswellia serrata)

Both are placebo-better in several reviews, and an indirect network analysis ranked boswellia higher for pain and stiffness. That is not a head-to-head trial, and all reviews call the evidence weak to moderate.

	Turmeric	Boswellia (Boswellia serrata)
Benefits studied	Knee osteoarthritis pain and function (most trials), rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis add-on, depression, blood sugar and inflammation markers	Knee osteoarthritis pain, stiffness and function
Evidence certainty	low: reviews rate the knee osteoarthritis trials as low quality (Bannuru 2018) or moderate risk of bias with very high heterogeneity (turmeric extracts vs placebo, pain SMD -0.82, 95% CI -1.17 to -0.47, I2 86%; Wang 2021)	low to moderate: a 2020 meta-analysis of 7 trials (545 people) found lower VAS pain (WMD -8.33, CI -11.19 to -5.46) and WOMAC pain (WMD -14.22); a 2024 meta-analysis of 13 studies found no significant overall effect because of high heterogeneity (p=0.0865 for WOMAC, 0.3966 for VAS), but subgroups were positive; the 2018 review found both boswellia and curcuminoid beat placebo and said no trial compared boswellia with approved NSAIDs; a 2025 network meta-analysis of 39 RCTs ranked Boswellia highest for pain and stiffness, with curcumin and krill oil showing potential for function
Typical studied dose	Varies by product: 120 to 1,500 mg of curcumin or extract a day for 4 to 36 weeks in arthritis trials; 160 to 180 mg a day of curcumin from absorption-boosted products	Not in the abstracts read; the 2020 review suggests at least 4 weeks
Head-to-head trial	None found. Compared only indirectly: both against placebo in the 2018 meta-analysis and in a 2025 network meta-analysis.	Same indirect comparisons
Safety and interactions	Stomach upset is the usual effect (NCCIH). Rare liver injury reports, mostly with high-dose, high-bioavailability products (Italy: 28 reports in 6 months of 2019)	No difference from placebo in safety outcomes (2018 and 2025 reviews)
Forms	Capsule or tablet extract, powder, boosted formulations (phytosome, lipid particle, nanoparticle, micelle), tea, tincture	Oleogum resin extracts
Cost note	Use the price-per-day formula; no prices stored	Use the same formula

^{20 194 39 200 188}

Turmeric vs Omega-3 fatty acids (fish or krill oil)

Both show small-to-moderate effects on joint pain in meta-analyses, and the omega-3 reviews disagree with each other. They have not been compared directly.

	Turmeric	Omega-3 fatty acids (fish or krill oil)
Benefits studied	Knee osteoarthritis pain and function (most trials), rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis add-on, depression, blood sugar and inflammation markers	Osteoarthritis pain and function
Evidence certainty	low: reviews rate the knee osteoarthritis trials as low quality (Bannuru 2018) or moderate risk of bias with very high heterogeneity (turmeric extracts vs placebo, pain SMD -0.82, 95% CI -1.17 to -0.47, I2 86%; Wang 2021)	mixed: a 2023 meta-analysis of 9 trials (2,070 people) found less pain (SMD -0.29, CI -0.47 to -0.11, I2 60%) and better function (SMD -0.21, CI -0.34 to -0.07); a 2021 review of 6 trials (454 people) found less pain but low quality evidence and no established dose; a 2022 meta-analysis found omega-3 caused no change in osteoarthritis parameters
Typical studied dose	Varies by product: 120 to 1,500 mg of curcumin or extract a day for 4 to 36 weeks in arthritis trials; 160 to 180 mg a day of curcumin from absorption-boosted products	No effective anti-inflammatory dose was established (2021 review)
Head-to-head trial	None found. A 2022 absorption crossover tested curcuminoids with an omega-3 monoglyceride carrier, which is a formulation study, not a comparison of the two nutrients.	Same study
Safety and interactions	Stomach upset is the usual effect (NCCIH). Rare liver injury reports, mostly with high-dose, high-bioavailability products (Italy: 28 reports in 6 months of 2019)	No severe treatment-related adverse events; overall adverse events similar to control (OR 0.97, CI 0.64 to 1.45) in the 2023 review
Forms	Capsule or tablet extract, powder, boosted formulations (phytosome, lipid particle, nanoparticle, micelle), tea, tincture	Fish oil, krill oil, capsules
Cost note	Use the price-per-day formula; no prices stored	Use the same formula

^{47 15 121 2 200}

Turmeric vs NSAIDs (ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen) - context only

Context only: in several short trials curcumin products relieved knee osteoarthritis pain about as well as common painkillers, with fewer stomach complaints. The trials are small, short, and often open-label, and this does not mean curcumin can replace a medicine.

	Turmeric	NSAIDs (ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen) - context only
Benefits studied	Knee osteoarthritis pain and function (most trials), rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis add-on, depression, blood sugar and inflammation markers	Pain relief in osteoarthritis (used here as the comparison drug in curcumin trials)
Evidence certainty	low: the 2018 review found no significant efficacy difference between curcuminoids and NSAIDs but called study quality low; the 2021 Wang review (5 NSAID-controlled trials) found similar effects; the 2021 Hsiao review found curcuminoids better than NSAIDs on VAS pain; the 2024 network meta-analysis (23 studies, 2,175 people) found fewer adverse reactions with curcumin than NSAIDs (OR 0.51, CI 0.25 to 0.94)	Used as the active comparator; these are medicines, not supplements, and they are not rated here
Typical studied dose	Curcuma domestica extracts 1,500 mg a day vs ibuprofen 1,200 mg a day for 4 weeks; 2 g a day vs ibuprofen 800 mg for 6 weeks; BCM-95 1,500 mg a day vs diclofenac 100 mg a day for 28 days; Longvida 160 mg curcumin a day vs ibuprofen 400 mg once a day for 90 days	Doses as given in those trials
Head-to-head trial	Yes: at least five randomized trials (Kuptniratsaikul 2009 and 2014, Shep 2019, Gupte 2019, Heidari-Beni 2020 with naproxen) compared curcumin products with an NSAID. Results: noninferior or similar pain relief; in the 367-person trial abdominal pain was reported more often with ibuprofen (P=0.046); in the open-label diclofenac trial adverse effects were 13% vs 38%.	Same trials
Safety and interactions	Stomach upset is the usual effect (NCCIH). Rare liver injury reports, mostly with high-dose, high-bioavailability products (Italy: 28 reports in 6 months of 2019)	Not re-verified here. The trials report more stomach complaints with the NSAID than with curcumin. Do not stop or replace a prescribed medicine on this basis; ask your clinician.
Forms	Capsule or tablet extract, powder, boosted formulations (phytosome, lipid particle, nanoparticle, micelle), tea, tincture	Tablets and capsules (medicines)
Cost note	Use the price-per-day formula; no prices stored	Use the same formula

^{104 103 167 75 80 20 188 88 201 197}

Turmeric vs Resveratrol

For knee pain curcumin has several positive placebo-controlled trials while the one large resveratrol trial was negative; for inflammation markers both lower CRP slightly in some meta-analyses. They have not been compared head to head.

	Turmeric	Resveratrol
Benefits studied	Knee osteoarthritis pain and function (most trials), rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis add-on, depression, blood sugar and inflammation markers	Inflammation markers (CRP); knee osteoarthritis pain tested in one large trial
Evidence certainty	low for inflammation markers (see below); knee osteoarthritis: low: reviews rate the knee osteoarthritis trials as low quality (Bannuru 2018) or moderate risk of bias with very high heterogeneity (turmeric extracts vs placebo, pain SMD -0.82, 95% CI -1.17 to -0.47, I2 86%; Wang 2021)	mixed to low: for knee osteoarthritis one placebo-controlled trial (ARTHROL, 142 people, 6 months) found no pain benefit at 3 months (difference -0.6, CI -8.0 to 6.9) but was underpowered; for CRP a 2015 meta-analysis of 10 trials found no effect (WMD -0.144 mg/L, CI -0.968 to 0.680), while a 2021 meta-analysis of 35 trials found lower CRP (-0.31 mg/L, CI -0.47 to -0.15); a 2024 umbrella meta-analysis found CRP lower (ES -0.390)
Typical studied dose	For CRP: curcumin/turmeric 66 trials, WMD -0.58 mg/L (CI -0.74 to -0.41) (Dehzad 2023). Varies by product: 120 to 1,500 mg of curcumin or extract a day for 4 to 36 weeks in arthritis trials; 160 to 180 mg a day of curcumin from absorption-boosted products	ARTHROL: 40 mg twice a day for 1 week then 20 mg twice a day; meta-analyses suggest 500 mg a day or more and 10 weeks or more for CRP effects
Head-to-head trial	None found.	None found
Safety and interactions	Stomach upset is the usual effect (NCCIH). Rare liver injury reports, mostly with high-dose, high-bioavailability products (Italy: 28 reports in 6 months of 2019)	Serious adverse events 4% vs 3% in ARTHROL (not related to the intervention); other risks not verified here
Forms	Capsule or tablet extract, powder, boosted formulations (phytosome, lipid particle, nanoparticle, micelle), tea, tincture	Capsule
Cost note	Use the price-per-day formula; no prices stored	Use the same formula

^{134 157 69 125 42 188}

Turmeric vs Quercetin

Both give modest drops in blood CRP in meta-analyses. Curcumin has joint-pain trials; for quercetin we found no randomized knee osteoarthritis trial in the searches. They have not been compared directly.

	Turmeric	Quercetin
Benefits studied	Knee osteoarthritis pain and function (most trials), rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis add-on, depression, blood sugar and inflammation markers	Inflammation markers (CRP) and blood fats; no osteoarthritis trial found
Evidence certainty	low for inflammation markers; knee osteoarthritis: low: reviews rate the knee osteoarthritis trials as low quality (Bannuru 2018) or moderate risk of bias with very high heterogeneity (turmeric extracts vs placebo, pain SMD -0.82, 95% CI -1.17 to -0.47, I2 86%; Wang 2021)	low: a 2017 meta-analysis of 7 trials (10 arms) found CRP lower (WMD -0.33 mg/L, CI -0.50 to -0.15), especially at 500 mg a day or more; a 2020 meta-analysis in metabolic syndrome (16 trials) found lower total cholesterol, LDL and CRP but no change in triglycerides, HDL, IL-6 or TNF-alpha; between-study differences were very large (I2 about 90%)
Typical studied dose	For CRP: curcumin/turmeric 66 trials, WMD -0.58 mg/L (CI -0.74 to -0.41) (Dehzad 2023). Varies by product: 120 to 1,500 mg of curcumin or extract a day for 4 to 36 weeks in arthritis trials; 160 to 180 mg a day of curcumin from absorption-boosted products	Effect on CRP seen at 500 mg a day or more; trials ranged more widely
Head-to-head trial	None found.	None found
Safety and interactions	Stomach upset is the usual effect (NCCIH). Rare liver injury reports, mostly with high-dose, high-bioavailability products (Italy: 28 reports in 6 months of 2019)	Not verified in the abstracts read
Forms	Capsule or tablet extract, powder, boosted formulations (phytosome, lipid particle, nanoparticle, micelle), tea, tincture	Capsule, tablet
Cost note	Use the price-per-day formula; no prices stored	Use the same formula

^{123 177 42 92}

Other supplements people compare it with

Ginger (Knee osteoarthritis pain): Small pain benefit in a 2015 meta-analysis; a 2020 review called evidence insufficient; more dropouts in the ginger group. Evidence: low. ^{21 12}
Boswellia serrata (Knee osteoarthritis pain and stiffness): Positive in a 2020 meta-analysis and ranked first for pain in a 2025 network analysis, but a 2024 meta-analysis found no significant overall effect. Evidence: low. ^{194 39 200}
Omega-3 (fish or krill oil) (Joint pain): Small pain and function gains in a 2023 meta-analysis; another meta-analysis found no change in osteoarthritis parameters. Evidence: mixed. ^{47 15 121}
Resveratrol (Inflammation markers (CRP); knee pain): One large knee osteoarthritis trial was negative (underpowered); CRP meta-analyses disagree. Evidence: insufficient. ^{134 157 69}
Quercetin (Inflammation markers (CRP)): Small CRP drop in meta-analyses; no randomized knee osteoarthritis trial found in the searches. Evidence: low. ^{123 177}
Collagen and krill oil (Knee osteoarthritis): Showed benefits in some outcomes in a 2025 network meta-analysis of 39 trials; the abstract does not give per-supplement doses. Evidence: low. ²⁰⁰
Over-the-counter and prescription painkillers (context only) (Osteoarthritis pain): Used as comparators in curcumin trials; curcumin products matched them on pain in short trials. Talk to a clinician before changing any medicine. Evidence: low. ^{104 20 188}

Where to buy

Check the label first. Whatever you buy, look for these:

EPA and DHA amounts per serving, and how many softgels make a serving
The turmeric amount and form (a phytosome form is used here)
A third-party testing mark for purity
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26benefits and uses looked at

210studies and sources checked

Moderate certaintybest evidence rating found

28lab markers tracked in trials

2 moderate certainty1 mixed findings13 low certainty7 very low certainty2 not enough evidence1 evidence against

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What was looked at

The 26 benefits and uses checked for Turmeric, each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.

Depression (major depressive disorder), alone or added to antidepressantsLow certainty
Depression and low mood alongside other conditionsLow certainty
AnxietyLow certainty
Stress, fatigue and everyday moodVery low certainty
Memory and thinking in healthy and ageing adultsMixed findings
People who already have mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's diseaseVery low certainty
Lowering the risk of dementiaNot enough evidence
Schizophrenia symptoms (added to usual medicines)Low certainty
Knee osteoarthritis pain and stiffnessLow certainty
Knee osteoarthritis: compared with anti-inflammatory pain pillsLow certainty
Cartilage and joint structureVery low certainty
Rheumatoid arthritisVery low certainty
Whole-body inflammation (CRP and cytokines)Moderate certainty
Type 2 diabetes: blood sugarModerate certainty
Prediabetes: slowing progression to diabetesLow certainty
Cholesterol and blood fatsLow certainty
Metabolic syndrome and body weightLow certainty
Fatty liver (NAFLD / MASLD)Low certainty
Irritable bowel syndrome and bloatingVery low certainty
Ulcerative colitisLow certainty
Functional dyspepsia (indigestion)Low certainty
Muscle soreness and exercise recoveryLow certainty
Skin conditions (psoriasis)Not enough evidence
Period pain and premenstrual symptomsVery low certainty
Cancer treatment: radiation skin reactionEvidence against
Cancer treatment: mouth sores (oral mucositis)Very low certainty

Lab markers tracked in the studies

Depression rating scales (HAM-D, MADRS, IDS-SR30, PHQ-9, Beck)Anxiety scales (STAI, Beck Anxiety, DASS anxiety)Cognitive tests (working memory, attention, MMSE, MoCA)BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor)Inflammatory messengers (IL-1 beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha)C-reactive protein (CRP)Cortisol (stress hormone)Serotonin (blood level)Brain amyloid and tau markers (FDDNP-PET, spinal fluid, blood)Blood glucose (safety signal)C-reactive protein (CRP, hs-CRP)Interleukin-6 (IL-6)Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha)Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)Disease activity score DAS28Fasting blood glucoseHbA1cInsulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and insulinLDL cholesterolHDL cholesterolTriglyceridesALT (alanine aminotransferase)AST (aspartate aminotransferase)Liver fat (ultrasound, CAP, MR spectroscopy)Creatine kinase (CK)Oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, total antioxidant capacity)Weight, BMI and waistFecal calprotectin and bowel inflammation

What is Turmeric good for?

The main proposed uses and how strong the human evidence is for each. "Moderate" appears only for two lab-marker findings (CRP and blood sugar). "Low" and "very low" mean small or inconsistent trials and a result that could change. "Insufficient" means too little or no useful human data. "Against" means the best trial found no benefit. Almost all trials used concentrated curcumin extracts, not kitchen turmeric. Open any use for the studies, doses and limits.

Depression, alone or added to antidepressantsLow certaintyThe most studied mind use. Small, short trials, mostly adding curcumin to an antidepressant, found a small to moderate drop in depression scores. A few found nothing. Not a replacement for treatment. Low mood alongside diabetes, obesity and other conditionsLow certaintyTrials in people with diabetes, obesity, nerve disease and after childbirth often found lower depression scores. Several are small and from the same region. AnxietyLow certaintyReviews report lower anxiety scores, but the studies disagree a lot. Anxiety was usually a side result in trials built for depression. Stress, fatigue and everyday moodVery low certaintyThin evidence. A high-absorption form helped in a few small trials in stressed workers and older adults. Nothing shows benefit in ordinary healthy younger adults. Memory and thinking in healthy older adultsMixed findingsBest-absorbed forms improved working memory in several small trials. Plain curcumin and larger trials mostly found no change. People who already have mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's diseaseVery low certaintyThe one careful placebo trial of plain curcumin found no benefit. Small trials of boosted forms reported gains but have not been repeated. Curcumin has not been shown to slow Alzheimer's disease. Lowering the risk of dementiaNot enough evidenceNo trial shows that curcumin or turmeric prevents dementia. The only links are an observational study of curry eating and memory scores. Schizophrenia symptoms (added to usual medicines)Low certaintyA review of four trials found a small drop in negative symptoms. The authors do not yet recommend clinical use. Knee osteoarthritis pain and stiffnessLow certaintyThe most researched body use. Pooled small trials of concentrated extracts find less pain and stiffness than placebo over 4 to 12 weeks. Trial quality is low and results vary widely. Knee osteoarthritis compared with anti-inflammatory pain pillsLow certaintyIn one 367-person trial a turmeric extract matched ibuprofen over 4 weeks with fewer stomach complaints. That trial had no placebo group, so it does not show turmeric is stronger. Cartilage and joint structureVery low certaintyTwo small trials looked at cartilage protection and found no clear difference from placebo on symptoms or MRI. Rheumatoid arthritisVery low certaintySmall trials and two pooled analyses suggest lower disease scores. Another pooled analysis that included lupus found no clear effect. Not a replacement for arthritis medicines. Whole-body inflammation (CRP and cytokines)Moderate certaintyPooled trials show lower blood CRP, a general inflammation marker. A lower marker is a lab change; it has not been shown to prevent illness. Type 2 diabetes: blood sugarModerate certaintyPooled trials found fasting blood sugar about 11 mg/dL lower and HbA1c about 0.54 points lower than placebo. These are modest lab changes and do not replace diabetes medicine. Prediabetes: slowing progression to diabetesLow certaintyOne 9-month trial in 240 people found none of the curcumin group developed diabetes versus 16.4 percent on placebo. It needs repeating. Cholesterol and blood fatsLow certaintyPooled trials find small improvements: LDL about 5 to 6 mg/dL lower and triglycerides 7 to 13 mg/dL lower. Study quality is low to very low. Metabolic syndrome and body weightLow certaintySmall, short-term changes in waist size, blood sugar and HDL in pooled trials. One 12-week trial found no effect on weight, blood pressure or glucose. Fatty liver (NAFLD / MASLD)Low certaintyPooled trials show lower liver enzymes and better ultrasound results. One trial found no change in liver fat at 6 weeks. This is separate from the supplement liver-injury warning below. Irritable bowel syndrome and bloatingVery low certaintyA pilot study without a placebo group and a combined curcumin-boswellia product plus diet showed gains. Early and hard to credit to turmeric alone. Ulcerative colitis (added to usual medicine)Low certaintySmall trials suggest curcumin on top of colitis medicine may help keep remission and settle flares. Promising but small. Never replace prescribed colitis treatment. Functional dyspepsia (indigestion)Low certaintyTwo short trials found turmeric or curcumin capsules relieved indigestion about as well as omeprazole. Modest but consistent. Muscle soreness and exercise recoveryLow certaintyA review of 11 small studies, mostly in men, concluded curcumin may ease soreness. Doses were large and results vary. Skin conditions (psoriasis)Not enough evidenceThe only trial found was a 21-person pilot that combined curcumin with light treatment, so it cannot show what curcumin does alone. Period pain and premenstrual symptomsVery low certaintyOne triple-blind trial in 124 young women found no benefit over placebo. A small endometriosis trial found lower pain with a nano-curcumin add-on. Cancer treatment: radiation skin reactionEvidence againstA small trial was positive, but the much larger 686-person follow-up found no benefit. The best evidence says it does not work. This is about a side effect, not treating cancer. Cancer treatment: mouth soresVery low certaintyOne small trial of 50 people found less severe mouth sores with a nano-sized curcumin capsule. It needs confirming. Ask your cancer team before using curcumin.

Benefits, one by one

Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.

Depression (major depressive disorder), alone or added to antidepressants

Low certainty

The most studied mind use. Several small trials found that curcumin, mostly added to an antidepressant, lowered depression scores a little more than placebo, and reviews pool this to a small to moderate effect. A few trials found nothing. Overall confidence is low because the trials are small, short (6 to 12 weeks) and several were rated at high risk of bias. It is not a replacement for treatment.

15 studiesExtracts and enhanced forms only. Doses ranged from 40 mg/day (SinaCu…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Meta-analyses: Ng 2017 (6 trials, 377 people, 4 to 8 weeks) found a pooled SMD of -0.344 on Hamilton depression scores. Al-Karawi 2016 (6 trials) found SMD -0.34; BCM-95 was not significantly better than curcumin-piperine. Fusar-Poli 2020 (9 articles) found g -0.75 for depression. Wang 2021 (10 trials, 594 people) found SMD -0.32 and response OR 3.20 and rated the evidence quality low; effect was in diagnosed depression (SMD -0.35) but not in milder depressive symptoms (SMD -0.17, not significant). Network meta-analysis (Cheng 2025, 192 trials of 44 nutraceuticals) ranked curcumin plus antidepressant among the better add-ons, with a wide interval for curcumin alone. Fornaro 2026 (163 studies) found, after filtering for quality, that curcumin did not stand out for depression itself and rated confidence low to very low. Key trials: Lopresti 2014 (56 people, 500 mg twice daily, 8 weeks) benefit appeared between weeks 4 and 8 (IDS-SR30 p=.045); Lopresti 2017 (123 people, 12 weeks; active arms pooled) beat placebo (p=.031); Yu 2015 (108 men on antidepressants, 1000 mg/day, 6 weeks) lower HAM-D17 and MADRS; Kanchanatawan 2018 (65 people, 500 to 1500 mg/day, 12 weeks) beat placebo at weeks 12 and 16. Null or weaker: Bergman 2013 (40 people, 500 mg/day, 5 weeks) no difference; Talaei 2023 (45 people with severe depression, 40 mg/day SinaCurcumin plus sertraline, 8 weeks) no difference. Sanmukhani 2014 (60 people, 1000 mg/day curcumin vs fluoxetine 20 mg vs both, 6 weeks, no placebo) found similar response (62.5%, 64.7%, 77.8%; P=0.58), which is not evidence that curcumin beats placebo.

Results

Small to moderate improvement in depression scores in most pooled analyses, mostly as an add-on; individual trials are split and small.

Effect sizes as reported

SMD -0.344 (CI -0.558 to -0.129) Ng 2017; SMD -0.34 (CI -0.56 to -0.13) Al-Karawi 2016; SMD -0.32 (CI -0.50 to -0.13) and response OR 3.20 (CI 1.28 to 7.99) Wang 2021; g -0.75 (CI -1.11 to -0.39) Fusar-Poli 2020.

Why this rating

Wang 2021 rated evidence quality low; Fornaro 2026 rated confidence low to very low. Small trials, short duration (4 to 12 weeks), mixed risk of bias, mixed formulations, and some null trials.

Form and dose studied

Extracts and enhanced forms only. Doses ranged from 40 mg/day (SinaCurcumin, null) to 1000 mg/day and up to 1500 mg/day (12 weeks). Kitchen turmeric has not been tested for depression.

Who was studied

Adults with diagnosed major depression, mostly already on antidepressants; trials from Iran, Thailand, China, Israel, India and Australia.

Limits

Short trials (no trial longer than 12 weeks in this file), small samples, add-on designs where both groups improve, one trial without a placebo arm, and possible publication bias. Biomarker changes are not the same as feeling better.

Why researchers looked

Depression is linked in research to inflammation and oxidative stress, and curcumin affects both, so it became one of the most studied supplements for mood.

Traditional use

Turmeric has long been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, mainly for inflammation and digestion. Mood use is a modern research idea rather than a documented traditional use.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

Curcumin (the main yellow compound in turmeric) lowers inflammation and oxidative stress in lab and animal work, and may affect serotonin and dopamine signalling and brain growth factors such as BDNF. Reviews of this work describe these as possible routes, not proven ones in people. Standard curcumin is poorly absorbed from the gut, which is why most newer trials use enhanced forms.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Reported as well tolerated in these trials; Wang 2021 found no difference in drop-outs or digestive and nerve symptoms. Anyone on antidepressants or with a mood disorder should talk to their prescriber first. See the safety file for drug interactions.

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Depression and low mood alongside other conditions

Low certainty

Trials in people with diabetes, obesity, nerve disease, smoking and after childbirth often found lower depression scores with curcumin, but several are small, from the same region, and one found no mood effect. Treat as early evidence.

8 studies500 mg/day to 1 g/day of curcumin; nano-curcumin 80 mg/day; one trial…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Yaikwawong 2024 (227 obese adults with type 2 diabetes, 12 months): lower PHQ-9 depression (p=0.000001), higher serotonin, lower IL-1b, IL-6 and TNF-alpha. Asadi 2020 (80 adults with diabetic nerve disease, nano-curcumin 80 mg/day, 8 weeks): DASS depression 16.7 to 15.3 vs 17.5 to 17.3 (p=.02). Esmaily 2015 (30 obese adults, crossover, 1 g/day for 30 days): no change in depression score (p=0.7). Mamsharifi 2023 (70 smokers, nano-curcumin 80 mg/day, 3 months): no change in depression or anxiety, though CRP fell. Postpartum: Hamlbar 2025 (96 first-time mothers, 500 mg/day, 8 weeks) depression mean difference -2.5 (CI -3.3 to -1.7); Nikpour 2024 (124 women, a ginger, turmeric and black pepper blend, 8 weeks) EPDS 1.72 vs 5.85 (p<0.0001). The 2025 review of depression and anxiety in chronic diseases (15 RCTs, 1,123 people) found SMD -0.65 for depression (CI -1.16 to -0.13) with very high heterogeneity (I2 93%). The 2026 Alsanie review (26 RCTs, 1,491 people) found even larger effects (SMD -1.53) with moderate-to-low certainty and strong heterogeneity.

Results

Mostly positive on depression scores in these groups, with two clear null results. Pooled effect sizes vary widely.

Effect sizes as reported

SMD -0.65 (CI -1.16 to -0.13; I2 93%) Yuan 2025; SMD -1.53 (CI -2.05 to -1.02) Alsanie 2026; postpartum mean difference -2.5 (CI -3.3 to -1.7) Hamlbar 2025.

Why this rating

Reviews cite considerable heterogeneity, limited sample sizes and mixed formulations; Alsanie 2026 rates certainty moderate-to-low. Very large pooled effects suggest inflation from small trials.

Form and dose studied

500 mg/day to 1 g/day of curcumin; nano-curcumin 80 mg/day; one trial used a ginger, turmeric and black pepper blend.

Who was studied

Adults with type 2 diabetes, obesity, diabetic neuropathy, smokers, and women after childbirth.

Limits

Mostly small, short and from Iran or Thailand; the postpartum blend trial cannot be credited to curcumin alone.

Why researchers looked

Depression is common in diabetes, obesity and after childbirth, and curcumin is also studied for those conditions.

Traditional use

Turmeric is used traditionally in postnatal care in some cultures, but no source read here documents this; not claimed.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

No serious problems reported in the abstracts read. Breastfeeding and pregnancy safety of curcumin extracts is covered in the safety file, not here.

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Anxiety

Low certainty

Several reviews report that curcumin lowers anxiety scores, but the studies disagree a great deal and most are small. Anxiety is usually a secondary result in trials designed for depression. The best-filtered analysis (low-bias trials only) found a medium effect from just two trials.

10 studiesCurcumin extracts 500 mg to 1 g/day, nano-curcumin 80 mg/day; no spic…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Fathi 2024 (8 RCTs, 567 people with anxiety symptoms) found SMD -1.56 (CI -2.48 to -0.64) with I2 95.6%. Fusar-Poli 2020 found g -2.62 on anxiety symptoms in people with depression (5 studies, 284 people). Yuan 2025 (15 RCTs in chronic disease) found a much smaller SMD -0.22 (CI -0.40 to -0.05, I2 0%). Fornaro 2026: after filtering for low risk of bias, two curcumin trials (n=89) gave SMD -0.58 (CI -0.99 to -0.18). Individual trials: Lopresti 2017 (123 depressed adults, 12 weeks) lower STAI state (p<.001) and trait (p=.001) with active arms combined; Esmaily 2015 (30 obese adults, 1 g/day for 30 days) lower Beck Anxiety (p=0.03); Asadi 2020 (nano-curcumin 80 mg/day, 8 weeks) anxiety 22.4 to 20.6 vs 21.9 to 21.2 (p=.009); Hamlbar 2025 postpartum anxiety mean difference -1.4 (CI -2.1 to -0.7). Null: Mamsharifi 2023 (smokers) and Talaei 2023 showed no between-group difference (Talaei noted a lower anxiety score in the curcumin group).

Results

Anxiety scores tend to fall more with curcumin than placebo, but sizes range from small (-0.22) to implausibly large (-2.62). No trial in people whose main problem is an anxiety disorder was found.

Effect sizes as reported

SMD -1.56 (CI -2.48 to -0.64) Fathi 2024; g -2.62 (CI -4.06 to -1.17) Fusar-Poli 2020; SMD -0.22 (CI -0.40 to -0.05) Yuan 2025; SMD -0.58 (CI -0.99 to -0.18) Fornaro 2026.

Why this rating

Enormous heterogeneity (I2 95.6% in Fathi 2024), small trials, anxiety mostly a secondary outcome, and the effect shrinks as study quality filters are applied.

Form and dose studied

Curcumin extracts 500 mg to 1 g/day, nano-curcumin 80 mg/day; no spice-powder anxiety trial found.

Who was studied

People with depression, obesity, diabetes complications, and postpartum women; not people selected for generalised anxiety disorder.

Limits

No trial in diagnosed anxiety disorders; secondary outcomes; short duration.

Why researchers looked

Anxiety often goes with depression, and the same inflammation and stress-pathway ideas were applied.

Traditional use

No traditional use for anxiety is documented in the sources read.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

Proposed routes include calming inflammation, effects on stress-hormone signalling and GABA receptors seen in animal studies; none has been shown to cause the human result.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

No safety signals in the abstracts read.

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Stress, fatigue and everyday mood

Very low certainty

Evidence is thin. A small trial in stressed workers favoured an enhanced curcumin over standard curcumin, and two trials in healthy older adults found less fatigue and tension with a high-absorption form. Nothing here shows benefit in ordinary healthy younger adults.

5 studiesEnhanced forms only: CurQfen 1000 mg/day, Longvida 400 mg/day.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Sudheeran 2016 (60 people with work-related stress, anxiety and fatigue, 500 mg twice daily for 30 days): CurQfen (curcumin with fenugreek fibre) lowered perceived stress, anxiety and fatigue (P<0.001) compared with standard curcumin; absorption was 30.7-fold higher after one dose. Cox 2015 (60 healthy adults aged 60 to 85, 400 mg Longvida): lower general fatigue and a smaller mood drop after a mental stress task after 4 weeks. Cox 2020 (80 healthy adults aged 50 to 80, Longvida 400 mg with 80 mg curcumin, 12 weeks): lower fatigue score at 4 and 12 weeks, and lower tension, anger, confusion and total mood disturbance at 4 weeks only. Asadi 2020 found no significant stress change with nano-curcumin. Alsanie 2026 (26 RCTs) reported a stress SMD of -1.71 (CI -3.37 to -0.06), a very wide interval, with moderate-to-low certainty.

Results

Small signals of less fatigue and tension in healthy older people and stressed workers, not replicated by independent groups here.

Effect sizes as reported

Stress SMD -1.71 (CI -3.37 to -0.06) Alsanie 2026; trial numbers mostly not in abstracts.

Why this rating

Few small trials, two by the same group, one comparing against standard curcumin rather than placebo, and a pooled estimate with a very wide interval.

Form and dose studied

Enhanced forms only: CurQfen 1000 mg/day, Longvida 400 mg/day.

Who was studied

Stressed workers (India), healthy adults aged 50 to 85 (Australia).

Limits

Small; some results disappear between 4 and 12 weeks; the enhanced vs standard comparison is not a placebo test.

Why researchers looked

Researchers asked whether the anti-inflammatory action helps with the fatigue and tension of daily life.

Traditional use

Not documented in the sources read.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Cox 2020 found higher blood glucose with curcumin; Cox 2015 found lower total and LDL cholesterol. See safety file.

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Memory and thinking in healthy and ageing adults

Mixed findings

Results are mixed. The best-absorbed forms (Longvida, Theracurmin) improved working memory and attention in several small trials, while the plain curcumin and larger trials mostly found no change. Reviews find a possible small benefit for working memory and processing speed but not for overall thinking scores.

14 studiesLongvida 400 to 2000 mg/day; Theracurmin 180 mg curcumin/day; Biocurc…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Reviews: Zhu 2019 (6 trials, 289 people) found better cognition in older adults (SMD 0.33, CI 0.05 to 0.62). Tsai 2021 (8 RCTs, 389 people) found working memory improved (g 0.396, CI 0.078 to 0.714) and more stomach and gut side effects (OR 3.019, CI 1.118 to 8.150), with no difference in other domains. Yu 2025 (10 human studies, 531 people) found no effect on global cognition (SMD 0.14, CI -0.78 to 1.07) but better working memory (SMD 1.01) and processing speed (SMD 0.37). Victoria-Montesinos 2026 (18 trials of curcumin, turmeric and ginger) found memory SMD 0.57 (CI 0.13 to 1.02), no effect on executive function, global cognition or attention, and calls the evidence very uncertain. Trials: Cox 2015 (60 healthy adults aged 60 to 85, Longvida 400 mg) better sustained attention and working memory 1 hour after a dose and better working memory after 4 weeks; Cox 2020 (80 adults, 12 weeks) better working memory; Small 2018 (40 non-demented adults, Theracurmin 90 mg twice daily, 18 months) better memory and attention, with borderline p-values (attention between-group ES 0.67, p=0.04); Rainey-Smith 2016 (96 older adults, Biocurcumax 1500 mg/day, 12 months) difference only on the MoCA, with no difference on other tests; Santos-Parker 2018 (39 healthy adults, Longvida 2000 mg/day, 12 weeks) no change in any cognitive or motor measure; Gimblet 2024 (88 adults with kidney disease, Longvida 2000 mg/day, 12 months) no change in cognition. Turmeric as spice or powder: Lee 2014 (48 older adults with pre-diabetes, 1 g turmeric with a white-bread breakfast) working memory 2.6 to 2.9 of 3.0 (p=0.05); Saji 2026 (40 adults, a turmeric extract, 24 weeks) 2 of 35 outcomes better (orientation, attention). Ng 2006 (1,010 elderly Asians) people who ate curry occasionally or often had higher MMSE scores; this is observational.

Results

Mixed. Several small positive trials of enhanced forms (working memory, attention) and several nulls. No convincing benefit on overall cognition.

Effect sizes as reported

Working memory g 0.396 (CI 0.078 to 0.714) Tsai 2021; SMD 1.01 (CI 0.15 to 1.87) Yu 2025; global cognition SMD 0.14 (CI -0.78 to 1.07) Yu 2025; memory SMD 0.57 (CI 0.13 to 1.02) Victoria-Montesinos 2026.

Why this rating

Reviews agree on a possible working-memory effect but not on overall cognition; the Victoria-Montesinos 2026 authors call the evidence very uncertain. Trials differ in product, dose, age and length; several are small or from the same group.

Form and dose studied

Longvida 400 to 2000 mg/day; Theracurmin 180 mg curcumin/day; Biocurcumax 1500 mg/day; turmeric powder 1 g with a meal (single dose). Enhanced forms did better than plain forms in the trials read, but no head-to-head trial in healthy adults was found.

Who was studied

Healthy adults aged 45 to 85; one pre-diabetic group; adults with kidney disease.

Limits

Small trials, many cognitive outcomes tested (so chance findings), mixed products, some industry-supplier funding, little follow-up beyond 12 to 18 months.

Why researchers looked

Brain ageing involves inflammation, oxidative stress and amyloid build-up, which curcumin affects in animals.

Traditional use

Turmeric is eaten daily in some South and Southeast Asian diets; one population study (below) looked at curry eating and memory scores.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

In animal models of Alzheimer's disease, curcumin improved memory in a pooled analysis of 29 studies (Fan 2024), and the Yu 2025 review of 25 animal studies found the same. In people, effects on amyloid and tau markers are unproven. Animal results have not carried over cleanly to human trials.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Tsai 2021 found more gut side effects; Yu 2025 found more adverse events with curcumin; Cox 2020 found higher blood glucose with Longvida.

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People who already have mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease

Very low certainty

The one carefully run placebo trial with plain curcumin (2 or 4 g/day for 24 weeks) found no benefit. A small trial of a highly absorbed form (CurQfen) in moderate Alzheimer's and a retrospective Theracurmin study reported benefits, but these are small and unreplicated. Curcumin has not been shown to slow or treat Alzheimer's disease.

7 studiesPlain curcumin complex 2 to 4 g/day (null); CurQfen 800 mg/day; Thera…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Ringman 2012 (36 people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's, Curcumin C3 Complex 2 or 4 g/day, 24 weeks): no differences in cognition or biomarkers versus placebo; three curcumin participants withdrew for gut symptoms. Zhu 2019 found a trend for Alzheimer's patients on curcumin to do worse than placebo on the MMSE (SMD -0.90, CI -1.48 to -0.32). Das 2023 (48 people with moderate Alzheimer's dementia, CurQfen 400 mg twice daily vs standard curcumin vs placebo, 6 months, 16 per group): better MMSE and locomotion scores and blood markers (BDNF, Abeta42, tau, IL-6, TNF-alpha) with CurQfen. Dost 2021 (93 older patients, retrospective, Theracurmin 180 mg/day, 6 months, 36 treated): scores stayed stable on Theracurmin while untreated Alzheimer's patients declined. Hishikawa 2012 (3 people with Alzheimer's, turmeric powder capsules): behavioural symptoms improved, one MMSE from 12 to 17. Gimblet 2024 found no cognitive effect in kidney disease. Baum 2008 (pilot, 6 months) is a PubMed record without an abstract, so no results are quoted.

Results

One null placebo trial of plain curcumin; small positive findings with an enhanced form that have not been replicated; uncontrolled reports of behavioural benefit.

Effect sizes as reported

MMSE SMD -0.90 (CI -1.48 to -0.32) Zhu 2019 (trend toward treated doing worse); other effect sizes not in the abstracts.

Why this rating

One negative placebo trial, one small positive trial of a special form, one retrospective study, and three uncontrolled cases. No review gave a GRADE rating for Alzheimer's.

Form and dose studied

Plain curcumin complex 2 to 4 g/day (null); CurQfen 800 mg/day; Theracurmin 180 mg/day; turmeric powder capsules (dose not in abstract).

Who was studied

Adults 65+ with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's or mild cognitive impairment.

Limits

Tiny sample sizes, no long-term data, absorption issues, funding not checked.

Why researchers looked

Curcumin reduces amyloid and tau changes in animal models, so it was tried in people who already have the disease.

Traditional use

Turmeric has Ayurvedic use; the Hishikawa case series described turmeric powder as a traditional Indian medicine.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

Strong animal evidence (Fan 2024: 29 studies, positive, with publication bias). In people, the one trial that measured plasma levels found very low curcumin levels (7.32 ng/mL), suggesting absorption may limit the effect (Ringman 2012).

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Gut symptoms led to withdrawals in Ringman 2012; lowered haematocrit and raised glucose were reported there and judged clinically insignificant by the authors.

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Lowering the risk of dementia

Not enough evidence

There is no trial showing that curcumin or turmeric prevents dementia. The only human data found are one observational study of curry eating and memory scores, and one 18-month Theracurmin trial that measured memory and PET scans, not dementia itself.

4 studiesCurry as food (observational); Theracurmin 90 mg curcumin twice daily…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Ng 2006 (1,010 non-demented elderly Asians): people who ate curry occasionally or often had higher MMSE scores, a link only. Small 2018 (40 adults, 18 months): memory and attention improved and PET amyloid/tau signal changed in some regions, but this is a small trial. Rainey-Smith 2016 (96 adults, 12 months) found mostly no effect.

Results

No dementia-incidence outcome has been tested.

Effect sizes as reported

Not available.

Why this rating

No randomised trial measured whether anyone developed dementia; observational data cannot show cause.

Form and dose studied

Curry as food (observational); Theracurmin 90 mg curcumin twice daily (Small 2018).

Who was studied

Older Asian adults (Ng 2006); non-demented adults 51 to 84 (Small 2018).

Limits

No long-term prevention trial; people who eat curry may differ in other ways.

Why researchers looked

Lower dementia rates in countries where curry is eaten daily raised the question.

Traditional use

Daily curry eating in India and Southeast Asia.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

Animal studies of Alzheimer models show benefit (Fan 2024); this does not show prevention in people.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Eating turmeric as food has not been linked to harm in these studies; extract safety is covered in the safety file.

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Schizophrenia symptoms (added to usual medicines)

Low certainty

A small review of four trials found a small drop in negative symptoms with curcumin added to usual treatment, but the evidence is low to very low certainty and the authors do not recommend clinical use yet.

1 studiesNot given in the abstract.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Gallo Ruelas 2026 (4 RCTs): negative symptoms SMD -0.37 (CI -0.70 to -0.03, low certainty), general psychopathology SMD -0.68 (CI -1.18 to -0.17, very low certainty), no significant effect on positive or total symptoms or depression.

Results

Small possible benefit on negative symptoms only.

Effect sizes as reported

SMD -0.37 (CI -0.70 to -0.03) negative symptoms; SMD -0.68 (CI -1.18 to -0.17) general psychopathology.

Why this rating

The reviewers' own GRADE ratings: low for negative symptoms, very low for others.

Form and dose studied

Not given in the abstract.

Who was studied

Adults with schizophrenia on standard treatment.

Limits

Only four trials; abstract does not give doses.

Why researchers looked

Inflammation and oxidative stress are studied in schizophrenia.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Not assessed in the abstract. Anyone on antipsychotics should consult their doctor before adding supplements.

⁶²

Knee osteoarthritis pain and stiffness

Low certainty

Several pooled analyses of small trials find that concentrated curcumin or turmeric extract lowers knee pain and stiffness more than placebo over 4 to 12 weeks, with effects roughly like common anti-inflammatory pain pills. The trials are small and of low quality, so this is a promising but not firm result. It has been tested as extracts and special forms, not as kitchen turmeric.

8 studiesExtracts and special forms: about 1,000 mg/day of curcumin on average…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

A 2021 meta-analysis of 15 RCTs (1,621 adults) found curcumin or C. longa extract lowered pain (VAS, WOMAC pain), function and stiffness scores versus placebo, with similar effects to NSAIDs and fewer adverse events. A 2024 network meta-analysis of 23 RCTs (2,175 people) found curcumin lowered VAS pain by 1.63 points and total WOMAC by 18.85 points versus placebo and cut the use of rescue medicine. A 2018 meta-analysis of 11 RCTs (1,009 people) also found benefit over placebo for pain and function but rated study quality as low and the evidence not enough for clinical recommendations. A 2016 meta-analysis of 8 RCTs found VAS pain 2.04 points lower and WOMAC 15.36 lower versus placebo. A 2024 umbrella analysis of 11 meta-analyses reached the same direction. Individual trials: 150 adults with knee OA had pain fall 29.5 mm (low dose) and 36.5 mm (high dose) with a bio-optimized extract versus 8 mm with placebo over 90 days (p=0.018), though the cartilage marker did not differ; 50 adults on 180 mg/day of Theracurmin for 8 weeks had lower pain and less celecoxib use than placebo.

Results

Lower pain, stiffness and WOMAC scores than placebo in most pooled analyses; some trials also reduced the need for rescue pain medicine.

Effect sizes as reported

VAS MD -1.63 (95% CI -2.91 to -0.45) and total WOMAC MD -18.85 (CI -29.53 to -8.76) vs placebo (2024 network MA); VAS MD -2.04 (CI -2.85 to -1.24) and WOMAC MD -15.36 (CI -26.9 to -3.77) (2016 MA).

Why this rating

Reviewers repeatedly describe the trials as small and low quality (most under 100 people), short, and using many different products and doses. The 2021 meta-analysis used GRADE, but the abstract does not give the ratings. This rating is the compiler's, based on the reviewers' own cautions.

Form and dose studied

Extracts and special forms: about 1,000 mg/day of curcumin on average (2016 MA); Curcuma extract 1,500 mg/day; Theracurmin 180 mg/day of curcumin; bio-optimized extract (Flexofytol). Turmeric powder is only about 3 percent curcuminoids by weight, and curcumin on its own is poorly absorbed, so most of the trials below used concentrated extracts (often 500 to 2,000 mg/day of curcuminoids) or special highly absorbed forms (Theracurmin, Meriva, nanocurcumin, piperine blends). Kitchen turmeric has not been tested for these uses. Reviewers suggested 12 weeks or more.

Who was studied

Adults with mostly mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis. Not tested in hip or hand OA in the studies read.

Limits

Small trials, mixed products, short durations, patient-reported pain, and some industry links. Pain scores improve a lot with placebo too (placebo pain fell 8 mm in one trial).

Why researchers looked

Osteoarthritis is the most common reason people take turmeric; usual pain pills can upset the stomach, so a gentler option is attractive.

Traditional use

Turmeric has long been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for joint pain and inflammation (traditional use; the reviews cited describe this).

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

Curcumin (the main yellow pigment of turmeric) is thought to dampen inflammatory signals such as NF-kB and to act as an antioxidant. This comes mostly from lab and animal work; it is not shown to be the reason for benefit in people.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Adverse events were similar to placebo in the pooled analyses. One trial found more product-related events at the high dose than placebo (p=0.012). See the safety file for liver and drug interaction cautions.

^{197 201 20 38 26 83 127 198}

Knee osteoarthritis: compared with anti-inflammatory pain pills

Low certainty

In one 367-person trial, a turmeric extract was as good as ibuprofen for knee osteoarthritis over 4 weeks, with fewer stomach complaints. Pooled analyses agree that effects are similar to NSAIDs with fewer digestive side effects. It does not mean turmeric is stronger than pain pills, and there was no placebo in that trial.

4 studiesC. domestica extract 1,500 mg/day vs ibuprofen 1,200 mg/day for 4 wee…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

A multicentre trial of 367 adults with primary knee OA compared C. domestica (C. longa) extract 1,500 mg/day with ibuprofen 1,200 mg/day for 4 weeks. WOMAC total, pain and function were non-inferior to ibuprofen (P=0.010, 0.018, 0.010); stiffness was close (P=0.060). The number of people with adverse events was similar, but abdominal pain or discomfort was more frequent with ibuprofen (P=0.046). The 2021 meta-analysis found similar effects to NSAIDs and fewer adverse events, and curcumin added to an NSAID lowered pain and function scores more than the NSAID alone without more adverse events. The 2024 network analysis found curcumin had fewer adverse reactions than NSAIDs (OR 0.51, CI 0.25 to 0.94). A 2018 meta-analysis found no significant efficacy difference from NSAIDs and fewer gastrointestinal events.

Results

Similar pain relief to NSAIDs in trials of up to 4 weeks, with fewer reported stomach problems.

Effect sizes as reported

Non-inferiority P=0.010 (WOMAC total) vs ibuprofen; adverse reactions vs NSAIDs OR 0.51 (95% CI 0.25 to 0.94).

Why this rating

One large head-to-head trial with no placebo arm, plus pooled analyses of small trials rated low quality by their authors. This rating is the compiler's.

Form and dose studied

C. domestica extract 1,500 mg/day vs ibuprofen 1,200 mg/day for 4 weeks.

Who was studied

Adults with knee OA and moderate pain.

Limits

Only 4 weeks; no placebo arm; no one measured long-term safety against NSAIDs.

Why researchers looked

Many people with knee osteoarthritis cannot tolerate long-term NSAIDs.

Traditional use

Not a traditional comparison; a modern trial design.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Do not stop or replace prescribed medicine without a doctor. Curcumin may interact with some medicines (see the safety file).

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Cartilage and joint structure

Very low certainty

Two small trials looked at whether curcumin protects cartilage. One found better cartilage firmness at a second look inside the knee in people who had cartilage surgery, but their symptoms and MRI were no different from placebo. Another found a cartilage-breakdown blood marker fell in everyone, with no difference between groups. This is too early to say curcumin protects joints.

2 studiesTheracurmin 180 mg/day of curcumin for 12 months; bio-optimized C. lo…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

In a 12-month trial of 50 people after cartilage-plug surgery (43 analysed), Theracurmin 180 mg/day of curcumin did not differ from placebo on symptom scores or MRI T2 mapping, but cartilage stiffness and surface roughness were better at second-look arthroscopy. In the 150-person bio-optimized extract trial, serum Coll2-1 (a cartilage breakdown marker) fell over time in all groups with no difference between groups.

Results

One surgical-population trial found better cartilage findings on arthroscopy; no difference in imaging or the blood marker between groups elsewhere.

Effect sizes as reported

No numbers for the arthroscopy result in the abstract; MRI and symptoms not significantly different between groups.

Why this rating

Two small trials, one in an unusual surgical population, with one positive structural finding and several null ones; maker links among authors. Compiler's rating.

Form and dose studied

Theracurmin 180 mg/day of curcumin for 12 months; bio-optimized C. longa extract for 90 days.

Who was studied

People after knee cartilage surgery; adults with knee OA.

Limits

Very small samples; surgery population is not typical OA; structural measures differ between studies.

Why researchers looked

If curcumin only eased pain it would be a symptom aid; protecting cartilage would be more important.

Traditional use

No traditional claim of cartilage repair is cited in the studies read.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

Lab and animal studies suggest curcumin may reduce cartilage-breaking enzymes; this has not been shown in people.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

No serious adverse events reported in the abstracts.

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Rheumatoid arthritis

Very low certainty

Small trials suggest curcumin may lower rheumatoid arthritis activity scores, and two 2023 and 2025 pooled analyses found lower disease scores and swollen and tender joints. A 2025 pooled analysis that also included lupus found no significant effect and very mixed results. The trials are tiny, and curcumin is not a replacement for arthritis medicine.

6 studiesCurcumin 500 mg/day in several trials; products vary.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

A 2023 meta-analysis of 6 publications (539 people) found DAS28 lower by 1.20 points, ESR by 29.47, swollen joint count by 5.33 and tender joint count by 6.33. A 2025 meta-analysis of 7 RCTs found DAS28 lower by 1.47, rheumatoid factor by 24.15, ESR by 31.26 and CRP by 0.93, with substantial heterogeneity. A 2025 meta-analysis of 7 RCTs (314 people) combining RA and lupus found no significant effect on DAS-28, ESR or CRP (I2 over 90%). A 2022 meta-analysis across 5 arthritis types also reported improved inflammation and pain. In a 45-person pilot, curcumin 500 mg gave the biggest DAS28 improvement of three groups and beat diclofenac; in 48 women, 500 mg/day for 8 weeks lowered ESR, hs-CRP, HOMA-IR, triglycerides and body measures versus placebo.

Results

Lower disease scores and joint counts in two meta-analyses; no significant effect in a third that included lupus. Results are inconsistent.

Effect sizes as reported

DAS28 MD -1.20 (CI -1.85 to -0.55) (2023); DAS28 WMD -1.47 (CI -1.68 to -1.26) (2025); DAS-28 SMD -2.34 (CI -5.13 to 0.44, not significant) (RA+SLE 2025).

Why this rating

Very few small trials, high heterogeneity, one of three pooled analyses finding no effect, and no trial against modern disease-modifying drugs. Compiler's rating.

Form and dose studied

Curcumin 500 mg/day in several trials; products vary.

Who was studied

Adults with active rheumatoid arthritis, including women only in one trial.

Limits

Tiny trials, short, mixed products, DAS28 includes self-reported items, no long-term follow-up.

Why researchers looked

Rheumatoid arthritis is driven by immune inflammation, and curcumin has anti-inflammatory activity in the lab.

Traditional use

Turmeric is used traditionally for joint inflammation in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine (traditional use).

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Do not use instead of prescribed arthritis medicine. Curcumin may interact with immune-suppressing or blood-thinning drugs; ask a doctor.

^{101 199 110 31 145 198}

Whole-body inflammation (CRP and cytokines)

Moderate certainty

Pooled trials show lower blood CRP, a general inflammation marker, with curcumin, and credibility was rated high for CRP in one large review. TNF-alpha and IL-6 also fell in one analysis, but IL-6 did not change in another. A lower marker is a lab change, and it has not been shown to prevent illness.

5 studiesMostly 500 to 2,000 mg/day of curcuminoids; some analyses favoured 1,…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

A 2023 GRADE-assessed meta-analysis of 66 RCTs found CRP lower by 0.58 mg/L, TNF-alpha by 3.48 pg/ml and IL-6 by 1.31 pg/ml; IL-1 beta did not change. A 2021 meta-analysis of 32 RCTs found IL-1 and TNF-alpha lower but IL-6 not significantly (WMD -0.33 pg/ml, CI -0.99 to 0.34). A 2022 meta-analysis found CRP lower by 3.67 mg/L and hs-CRP lower, with effects at 1,000 mg/day or less. A 2024 meta-analysis of 103 RCTs rated the credibility of the CRP result as high (GRADE). In knee osteoarthritis, a 40-person trial found that markers fell but fell as much with placebo.

Results

CRP lower in most pooled analyses; IL-6 effect inconsistent.

Effect sizes as reported

CRP WMD -0.58 mg/L (CI -0.74 to -0.41); IL-6 WMD -1.31 pg/ml (CI -1.58 to -0.67) in the 66-RCT review but -0.33 pg/ml (not significant) in the 32-RCT review.

Why this rating

A 103-RCT review rated CRP credibility high by GRADE, but results for cytokines differ between reviews and the changes are small. The rating 'moderate' is the compiler's balance across markers; the CRP finding alone is rated high by those authors.

Form and dose studied

Mostly 500 to 2,000 mg/day of curcuminoids; some analyses favoured 1,000 mg/day or less and longer than 10 weeks. Turmeric powder is only about 3 percent curcuminoids by weight, and curcumin on its own is poorly absorbed, so most of the trials below used concentrated extracts (often 500 to 2,000 mg/day of curcuminoids) or special highly absorbed forms (Theracurmin, Meriva, nanocurcumin, piperine blends). Kitchen turmeric has not been tested for these uses.

Who was studied

Adults with many conditions (metabolic, arthritis, others); results vary by population.

Limits

Mixed populations and products; small absolute changes; marker not equal to benefit.

Why researchers looked

Chronic low-level inflammation is linked to many long-term conditions, so people look for ways to lower it.

Traditional use

Turmeric is a traditional anti-inflammatory spice and remedy (traditional use).

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

No safety signal in the abstracts, but they are not safety reviews.

^{42 68 70 92 147}

Type 2 diabetes: blood sugar

Moderate certainty

Pooled trials in people with type 2 diabetes found fasting blood sugar about 11 mg/dL lower and HbA1c about 0.54 percentage points lower than placebo. A 12-month trial in 272 people with diabetes and obesity also showed lower sugar and HbA1c. These are modest, lab-level changes in short trials and do not replace diabetes medicine.

3 studiesCurcumin extract up to 1,500 mg/day for 12 months in the longest tria…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

A 2024 meta-analysis of 18 trials (1,382 adults with type 2 diabetes) found fasting glucose lower by 11.48 mg/dL (CI -14.26 to -8.70) and HbA1c lower by 0.54% (CI -0.73 to -0.35) versus placebo, and lower CRP. A 2024 trial of 272 obese adults with type 2 diabetes on 1,500 mg/day for 12 months found fasting glucose 115.49 vs 130.71 and HbA1c 6.12 vs 6.47 (P<0.05) with better beta-cell and insulin-resistance indices. The 103-RCT review rated the fasting blood sugar result high credibility (GRADE).

Results

Lower fasting glucose and HbA1c than placebo.

Effect sizes as reported

FBG MD -11.48 mg/dL (CI -14.26 to -8.70); HbA1c MD -0.54% (CI -0.73 to -0.35).

Why this rating

High GRADE credibility for fasting blood sugar in the 103-RCT review, but the type 2 diabetes meta-analysis authors note inconsistent trials and small sample sizes, and the longest trial came from one research group. Compiler's rating.

Form and dose studied

Curcumin extract up to 1,500 mg/day for 12 months in the longest trial; many products. Turmeric powder is only about 3 percent curcuminoids by weight, and curcumin on its own is poorly absorbed, so most of the trials below used concentrated extracts (often 500 to 2,000 mg/day of curcuminoids) or special highly absorbed forms (Theracurmin, Meriva, nanocurcumin, piperine blends). Kitchen turmeric has not been tested for these uses.

Who was studied

Adults with type 2 diabetes (mean age 55.9 in the pooled analysis).

Limits

Trials differ in dose, product and duration; authors call for better-absorbed forms and dose finding; no trial showed fewer diabetes complications.

Why researchers looked

Curcumin may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation that worsens diabetes.

Traditional use

Turmeric is used in Ayurveda for sugar-related conditions (traditional use).

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

Possible better insulin sensitivity and lower inflammation; shown mainly in animal and lab studies.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Curcumin could add to the effect of diabetes medicine and lower sugar too much; talk to your doctor before combining.

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Prediabetes: slowing progression to diabetes

Low certainty

One 9-month trial in 240 people with prediabetes found that none of the curcumin group developed type 2 diabetes, compared with 16.4 percent on placebo. It is a striking result from a single trial, and it needs repeating before anyone can rely on it.

1 studiesCurcumin extract capsules (dose not stated in the abstract), 9 months.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

A randomized, double-blind trial of 240 adults with prediabetes gave curcumin extract or placebo for 9 months. 16.4% of placebo people were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes versus none on curcumin. HOMA-beta was higher (61.58 vs 48.72, P<0.01), C-peptide lower (1.7 vs 2.17, P<0.05), HOMA-IR lower (3.22 vs 4.04, P<0.001) and adiponectin higher (22.46 vs 18.45, P<0.05).

Results

No new diabetes cases on curcumin versus 16.4% on placebo over 9 months.

Effect sizes as reported

0 cases vs 16.4% (no CI given in the abstract).

Why this rating

A single trial from one group; it has not been shown to be repeated in the studies read; dose not stated in the abstract. Compiler's rating.

Form and dose studied

Curcumin extract capsules (dose not stated in the abstract), 9 months.

Who was studied

Adults with prediabetes.

Limits

Single trial; relatively short; dose and extract details missing from the abstract.

Why researchers looked

Prediabetes is the stage where diabetes might be delayed.

Traditional use

No specific traditional claim cited.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

Better beta-cell function, lower insulin resistance and higher adiponectin were seen in the same trial; the cause is not proven.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

The abstract reports very minor adverse effects.

³³

Cholesterol and blood fats

Low certainty

Pooled trials find small improvements: LDL cholesterol about 5 to 6 mg/dL lower, triglycerides 7 to 13 mg/dL lower, HDL about 2 mg/dL higher. In one analysis only the LDL and triglyceride changes were big enough to matter clinically. Evidence quality is low to very low, and the studies vary widely.

4 studiesVarious; benefit larger with enhanced-bioavailability forms and 8 wee…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

A 2025 umbrella review and updated meta-analysis of 72 RCTs found total cholesterol lower by 7.76 mg/dL, LDL by 5.84, triglycerides by 13.15, and HDL higher by 2.4; only the LDL and triglyceride changes met the minimally clinically important difference. Heterogeneity was very high (I2 94 to 98%). Larger effects were seen in people with metabolic disease (especially type 2 diabetes), with enhanced-absorption forms, at least 8 weeks and with exercise. A 2023 meta-analysis of 64 RCTs found TC lower by 3.99, TG by 6.69, LDL by 4.89 and HDL higher by 1.80 mg/dL, rated low and very low evidence. The 103-RCT review rated HDL result high credibility. In an 88-person trial in metabolic syndrome, curcumin improved HDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL.

Results

Small improvements in LDL, triglycerides and HDL.

Effect sizes as reported

LDL MD -5.84 mg/dL (CI -11.63 to -0.05); TG MD -13.15 (CI -17.31 to -8.98); HDL +2.4 (CI 1.22 to 3.57) (2025); LDL WMD -4.89 (CI -5.92 to -3.87) (2023).

Why this rating

The 2023 authors rate the evidence low and very low; the 2025 analysis has I2 of 94 to 98%. HDL got a high GRADE credibility in the 103-RCT review, but the change is small. Compiler's rating.

Form and dose studied

Various; benefit larger with enhanced-bioavailability forms and 8 weeks or more. Turmeric powder is only about 3 percent curcuminoids by weight, and curcumin on its own is poorly absorbed, so most of the trials below used concentrated extracts (often 500 to 2,000 mg/day of curcuminoids) or special highly absorbed forms (Theracurmin, Meriva, nanocurcumin, piperine blends). Kitchen turmeric has not been tested for these uses.

Who was studied

Adults, with larger effects in metabolic disease.

Limits

Very high heterogeneity; changes are small; no trial showed fewer heart attacks.

Why researchers looked

Curcumin may affect how the body handles fats, so researchers tested cholesterol and triglycerides.

Traditional use

No specific traditional lipid claim cited.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

Possible effects on fat metabolism and inflammation are suggested from lab work; not shown in people.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Do not use instead of cholesterol medicine. Possible interactions with statins and blood thinners are discussed in the safety file.

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Metabolic syndrome and body weight

Low certainty

In adults with metabolic syndrome, pooled trials found a slightly smaller waist, lower fasting sugar, lower diastolic blood pressure and higher HDL. Triglycerides and systolic pressure did not change in that analysis. One 12-week trial found no effect on weight, blood pressure or glucose. The changes are small and short-term.

4 studiesCurcuminoids 1 g/day with piperine 10 mg/day in one trial; other tria…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

A 2023 meta-analysis of 13 RCTs (785 people, 4 to 12 weeks) found waist lower by 2.16 cm, fasting sugar by 8.6 mg/dL, diastolic pressure by 2.8 mmHg, HDL higher by 4.98 mg/dL, and lower CRP and TNF-alpha; systolic pressure, triglycerides, IL-6 and hs-CRP did not change significantly. A 2022 factorial trial in 88 people found curcumin improved lipids but did not change blood pressure, fasting glucose, waist, BMI or weight. An 8-week trial of 117 people with 1 g curcuminoids plus piperine lowered CRP and MDA and raised SOD. The 103-RCT review rated body weight as high credibility and waist, hip, BMI, insulin, HOMA-IR as moderate, but the abstract gives no sizes.

Results

Small improvements in waist, glucose, diastolic pressure and HDL in some analyses; null for weight and glucose in one trial.

Effect sizes as reported

Waist MD -2.16 cm (CI -3.78 to -0.54); FBS MD -8.6 mg/dL (CI -15.45 to -1.75); DBP MD -2.8 mmHg (CI -4.53 to -1.06); HDL MD +4.98 (CI 2.58 to 7.38).

Why this rating

Few small trials per outcome, high heterogeneity and mixed results across trials. Compiler's rating.

Form and dose studied

Curcuminoids 1 g/day with piperine 10 mg/day in one trial; other trials vary. Turmeric powder is only about 3 percent curcuminoids by weight, and curcumin on its own is poorly absorbed, so most of the trials below used concentrated extracts (often 500 to 2,000 mg/day of curcuminoids) or special highly absorbed forms (Theracurmin, Meriva, nanocurcumin, piperine blends). Kitchen turmeric has not been tested for these uses.

Who was studied

Adults with metabolic syndrome.

Limits

4 to 12 weeks only; mixed products; marker changes rather than outcomes.

Why researchers looked

Metabolic syndrome combines high sugar, blood fats, blood pressure and waist size; inflammation is part of it.

Traditional use

No specific traditional claim cited.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Piperine (black pepper extract) changes how many medicines are absorbed; check with a pharmacist.

^{146 159 137 92}

Fatty liver (NAFLD / MASLD)

Low certainty

Pooled trials find curcumin lowers liver enzymes (AST and usually ALT) and improves fatty liver on ultrasound. A small biopsy-proven NASH trial of a special phospholipid form found liver inflammation resolved in 62 percent versus 12 percent on placebo. But one trial in obese adults found no change in liver fat at 6 weeks. This is promising but the strongest result comes from a single small trial of a patented form.

6 studiesCurcumin 500 mg/day (24 weeks); Meriva phospholipid curcumin 2 g/day …

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

A 2022 meta-analysis of 16 RCTs (1,028 people) found improved NAFLD severity (RR 3.52) and steatosis resolution (RR 3.96) on ultrasound, AST lower by 4.00, ALT by 7.02, total cholesterol by 11.86 mg/dL and BMI by 0.41. A 2023 update (6 reviews and 16 RCTs, mostly Iran and Thailand) found AST lower by 3.90 and ALT by 5.61. A 2024 meta-analysis of 15 RCTs (835 people) found AST lower but ALT not significantly changed, and no extra benefit from piperine. A 24-week trial of 80 people with simple fatty liver found liver fat score (CAP) 17.5 dB/m lower than placebo on 500 mg/day. A 72-week trial of 52 people with biopsy-proven NASH using Meriva (phospholipid curcumin) 2 g/day found NASH resolution in 62% versus 12% (RR 5.33), and fibrosis improvement by 1 stage or more in 50% versus 8%. A 6-week trial of 37 obese people found no significant change in liver fat (MRS) versus placebo (difference -1.57 points, CI -5.36 to 2.22).

Results

Lower AST (and often ALT) and better ultrasound findings; one small biopsy trial showed NASH resolution; one short trial showed no liver-fat change.

Effect sizes as reported

Steatosis resolution RR 3.96 (CI 1.54 to 10.17); ALT MD -7.02 (CI -9.83 to -4.20); CAP -17.5 dB/m (CI -27.1 to -7.8); NASH resolution RR 5.33 (CI 1.76 to 12.13); MRS liver fat difference -1.57 points (CI -5.36 to 2.22, not significant).

Why this rating

Pooled analyses depend on small trials from few countries with high heterogeneity and ultrasound scoring; the biopsy trial is promising but is one small trial of a special product; one trial was null. Compiler's rating.

Form and dose studied

Curcumin 500 mg/day (24 weeks); Meriva phospholipid curcumin 2 g/day (72 weeks); lecithin curcumin 200 mg twice daily (6 weeks). Not turmeric powder.

Who was studied

Adults with NAFLD/MASLD and NASH; obese adults.

Limits

Ultrasound and CAP are rough estimates; few biopsy trials; heterogeneity high; in one meta-regression, longer trials and higher doses per kilogram were linked to smaller enzyme reductions.

Why researchers looked

Fatty liver is common with obesity and diabetes, and there are few treatments, so curcumin has been tested for liver fat and enzymes.

Traditional use

Turmeric has traditional use for liver complaints in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine (traditional use). Note the liver safety questions about curcumin are covered in the safety file.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

Reduced fat build-up, inflammation (NF-kB) and changes in gut bacteria and bile acids have been proposed; one trial measured these changes but cause is not proven.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Curcumin supplements have been linked to rare liver injury in case reports (see the safety file). People with liver disease should talk to their doctor before using a concentrated extract. The trials here did not report liver harm in the abstracts.

^{133 117 11 79 126 82}

Irritable bowel syndrome and bloating

Very low certainty

Evidence is thin. A pilot study of 207 people found fewer people met IBS criteria and pain scores fell after 8 weeks on turmeric extract, but there was no placebo group. A 30-day trial found a curcumin-boswellia product plus a low-FODMAP diet cut bloating and pain more than diet alone. This is early and the products were combined or unblinded.

2 studiesStandardized turmeric extract 1 to 2 tablets/day for 8 weeks; curcumi…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Pilot 2004 study: 207 people screened for IBS were randomized to 1 or 2 tablets/day of a standardized turmeric extract for 8 weeks. IBS prevalence fell by 53% and 60% (p<0.001) with no difference between doses; abdominal pain fell by 22% and 25%; about two thirds reported improvement. There was no placebo arm. A 2022 trial of 67 people with IBS and small-bowel dysbiosis found curcumin-boswellia phytosome 500 mg twice daily plus a low-FODMAP diet lowered bloating, abdominal pain and urinary indican more than diet alone (p<0.0001) over 30 days.

Results

Less bloating and pain than diet alone in one trial; a pilot without placebo suggests fewer IBS symptoms.

Effect sizes as reported

Prevalence down 53% (1 tablet) and 60% (2 tablets); pain scores down 22% and 25%; p<0.0001 for bloating vs diet alone (no effect size given).

Why this rating

A pilot without a placebo and one comparison with diet alone using a mixed product; no meta-analysis. Compiler's rating.

Form and dose studied

Standardized turmeric extract 1 to 2 tablets/day for 8 weeks; curcumin-boswellia phytosome 500 mg twice daily for 30 days.

Who was studied

Adults with IBS, otherwise healthy; IBS with small-bowel dysbiosis.

Limits

No placebo in either trial; mixed product with boswellia; short; self-reported symptoms.

Why researchers looked

Turmeric is a traditional digestive spice, and IBS has few good treatments.

Traditional use

Turmeric is traditionally used for digestive complaints in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine (traditional use).

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

Anti-inflammatory and gut-lining effects have been proposed from lab work; not proven in IBS.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Turmeric extracts can cause stomach upset in some people; see the safety file.

^{28 65}

Ulcerative colitis

Low certainty

Small trials suggest curcumin added to usual colitis medicine may help keep remission and may help flare-ups settle. A 6-month trial found 4.65 percent relapse with curcumin versus 20.5 percent on placebo. Two trials of special forms in active colitis found much higher remission than placebo. These are promising small trials and curcumin should only be used with a gastroenterologist, never instead of medicine.

4 studiesCurcumin 2 g/day (maintenance); bioenhanced curcumin 50 mg twice dail…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Maintenance trial (89 people in remission, 6 months): curcumin 2 g/day plus sulfasalazine or mesalamine; relapse 2 of 43 (4.65%) versus 8 of 39 (20.51%) on placebo (P=.040), with better clinical and endoscopic indices. Active colitis: a 69-person pilot of a bioenhanced curcumin 50 mg twice daily added to mesalamine found clinical remission 44.1% versus none at 6 weeks and endoscopic remission 35.3% versus none (P<0.01); of responders, 95% (18/19) kept remission at 6 months and 84% (16/19) at 12 months. A 2024 trial of curcumin-QingDai (curcumin plus indigo naturalis) 3 g/day for 8 weeks in 42 people found response 43% vs 8% (P=.033), clinical remission 50% vs 8%, endoscopic improvement 75% vs 20%. A 2020 meta-analysis concluded curcumin helps induce remission, but its abstract gives no numbers. A small 8-week trial adding curcumin 1,600 mg/day to a Mediterranean diet found no difference from the diet alone.

Results

Fewer relapses on curcumin in one trial; higher remission in two active-disease trials; no added benefit in one diet trial.

Effect sizes as reported

Relapse 4.65% vs 20.51% (P=.040); clinical remission 44.1% vs 0% at 6 weeks (P<0.01); co-primary outcome 43% vs 8% (P=.033).

Why this rating

Several small RCTs with promising results, but they used different products, doses and drugs, with no pooled GRADE rating found. Compiler's rating.

Form and dose studied

Curcumin 2 g/day (maintenance); bioenhanced curcumin 50 mg twice daily; curcumin-QingDai 3 g/day. Not tested as kitchen turmeric.

Who was studied

Adults with ulcerative colitis in remission or with mild-to-moderate active disease, all on standard medicine.

Limits

Small trials; special products; one used a herb mix; follow-up after stopping showed relapses.

Why researchers looked

Ulcerative colitis is a long-term inflammatory bowel disease, and curcumin acts on inflammation.

Traditional use

Turmeric is a traditional remedy for gut inflammation (traditional use).

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

One trial measured activation of the aryl-hydrocarbon receptor pathway (CYP1A1) in the bowel lining; this is a proposed mechanism, not proven.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Only use alongside standard treatment and under specialist care. Curcumin-QingDai contains indigo naturalis, which is not the same as curcumin.

^{78 19 23 72}

Functional dyspepsia (indigestion)

Low certainty

Two trials found turmeric/curcumin capsules relieved indigestion as well as the acid-reducing drug omeprazole after 4 weeks, and one found it better than placebo. The trials are modest and short, but the result is consistent.

2 studiesCurcuma longa capsules (dose not stated in one abstract); curcumin 50…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

A 132-person trial found that after 4 weeks the SODA pain score fell more with Curcuma longa than with placebo (-16.98 vs -10.53, P<0.001) and non-pain score fell more too (-7.96 vs -6.05, P<0.008); there was no significant difference from omeprazole. A 206-person trial found curcumin 500 mg four times daily, omeprazole, or both gave similar SODA improvements at 28 and 56 days with no serious adverse events; 151 completed.

Results

Similar relief to omeprazole; better than placebo in the one placebo-controlled trial.

Effect sizes as reported

SODA pain change -16.98 vs -10.53 placebo (P<0.001); no significant difference from omeprazole (P=0.302).

Why this rating

Two moderate trials, only one with a placebo group and a high dropout in the other. Compiler's rating.

Form and dose studied

Curcuma longa capsules (dose not stated in one abstract); curcumin 500 mg four times daily for 28 days in the other.

Who was studied

Adults with functional dyspepsia (Rome IV).

Limits

Short; no placebo in the larger trial; erratum issued for one paper.

Why researchers looked

Turmeric is traditionally taken for stomach discomfort.

Traditional use

Used traditionally for digestive complaints in Ayurvedic and other Asian medicine (traditional use).

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

Anti-inflammatory and stomach-protecting effects have been suggested from lab studies.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

No serious adverse events in the larger trial. Higher doses of turmeric can irritate the stomach in some people.

^{191 99}

Muscle soreness and exercise recovery

Low certainty

A review of 11 small studies concluded curcumin may ease soreness after hard exercise, especially if taken after exercise. Individual trials involve 10 to 34 men and use large doses, and results vary: one found no effect on most outcomes and a recent one found faster biochemical recovery but slower endurance recovery at a high dose.

4 studies2.5 g twice daily; hydrolyzed curcumin 750 or 1,500 mg/day for 7 days…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

A 2024 systematic review of 11 studies concluded curcumin may reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness after eccentric exercise and lower inflammation markers, with after-exercise intake seeming more beneficial; it did not pool numbers. A 17-man crossover trial with 2.5 g curcumin twice daily found pain during squat 1.4 to 1.7 points lower on a 10-cm scale and creatine kinase 22 to 29% lower at 24 to 48 hours. A crossover trial of 10 elite rugby players on curcumin plus piperine found sprint power fell 1.77% versus 13.6% at 24 hours but no other differences. A 34-man trial of hydrolyzed curcumin found the 1,500 mg/day group had lower pain, creatine kinase, oxidative stress and IL-6 than placebo, but slower muscle endurance recovery at 24 hours than the low-dose group.

Results

Less soreness and lower muscle-damage markers in several small trials; mixed effects on performance.

Effect sizes as reported

Pain VAS -1.4 to -1.7 cm (90% CL about 1.0); CK -22 to -29%; sprint power drop 1.77% vs 13.6%.

Why this rating

Small crossover trials, often in men only, with large doses and many outcomes tested; no meta-analysis. Compiler's rating.

Form and dose studied

2.5 g twice daily; hydrolyzed curcumin 750 or 1,500 mg/day for 7 days; curcumin plus piperine around the exercise.

Who was studied

Healthy, recreationally active men and some athletes.

Limits

Tiny samples, short-term lab exercise, large doses, men only.

Why researchers looked

Hard exercise causes muscle damage and soreness, and curcumin lowers inflammation in the lab.

Traditional use

Not a traditional use.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

Lower inflammation and oxidative stress in muscle after exercise have been proposed; measured as blood markers only.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Doses of 5 g/day are far above usual supplement doses and may upset the stomach.

^{40 135 46 81}

Skin conditions (psoriasis)

Not enough evidence

Evidence for skin conditions is very thin. The only trial found for plaque psoriasis was a 21-person pilot where oral curcumin extract was combined with visible-light treatment, so it cannot show what curcumin alone does. Radiation skin damage is covered under cancer treatment below.

1 studiesOral Curcuma extract (dose not stated in the abstract) with visible-l…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

In a 21-person pilot of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, oral Curcuma extract was given with real or simulated visible-light therapy. No patients in the real-light group had moderate or severe plaques after treatment versus the simulated-light group (p<0.01); lesions responded in 81% versus 30%. Both groups got the extract, so the extract's own effect is not tested.

Results

Better response with real light plus extract than simulated light plus extract.

Effect sizes as reported

Response 81% vs 30% in treated area; no CI.

Why this rating

One tiny pilot that cannot separate curcumin from the light treatment.

Form and dose studied

Oral Curcuma extract (dose not stated in the abstract) with visible-light phototherapy.

Who was studied

Adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

Limits

21 people; no curcumin-free comparison; no dose in the abstract.

Why researchers looked

Curcumin has anti-inflammatory activity and psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease.

Traditional use

Turmeric is used traditionally on and in the body for skin conditions (traditional use).

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

Proposed anti-inflammatory action; the trial linked the response to visible-light activation, which is a hypothesis.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

No study-related adverse events needing withdrawal were reported.

³⁰

Period pain and premenstrual symptoms

Very low certainty

One triple-blind trial in 124 young women found curcumin 500 mg/day did no better than placebo for period pain or premenstrual symptoms over three cycles. A separate small trial in women with endometriosis found a nano-curcumin add-on to a hormone drug lowered pain more than the drug alone.

2 studiesCurcuminoid 500 mg/day (PMS/period pain trial); nanocurcumin 80 mg/da…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

In the 2021 trial (124 women with both PMS and dysmenorrhea), 500 mg curcuminoid daily from 7 days before to 3 days after menstruation for 3 cycles gave PSST scores falling from 32.5 to 21.6 on curcumin and from 31.7 to 23.4 on placebo, and pain falling 64% versus 53.3%; the authors concluded the effect was comparable to placebo. In the 2025 endometriosis trial (86 women, stage 2-3), nanocurcumin 80 mg/day added to dienogest for 8 weeks reduced dysmenorrhea pain by an extra 1.55 points (CI -2.04 to -1.06), plus dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain and dyschezia, and improved quality of life and sexual function.

Results

No difference from placebo for ordinary period pain and PMS; lower pain in endometriosis as an add-on.

Effect sizes as reported

Dysmenorrhea pain adjusted MD -1.55 (CI -2.04 to -1.06) in endometriosis; no between-group difference for PMS/period pain in the 2021 trial.

Why this rating

One null trial for period pain and one small positive trial in a different condition.

Form and dose studied

Curcuminoid 500 mg/day (PMS/period pain trial); nanocurcumin 80 mg/day (endometriosis trial).

Who was studied

Young women with PMS and period pain; women with stage 2-3 endometriosis.

Limits

Low dose and short follow-up in the null trial; endometriosis trial is only 8 weeks and used a special formulation.

Why researchers looked

Period pain is caused partly by inflammation, so an anti-inflammatory herb seemed a reasonable test.

Traditional use

Turmeric has traditional use in women's health in Ayurveda (traditional use).

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Not studied in pregnancy; see the safety file.

^{16 162}

Cancer treatment: radiation skin reaction

Evidence against

Oral curcumin has been tested to ease skin burns during radiotherapy for breast cancer. A small 30-person trial found less severe dermatitis, but the much larger 686-person follow-up trial found no benefit. This is about easing a side effect of treatment, not treating cancer, and the best evidence says it does not work. Do not use curcumin during cancer treatment without your cancer team's approval.

2 studiesOral curcumin 6 g/day (2 g three times daily) in the small trial and …

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

2013 pilot trial of 30 women with breast cancer: 2.0 g curcumin three times daily (6 g/day) lowered end-of-treatment dermatitis score (2.6 vs 3.4, P=0.008) and moist desquamation (28.6% vs 87.5%, P=0.002). 2018 multi-site trial of 686 women: four 500 mg capsules three times daily (6 g/day) did not reduce radiation dermatitis severity (B 0.044, CI -0.101 to 0.188, p=0.552); fewer curcumin patients had severity above 3.0 (7.4% vs 12.9%) but not significantly (p=0.082); pain, symptoms and quality of life did not differ.

Results

The small trial was positive; the large trial was null.

Effect sizes as reported

Large trial: B 0.044 (CI -0.101 to 0.188), p=0.552.

Why this rating

The larger and more reliable trial (686 people) found no benefit; the positive trial had only 30 people. Compiler's rating.

Form and dose studied

Oral curcumin 6 g/day (2 g three times daily) in the small trial and 6 g/day (four 500 mg capsules three times daily) in the large trial during radiotherapy; very high doses.

Who was studied

Women with breast cancer receiving radiotherapy.

Limits

Subjective skin scoring; very high doses.

Why researchers looked

The trial authors say radiation dermatitis occurs in about 95% of radiotherapy patients and that there is no standard preventive.

Traditional use

Not a traditional use.

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action in skin proposed from lab work.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Antioxidant supplements and curcumin may interact with chemotherapy or radiation; always ask the cancer team. Not an anti-cancer treatment.

^{153 154}

Cancer treatment: mouth sores (oral mucositis)

Very low certainty

One small trial of 50 people having chemotherapy found a nano-sized curcumin capsule reduced the severity of mouth sores compared with placebo. It is one small trial of a special form and needs confirming. It treats a side effect, not cancer.

1 studiesNanomicelle curcumin 80 mg twice daily for 7 weeks.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

In a trial of 50 patients on chemotherapy with or without head-and-neck radiotherapy, nanomicelle curcumin 80 mg twice daily for 7 weeks produced lower mucositis severity than placebo at weeks 1 (P=0.010), 4 (P=0.022) and 7 (P<0.001); pain was lower at week 7 only (P=0.001). The effect was clearest in chemotherapy-only patients.

Results

Less severe mouth sores than placebo over 7 weeks.

Effect sizes as reported

P values only: week 1 P=0.010, week 4 P=0.022, week 7 P<0.001.

Why this rating

One small trial of a special product; subgroups tiny.

Form and dose studied

Nanomicelle curcumin 80 mg twice daily for 7 weeks.

Who was studied

Adults on chemotherapy with or without head-and-neck radiotherapy.

Limits

50 people; one product; no replication found.

Why researchers looked

Mouth sores from chemotherapy and head-and-neck radiotherapy are painful and have few treatments.

Traditional use

Not a traditional use.

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

Anti-inflammatory action proposed.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Only use with the cancer team's approval; supplements can interact with cancer treatment.

⁹⁸

Connections to the rest of health

How Turmeric connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.

Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes

Kind of connection Connected to Search

A. Wellness goals

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Mood Balance	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Depression (major depressive disorder), alone or added to antidepressants: The most studied mind use. Several small trials found that curcumin, mostly added to an antidepressant, lowered depression scores a little more than placebo, and reviews pool this to a small to moderate effect. A few trials found nothing. Overall confidence is low because the trials are small, short (6 to 12 weeks) and several were rated at high risk of bias. It is not a replacement for treatment. Depression and low mood alongside other conditions: Trials in people with diabetes, obesity, nerve disease, smoking and after childbirth often found lower depression scores with curcumin, but several are small, from the same region, and one found no mood effect. Treat as early evidence.	^{132 4 60 187 32 55 115 113 114 116 193 97 24 178 160 196 5 189 13 51 119 77 136 62}
Brain Health	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Depression (major depressive disorder), alone or added to antidepressants: The most studied mind use. Several small trials found that curcumin, mostly added to an antidepressant, lowered depression scores a little more than placebo, and reviews pool this to a small to moderate effect. A few trials found nothing. Overall confidence is low because the trials are small, short (6 to 12 weeks) and several were rated at high risk of bias. It is not a replacement for treatment. Memory and thinking in healthy and ageing adults: Results are mixed. The best-absorbed forms (Longvida, Theracurmin) improved working memory and attention in several small trials, while the plain curcumin and larger trials mostly found no change. Reviews find a possible small benefit for working memory and processing speed but not for overall thinking scores.	^{132 4 60 187 32 55 115 113 114 116 193 97 24 178 160 202 180 195 184 52 35 36 171 149 161 66 107 158 131 152 41 49 86}
Anxiety Support	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Anxiety: Several reviews report that curcumin lowers anxiety scores, but the studies disagree a great deal and most are small. Anxiety is usually a secondary result in trials designed for depression. The best-filtered analysis (low-bias trials only) found a medium effect from just two trials.	^{53 60 196 55 116 51 13 119 178 77}
Calm Relaxation	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Anxiety: Several reviews report that curcumin lowers anxiety scores, but the studies disagree a great deal and most are small. Anxiety is usually a secondary result in trials designed for depression. The best-filtered analysis (low-bias trials only) found a medium effect from just two trials. Stress, fatigue and everyday mood: Evidence is thin. A small trial in stressed workers favoured an enhanced curcumin over standard curcumin, and two trials in healthy older adults found less fatigue and tension with a high-absorption form. Nothing here shows benefit in ordinary healthy younger adults.	^{53 60 196 55 116 51 13 119 178 77 140 35 36 5}
Stress Reduction	Potential benefit	Very low certainty	Stress, fatigue and everyday mood: Evidence is thin. A small trial in stressed workers favoured an enhanced curcumin over standard curcumin, and two trials in healthy older adults found less fatigue and tension with a high-absorption form. Nothing here shows benefit in ordinary healthy younger adults.	^{140 35 36 13 5}
Reduce Fatigue	Potential benefit	Very low certainty	Stress, fatigue and everyday mood: Evidence is thin. A small trial in stressed workers favoured an enhanced curcumin over standard curcumin, and two trials in healthy older adults found less fatigue and tension with a high-absorption form. Nothing here shows benefit in ordinary healthy younger adults.	^{140 35 36 13 5}
Resilience Support	Potential benefit	Very low certainty	Stress, fatigue and everyday mood: Evidence is thin. A small trial in stressed workers favoured an enhanced curcumin over standard curcumin, and two trials in healthy older adults found less fatigue and tension with a high-absorption form. Nothing here shows benefit in ordinary healthy younger adults.	^{140 35 36 13 5}
Memory Support	Potential benefit	Mixed findings	Memory and thinking in healthy and ageing adults: Results are mixed. The best-absorbed forms (Longvida, Theracurmin) improved working memory and attention in several small trials, while the plain curcumin and larger trials mostly found no change. Reviews find a possible small benefit for working memory and processing speed but not for overall thinking scores. People who already have mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease: The one carefully run placebo trial with plain curcumin (2 or 4 g/day for 24 weeks) found no benefit. A small trial of a highly absorbed form (CurQfen) in moderate Alzheimer's and a retrospective Theracurmin study reported benefits, but these are small and unreplicated. Curcumin has not been shown to slow or treat Alzheimer's disease.	^{202 180 195 184 52 35 36 171 149 161 66 107 158 131 152 41 49 86}
Cognitive Performance	Potential benefit	Mixed findings	Memory and thinking in healthy and ageing adults: Results are mixed. The best-absorbed forms (Longvida, Theracurmin) improved working memory and attention in several small trials, while the plain curcumin and larger trials mostly found no change. Reviews find a possible small benefit for working memory and processing speed but not for overall thinking scores.	^{202 180 195 184 52 35 36 171 149 161 66 107 158 131}
Mental Clarity	Potential benefit	Mixed findings	Memory and thinking in healthy and ageing adults: Results are mixed. The best-absorbed forms (Longvida, Theracurmin) improved working memory and attention in several small trials, while the plain curcumin and larger trials mostly found no change. Reviews find a possible small benefit for working memory and processing speed but not for overall thinking scores.	^{202 180 195 184 52 35 36 171 149 161 66 107 158 131}
Better Focus	Potential benefit	Mixed findings	Memory and thinking in healthy and ageing adults: Results are mixed. The best-absorbed forms (Longvida, Theracurmin) improved working memory and attention in several small trials, while the plain curcumin and larger trials mostly found no change. Reviews find a possible small benefit for working memory and processing speed but not for overall thinking scores.	^{202 180 195 184 52 35 36 171 149 161 66 107 158 131}
Healthy Aging	Potential benefit	Mixed findings	Memory and thinking in healthy and ageing adults: Results are mixed. The best-absorbed forms (Longvida, Theracurmin) improved working memory and attention in several small trials, while the plain curcumin and larger trials mostly found no change. Reviews find a possible small benefit for working memory and processing speed but not for overall thinking scores.	^{202 180 195 184 52 35 36 171 149 161 66 107 158 131}
Brain Health	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Lowering the risk of dementia: There is no trial showing that curcumin or turmeric prevents dementia. The only human data found are one observational study of curry eating and memory scores, and one 18-month Theracurmin trial that measured memory and PET scans, not dementia itself.	^{131 171 149 52}
Healthy Aging	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Lowering the risk of dementia: There is no trial showing that curcumin or turmeric prevents dementia. The only human data found are one observational study of curry eating and memory scores, and one 18-month Theracurmin trial that measured memory and PET scans, not dementia itself.	^{131 171 149 52}
Memory Support	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Lowering the risk of dementia: There is no trial showing that curcumin or turmeric prevents dementia. The only human data found are one observational study of curry eating and memory scores, and one 18-month Theracurmin trial that measured memory and PET scans, not dementia itself.	^{131 171 149 52}
Joint Support	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Knee osteoarthritis pain and stiffness: Several pooled analyses of small trials find that concentrated curcumin or turmeric extract lowers knee pain and stiffness more than placebo over 4 to 12 weeks, with effects roughly like common anti-inflammatory pain pills. The trials are small and of low quality, so this is a promising but not firm result. It has been tested as extracts and special forms, not as kitchen turmeric. Knee osteoarthritis: compared with anti-inflammatory pain pills: In one 367-person trial, a turmeric extract was as good as ibuprofen for knee osteoarthritis over 4 weeks, with fewer stomach complaints. Pooled analyses agree that effects are similar to NSAIDs with fewer digestive side effects. It does not mean turmeric is stronger than pain pills, and there was no placebo in that trial.	^{197 201 20 38 26 83 127 198 104 101 199 110 31 145}
Inflammation Balance	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Knee osteoarthritis pain and stiffness: Several pooled analyses of small trials find that concentrated curcumin or turmeric extract lowers knee pain and stiffness more than placebo over 4 to 12 weeks, with effects roughly like common anti-inflammatory pain pills. The trials are small and of low quality, so this is a promising but not firm result. It has been tested as extracts and special forms, not as kitchen turmeric. Rheumatoid arthritis: Small trials suggest curcumin may lower rheumatoid arthritis activity scores, and two 2023 and 2025 pooled analyses found lower disease scores and swollen and tender joints. A 2025 pooled analysis that also included lupus found no significant effect and very mixed results. The trials are tiny, and curcumin is not a replacement for arthritis medicine.	^{197 201 20 38 26 83 127 198 101 199 110 31 145 78 19 23 72}
Joint Support	Preliminary mechanism	Very low certainty	Cartilage and joint structure: Two small trials looked at whether curcumin protects cartilage. One found better cartilage firmness at a second look inside the knee in people who had cartilage surgery, but their symptoms and MRI were no different from placebo. Another found a cartilage-breakdown blood marker fell in everyone, with no difference between groups. This is too early to say curcumin protects joints.	^{128 83}
Inflammation Balance	Biological association	Moderate certainty	Whole-body inflammation (CRP and cytokines): Pooled trials show lower blood CRP, a general inflammation marker, with curcumin, and credibility was rated high for CRP in one large review. TNF-alpha and IL-6 also fell in one analysis, but IL-6 did not change in another. A lower marker is a lab change, and it has not been shown to prevent illness.	^{42 68 70 92 147}
Blood Sugar Balance	Potential benefit	Moderate certainty	Type 2 diabetes: blood sugar: Pooled trials in people with type 2 diabetes found fasting blood sugar about 11 mg/dL lower and HbA1c about 0.54 percentage points lower than placebo. A 12-month trial in 272 people with diabetes and obesity also showed lower sugar and HbA1c. These are modest, lab-level changes in short trials and do not replace diabetes medicine. Prediabetes: slowing progression to diabetes: One 9-month trial in 240 people with prediabetes found that none of the curcumin group developed type 2 diabetes, compared with 16.4 percent on placebo. It is a striking result from a single trial, and it needs repeating before anyone can rely on it.	^{124 190 92 33 146 159 137}
Metabolic Health	Potential benefit	Moderate certainty	Type 2 diabetes: blood sugar: Pooled trials in people with type 2 diabetes found fasting blood sugar about 11 mg/dL lower and HbA1c about 0.54 percentage points lower than placebo. A 12-month trial in 272 people with diabetes and obesity also showed lower sugar and HbA1c. These are modest, lab-level changes in short trials and do not replace diabetes medicine. Prediabetes: slowing progression to diabetes: One 9-month trial in 240 people with prediabetes found that none of the curcumin group developed type 2 diabetes, compared with 16.4 percent on placebo. It is a striking result from a single trial, and it needs repeating before anyone can rely on it.	^{124 190 92 33 182 43 159 146 137 133 117 11 79 126 82}
Cholesterol Balance	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Cholesterol and blood fats: Pooled trials find small improvements: LDL cholesterol about 5 to 6 mg/dL lower, triglycerides 7 to 13 mg/dL lower, HDL about 2 mg/dL higher. In one analysis only the LDL and triglyceride changes were big enough to matter clinically. Evidence quality is low to very low, and the studies vary widely.	^{182 43 159 92}
Heart Health	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Cholesterol and blood fats: Pooled trials find small improvements: LDL cholesterol about 5 to 6 mg/dL lower, triglycerides 7 to 13 mg/dL lower, HDL about 2 mg/dL higher. In one analysis only the LDL and triglyceride changes were big enough to matter clinically. Evidence quality is low to very low, and the studies vary widely.	^{182 43 159 92}
Weight Management	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Metabolic syndrome and body weight: In adults with metabolic syndrome, pooled trials found a slightly smaller waist, lower fasting sugar, lower diastolic blood pressure and higher HDL. Triglycerides and systolic pressure did not change in that analysis. One 12-week trial found no effect on weight, blood pressure or glucose. The changes are small and short-term.	^{146 159 137 92}
Liver Support	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Fatty liver (NAFLD / MASLD): Pooled trials find curcumin lowers liver enzymes (AST and usually ALT) and improves fatty liver on ultrasound. A small biopsy-proven NASH trial of a special phospholipid form found liver inflammation resolved in 62 percent versus 12 percent on placebo. But one trial in obese adults found no change in liver fat at 6 weeks. This is promising but the strongest result comes from a single small trial of a patented form.	^{133 117 11 79 126 82}
Digestive Support	Potential benefit	Very low certainty	Irritable bowel syndrome and bloating: Evidence is thin. A pilot study of 207 people found fewer people met IBS criteria and pain scores fell after 8 weeks on turmeric extract, but there was no placebo group. A 30-day trial found a curcumin-boswellia product plus a low-FODMAP diet cut bloating and pain more than diet alone. This is early and the products were combined or unblinded. Ulcerative colitis: Small trials suggest curcumin added to usual colitis medicine may help keep remission and may help flare-ups settle. A 6-month trial found 4.65 percent relapse with curcumin versus 20.5 percent on placebo. Two trials of special forms in active colitis found much higher remission than placebo. These are promising small trials and curcumin should only be used with a gastroenterologist, never instead of medicine.	^{28 65 78 19 23 72 191 99 98}
Gut Health	Potential benefit	Very low certainty	Irritable bowel syndrome and bloating: Evidence is thin. A pilot study of 207 people found fewer people met IBS criteria and pain scores fell after 8 weeks on turmeric extract, but there was no placebo group. A 30-day trial found a curcumin-boswellia product plus a low-FODMAP diet cut bloating and pain more than diet alone. This is early and the products were combined or unblinded. Ulcerative colitis: Small trials suggest curcumin added to usual colitis medicine may help keep remission and may help flare-ups settle. A 6-month trial found 4.65 percent relapse with curcumin versus 20.5 percent on placebo. Two trials of special forms in active colitis found much higher remission than placebo. These are promising small trials and curcumin should only be used with a gastroenterologist, never instead of medicine.	^{28 65 78 19 23 72}
Muscle Recovery	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Muscle soreness and exercise recovery: A review of 11 small studies concluded curcumin may ease soreness after hard exercise, especially if taken after exercise. Individual trials involve 10 to 34 men and use large doses, and results vary: one found no effect on most outcomes and a recent one found faster biochemical recovery but slower endurance recovery at a high dose.	^{40 135 46 81}
Physical Stamina	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Muscle soreness and exercise recovery: A review of 11 small studies concluded curcumin may ease soreness after hard exercise, especially if taken after exercise. Individual trials involve 10 to 34 men and use large doses, and results vary: one found no effect on most outcomes and a recent one found faster biochemical recovery but slower endurance recovery at a high dose.	^{40 135 46 81}
Healthy Skin	Preliminary mechanism	Not enough evidence	Skin conditions (psoriasis): Evidence for skin conditions is very thin. The only trial found for plaque psoriasis was a 21-person pilot where oral curcumin extract was combined with visible-light treatment, so it cannot show what curcumin alone does. Radiation skin damage is covered under cancer treatment below.	³⁰
Womens Wellness	Potential benefit	Very low certainty	Period pain and premenstrual symptoms: One triple-blind trial in 124 young women found curcumin 500 mg/day did no better than placebo for period pain or premenstrual symptoms over three cycles. A separate small trial in women with endometriosis found a nano-curcumin add-on to a hormone drug lowered pain more than the drug alone.	^{16 162}
Healthy Skin	Potential benefit	Evidence against	Cancer treatment: radiation skin reaction: Oral curcumin has been tested to ease skin burns during radiotherapy for breast cancer. A small 30-person trial found less severe dermatitis, but the much larger 686-person follow-up trial found no benefit. This is about easing a side effect of treatment, not treating cancer, and the best evidence says it does not work. Do not use curcumin during cancer treatment without your cancer team's approval.	^{153 154}

B. Body systems

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Hepatic system	Adverse effect or risk	Low certainty	Herb-induced liver injury reported in the US, Italy, Spain and elsewhere. Preparation or compound: Supplements	^{76 111 63}
Urinary system	Adverse effect or risk	Low certainty	Raised urinary oxalate; relevant to oxalate kidney stones. Preparation or compound: Turmeric supplement doses	¹⁷⁹
Digestive system	Adverse effect or risk	Low certainty	Nausea, reflux, stomach upset, diarrhoea or constipation (NCCIH); dry mouth, wind (EMA). Preparation or compound: Powder, extracts, curcumin	^{209 204}
Reproductive system	Contraindication	Not enough evidence	Pregnancy and breastfeeding not recommended: safety not established. Preparation or compound: Supplement doses	^{204 209}
Stress Mood	Biological association	Low certainty	Studied for: Depression (major depressive disorder), alone or added to antidepressants Studied for: Depression and low mood alongside other conditions	^{132 4 60 187 32 55 115 113 114 116 193 97 24 178 160 196 5 189 13 51 119 77 136 53 140 35 36 62}
Nervous System	Biological association	Low certainty	Studied for: Depression (major depressive disorder), alone or added to antidepressants Studied for: Anxiety	^{132 4 60 187 32 55 115 113 114 116 193 97 24 178 160 53 196 51 13 119 77 202 180 195 184 52 35 36 171 149 161 66 107 158 131 152 41 49 86 62}
Musculoskeletal System	Biological association	Low certainty	Studied for: Knee osteoarthritis pain and stiffness Studied for: Knee osteoarthritis: compared with anti-inflammatory pain pills	^{197 201 20 38 26 83 127 198 104 128 101 199 110 31 145 40 135 46 81}
Digestive System	Biological association	Low certainty	Studied for: Knee osteoarthritis: compared with anti-inflammatory pain pills Studied for: Irritable bowel syndrome and bloating	^{104 197 201 20 28 65 78 19 23 72 191 99 98}
Immune System	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Rheumatoid arthritis Studied for: Whole-body inflammation (CRP and cytokines)	^{101 199 110 31 145 198 42 68 70 92 147 78 19 23 72 98}
Cardiovascular System	Biological association	Moderate certainty	Studied for: Whole-body inflammation (CRP and cytokines) Studied for: Cholesterol and blood fats	^{42 68 70 92 147 182 43 159 146 137}
Endocrine System	Biological association	Moderate certainty	Studied for: Type 2 diabetes: blood sugar Studied for: Prediabetes: slowing progression to diabetes	^{124 190 92 33}
Metabolism Weight	Biological association	Moderate certainty	Studied for: Type 2 diabetes: blood sugar Studied for: Prediabetes: slowing progression to diabetes	^{124 190 92 33 182 43 159 146 137 133 117 11 79 126 82}
Hepatic System	Biological association	Low certainty	Studied for: Fatty liver (NAFLD / MASLD)	^{133 117 11 79 126 82}
Integumentary System	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Studied for: Skin conditions (psoriasis) Studied for: Cancer treatment: radiation skin reaction	^{30 153 154}
Reproductive System	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Period pain and premenstrual symptoms	^{16 162}

C. Body parts and organs

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Liver	Adverse effect or risk	Low certainty	Idiosyncratic hepatocellular, mixed or cholestatic liver injury 1 to 4 months after starting; one death in DILIN. Safety relationship, not a benefit. No frequency known. Preparation or compound: Concentrated and high-absorption supplements; often with piperine	^{76 111 141 210}
Liver	Contraindication	Low certainty	People with liver disease are advised to avoid it (EMA, TGA, Italy). Preparation or compound: All concentrated forms	^{204 210 208}
Gut and gallbladder	Adverse effect or risk	Low certainty	Mild gut upset; gallbladder contraction in healthy volunteers; not recommended with gallstones or bile-duct blockage. Preparation or compound: Powder, extracts and curcumin	^{204 150 151}
Kidneys	Adverse effect or risk	Low certainty	Higher urinary oxalate in 11 healthy people; stone formation not measured. Preparation or compound: Turmeric supplement doses	¹⁷⁹

D. Symptoms

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Knee osteoarthritis pain and stiffness	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Pooled small trials of concentrated extracts find less pain and stiffness than placebo; trial quality is low. Preparation or compound: Concentrated extract, often 1,500 to 2,000 mg a day of plain extract or about 160 to 180 mg a day of curcumin from boosted products	^{188 20 104 197}
Depression	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Small, short trials, mostly adding curcumin to an antidepressant, found a small to moderate gain. Preparation or compound: Curcumin extract, about 500 to 1,000 mg a day for 6 to 12 weeks	^{187 55 113 97}
Anxiety	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Reviews report lower anxiety scores but the studies disagree; anxiety was mostly a side result. Preparation or compound: Curcumin extract	^{53 5}
Indigestion (functional dyspepsia)	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Two short trials found turmeric or curcumin capsules relieved indigestion about as well as omeprazole. Preparation or compound: Turmeric or curcumin capsules for 4 weeks	^{191 99}
Muscle soreness after exercise	Potential benefit	Low certainty	A review of small studies concluded curcumin may ease soreness; doses were large. Preparation or compound: Curcumin extract	^{40 135}
Rheumatoid arthritis joint pain and swelling	Potential benefit	Very low certainty	Small trials and two pooled analyses suggest lower disease scores; another pooled analysis found no clear effect. Preparation or compound: Curcumin extract	^{101 199}

E. Health conditions

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Type 2 diabetes	Potential benefit	Moderate certainty	Pooled trials show lower fasting blood sugar and HbA1c; modest lab changes in short trials. Preparation or compound: Curcumin extract	^{44 92 124}
Ulcerative colitis	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Small trials suggest curcumin on top of usual medicine may help keep remission; promising but small. Preparation or compound: Curcumin extract, 2 to 3 g a day of plain curcumin or a boosted form	^{78 72 143}
Fatty liver (NAFLD / MASLD)	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Pooled trials show lower liver enzymes; separate from the supplement liver-injury warning. Preparation or compound: Curcumin extract	^{133 11 117}
Prediabetes	Potential benefit	Low certainty	One 9-month trial found none of the curcumin group developed diabetes; needs repeating. Preparation or compound: Curcumin extract	³³
Supplement-linked liver injury	Adverse effect or risk	Low certainty	Case series report serious liver injury 1 to 4 months after starting turmeric or curcumin supplements, mostly concentrated or boosted products; frequency is unknown. Preparation or compound: Concentrated and high-absorption supplements, often with piperine	^{76 111 141 210}
Gallstones and bile duct blockage	Adverse effect or risk	Low certainty	Not recommended by EMA; curcumin made the gallbladder contract in healthy volunteers. Preparation or compound: Supplement-dose turmeric and curcumin	^{204 150 151}

G. Root causes and contributing factors

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Medication side effects	Drug or supplement interaction	Not enough evidence	Possible drug-level changes via CYP and P-glycoprotein; shown in lab studies, not in trials read. Preparation or compound: Curcumin and piperine	^{10 25 17}

I. Biomarkers

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
ALT	Adverse effect or risk	Low certainty	Marked rises in injury cases (for example ALT 2230 U/L in one report); normalised after stopping. Preparation or compound: Supplements	^{63 141}
AST	Adverse effect or risk	Low certainty	Raised in injury cases (AST 916 and 4310 U/L in two reports). Preparation or compound: Supplements	^{63 142}
Blood glucose	Drug or supplement interaction	Not enough evidence	Glucose fell with no hypoglycaemia in 8 people on glyburide; open-label. Preparation or compound: Curcumin capsules	¹²⁹
Ferritin	Drug or supplement interaction	Not enough evidence	No iron-absorption effect of 0.5 g turmeric in a meal; supplement doses not studied. Preparation or compound: Culinary turmeric	¹⁸¹
Depression rating scales (HAM-D, MADRS, IDS-SR30, PHQ-9, Beck)	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{113 193 97 24 178 189 132 187}
Anxiety scales (STAI, Beck Anxiety, DASS anxiety)	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{116 51 13 119 53 196}
Cognitive tests (working memory, attention, MMSE, MoCA)	Biological association	Mixed findings	Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{35 171 149 161 152 41 180 195 202}
BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor)	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: raised. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{163 193 41}
Inflammatory messengers (IL-1 beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha)	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{193 189 41}
C-reactive protein (CRP)	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	¹¹⁹
Cortisol (stress hormone)	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{193 114}
Serotonin (blood level)	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: raised. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	¹⁸⁹
Brain amyloid and tau markers (FDDNP-PET, spinal fluid, blood)	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{171 152 41}
Blood glucose (safety signal)	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: raised. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{36 152}
C-reactive protein (CRP, hs-CRP)	Biological association	Moderate certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{42 70 92 137 199 110 124 147}
Interleukin-6 (IL-6)	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{42 68 146 147 135}
Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha)	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{42 68 146}
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{101 199 110 145}
Disease activity score DAS28	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{101 199 110 31}
Fasting blood glucose	Biological association	Moderate certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{124 190 146 159 92 82}
HbA1c	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{124 190 79 126}
Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and insulin	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{33 190 79 145 92}
LDL cholesterol	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{182 43 159 126}
HDL cholesterol	Biological association	Moderate certainty	Measured in trials: raised. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{182 43 146 92}
Triglycerides	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{182 43 146 79 126}
ALT (alanine aminotransferase)	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{133 117 11}
AST (aspartate aminotransferase)	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{133 117 11}
Liver fat (ultrasound, CAP, MR spectroscopy)	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{133 79 126 82}
Creatine kinase (CK)	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{135 46 81}
Oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, total antioxidant capacity)	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{42 146 137}
Weight, BMI and waist	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{146 159 79 133 92}
Fecal calprotectin and bowel inflammation	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	²³

J. Genes, receptors and enzymes

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
NFKB1 / RELA (NF-kB) and IKBKB / NFKBIA	Preliminary mechanism	In vitro	Curcumin blocked IkB phosphorylation and NF-kB activation in human cells	^{170 144}
PTGS2 (COX-2)	Preliminary mechanism	In vitro	Curcumin reduced COX-2 induction and PGE2 in human colon cells (high micromolar)	^{144 90}
NFE2L2 (Nrf2) / KEAP1 / HMOX1	Preliminary mechanism	In vitro	Curcumin raised Nrf2 and HO-1 in kidney cells	¹⁸
CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2B6	Preliminary mechanism	In vitro	Inhibited by curcuminoid extract in human enzyme assays; CYP3A4 selectively by piperine	¹⁸⁵
UGT (glucuronosyltransferases) and SULT1A1 / SULT1A3	Preliminary mechanism	In vitro	Curcumin is conjugated by these enzymes and also inhibits UGT/SULT activity in vitro	^{91 185}

K. Biological pathways

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Inflammation (NF-kB, COX-2) and oxidative-stress response (Nrf2)	Preliminary mechanism	In vitro	Cell findings; the only human readout in this file is lower CRP in a small meta-analysis	^{170 144 18 156}
C-reactive protein (CRP)	Preliminary mechanism	Meta analysis	Lower with curcuminoids in a meta-analysis of six trials, WMD -6.44 mg/L	¹⁵⁶
Curcumin glucuronide and sulfate	Preliminary mechanism	Rct	Main forms in human blood after swallowing curcumin	^{183 37}

L. Active compounds

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Curcumin (curcumin I, diferuloylmethane)	Biological association	In vitro	Lab results include inhibition of NF-kB and COX-2 expression in cells and Nrf2/HO-1 activation in cells. It is chemically unstable at neutral pH (about 90% broken down in 30 min in pH 7.2 buffer), reacts with proteins and interferes in lab assays, and has been classified as a PAINS and an 'invalid metabolic panacea' candidate (Nelson 2017). Oral bioavailability is very poor. Preparation or compound: Rhizome	^{130 186 170 144 18 8}
Demethoxycurcumin	Biological association	In vitro	Similar effect on liver/gut enzymes (CYP3A, UGT, SULT) to curcumin in test-tube work; stronger CYP2C9 inhibition than the other two (IC50 about 8.8 microM) (p18480186). Described as more potent in many lab anti-inflammatory assays (p21413691). Preparation or compound: Rhizome	^{185 37}
Bisdemethoxycurcumin	Biological association	In vitro	Similar effect to curcumin on CYP3A, UGT and SULT in the test tube (p18480186). Little else verified. Preparation or compound: Rhizome	¹⁸⁵
Tetrahydrocurcumin (metabolite)	Biological association	In vitro	Formed by reduction of curcumin in human gut and liver tissue (p11815407). Only weak PGE2-inhibiting activity compared with curcumin in human colon cells (p11221833). Preparation or compound: Formed in gut and liver after swallowing curcumin; not a native plant compound in meaningful amounts (not verified)	^{91 90}
ar-Turmerone	Biological association	Animal	Main aroma/pungency compound of turmeric extract (p33041781). In the lab it made rat neural stem cells multiply and, injected into rat brain ventricles, mobilised stem cells (p25928248). No human data. Preparation or compound: Rhizome (essential oil)	^{89 120 166}
alpha-Turmerone	Biological association	In vitro	Named as a component of the oil measured in extraction work (p14582978). Biological activity not verified in a source read. Preparation or compound: Rhizome (essential oil)	¹²⁰
beta-Turmerone	Biological association	In vitro	As alpha-turmerone: named as an oil component (p14582978); activity not verified. Preparation or compound: Rhizome (essential oil)	¹²⁰
Xanthorrhizol (mainly Javanese turmeric, not C. longa)	Biological association	In vitro	Titles of two reviews (PMIDs 26500452, 35933899) tie xanthorrhizol to Curcuma xanthorrhiza, but they were not read, so activity claims are not given. The Rahmat 2021 abstract names terpenoids and curcuminoids but not xanthorrhizol specifically. Preparation or compound: C. zanthorrhiza rhizome	¹⁴⁸
Turmeric essential oil (mixture)	Biological association	In vitro	Volatile fraction responsible for aroma. Added back into a curcumin formulation in one study it raised blood curcuminoids only 1.3-fold versus standard curcumin (p24461029). Turmeric essential oils and oleoresins have US GRAS status per the Sharifi-Rad review (p33041781). Preparation or compound: Rhizome	^{120 93 166}
Piperine (not from turmeric; added to some products)	Biological association	In vitro	Inhibits glucuronidation and strongly inhibits intestinal CYP3A in the test tube (IC50 5.5 microM); raised human serum curcumin by 2000% in a small 1998 study (p9619120, p18480186). Preparation or compound: Black pepper fruit; not a turmeric constituent	^{168 185}

Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 24, 2026).

Evidence at a glance: what changed in 28 lab markers

Tap a number to show only those markers. Counts are markers, not people.

Hormonal1 Metabolic521 Inflammatory42 Organ function11 Other128

The evidence

The research centre for Turmeric. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.

Evidence by outcome

Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).

How we rate evidence

High certainty

Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.

Moderate certainty

Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.

Low certainty

Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.

Very low certainty

Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.

Mixed findings

Trials or reviews disagree with each other.

Not enough evidence

Not enough human research to say either way.

Evidence against

Good research found no benefit, or found harm.

We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We searched PubMed, NIH NCCIH, the EU herbal monograph, the German BfR, GBIF and other regulator and database pages, opened each source and recorded the study design, people, product, dose and result as reported. Abstracts only for most studies; the EMA and BfR documents were read as PDFs. Some sources (the Australian TGA alert, Italian decrees, EFSA and FDA pages) could not be opened directly, and what we say about them is second-hand and marked as such. No study is cited that we could not verify.

Study library: every study we checked 210

Design Research type Plant part Year from Search

Study	Design	People	Product, dose, length	Result
Aggarwal 2007 Curcumin: the Indian solid gold. Adv Exp Med Biol · PMID 17569205 · DOI	Narrative review	n/a	Turmeric / curcumin rhizome	States that curcumin was first isolated almost two centuries ago, its structure (diferuloylmethane) determined in 1910, and that therapeutic uses have been assigned to turmeric since the time of Ayurveda (stated as 1900 BC). Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: History and pharmacology overview Limitations: Review by a curcumin-favourable group; dating of Ayurveda is the authors' statement. Read: abstract
Aguilera 2022 Comparative Pharmacokinetic of Curcuminoids Formulations with an Omega-3 Fatty Acids Monoglyceride Carrier: A Randomized Cross-Over Triple-Blind Study. Nutrients · PMID 36558506 · DOI	Controlled trial	31 Healthy adults (16 men, 15 women)	Curcuminoid powder; in rice oil; with omega-3 monoglyceride unspecified 400 mg curcuminoids Single dose (24 h crossover) · vs Powder; rice oil	AUC 166.8 (carrier), 134.0 (rice oil), 163.1 (powder) ng/mL x h; 40% higher at 1 h with carrier. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Plasma curcuminoids Limitations: Young adults; blood level only. Funding and conflicts: Supported by the carrier maker (Biodroga); company did not generate data per the statement Read: abstract
Ahmed Nasef 2019 Food matrix and co-presence of turmeric compounds influence bioavailability of curcumin in healthy humans. Food Funct · PMID 31347643 · DOI	Controlled trial	Healthy men	Curcumin powder, turmeric powder, grated fresh turmeric root in a meal rhizome (powder, fresh root) 400 mg curcumin in each Single meal (crossover) · vs Curcumin powder	Cmax 0.19 (curcumin powder), 8.4 (turmeric powder), 4.9 (fresh root) ng/mL. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Plasma curcuminoids 1-3 h Limitations: n not in abstract; men only. Read: abstract
Al-Karawi 2016 The Role of Curcumin Administration in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: Mini Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials. Phytother Res · PMID 26610378 · DOI	Meta-analysis	6 trials in major depressive disorder	Curcumin (various; BCM-95 and curcumin-piperine compared in subgroup) unspecified Higher doses did better in subgroup Longer duration did better in subgroup · vs Placebo	Curcumin reduced depression symptoms; subgroup effect larger with longer duration, higher dose and middle-aged patients. BCM-95 was not significantly better than curcumin-piperine. SMD -0.34 (95% CI -0.56 to -0.13; p=0.002) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Depression symptoms Limitations: Abstract only. Six trials; subgroup differences are exploratory. Read: abstract
Alsanie 2026 Effects of curcumin on depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in adults: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Food Nutr Res · PMID 42859601 · DOI	Meta-analysis	1491 26 RCTs in adults (depression, anxiety, stress)	Curcumin (various) unspecified Dose-response: higher doses (>1.5 g/day) linked to larger depression reductions Varied · vs Placebo	Curcumin reduced all three versus placebo; authors judge certainty moderate-to-low with substantial heterogeneity. Depression SMD -1.53; anxiety SMD -1.67; stress SMD -1.71 (Depression -2.05 to -1.02; anxiety -2.42 to -0.93; stress -3.37 to -0.06) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Depression, anxiety, stress symptoms Limitations: Abstract only. Effect sizes far larger than the other reviews, so likely inflated by small trials. Read: abstract
Amalraj 2017 A Novel Highly Bioavailable Curcumin Formulation Improves Symptoms and Diagnostic Indicators in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Two-Dose, Three-Arm, and Parallel-Group Study. J Med Food · PMID 28850308 · DOI	Controlled trial	36 Adults with active rheumatoid arthritis	Highly bioavailable curcumin in a natural turmeric matrix unspecified 250 or 500 mg twice daily 90 days · vs Placebo	Significant improvement in ESR, CRP, RF, VAS, DAS28 and ACR at both doses vs placebo; no side effects. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: ACR response, VAS, CRP, DAS28, ESR, RF Limitations: 12 people per group; authors list a company affiliation. Read: abstract
Amalraj 2020 The Effects of Bioavailable Curcumin (Cureit) on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness Induced By Eccentric Continuous Exercise: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Study. J Med Food · PMID 32109179 · DOI	Controlled trial	Adults doing eccentric exercise	Cureit bioavailable curcumin unspecified Not in abstract Not in abstract · vs Placebo	Significantly less soreness; slightly lower creatine kinase; slightly higher VO2 max; no side effects. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Delayed onset muscle soreness Limitations: No numbers, dose or n in abstract. Read: abstract
Anand 2007 Bioavailability of curcumin: problems and promises. Mol Pharm · PMID 17999464 · DOI	Narrative review	n/a	Curcumin rhizome	Reports that phase I trials found curcumin safe up to 12 g/day but with poor bioavailability, due to poor absorption, rapid metabolism and rapid elimination. Lists piperine, liposomes, nanoparticles, phospholipid complexes and analogues (e.g. EF-24) as strategies. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Reasons for low curcumin bioavailability and approaches to improve it Limitations: Review, not a trial; first author group is a curcumin-research group that is generally favourable to curcumin. Read: abstract
Antony 2008 A Pilot Cross-Over Study to Evaluate Human Oral Bioavailability of BCM-95CG (Biocurcumax), A Novel Bioenhanced Preparation of Curcumin. Indian J Pharm Sci · PMID 20046768 · DOI	Controlled trial	Healthy volunteers	BCM-95CG (Biocurcumax) unspecified Not in abstract Single dose (crossover) · vs Normal curcumin; curcumin-lecithin-piperine	About 6.93-fold vs normal curcumin and about 6.3-fold vs curcumin-lecithin-piperine. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Relative bioavailability Limitations: Pilot; first author lists the product maker; dose and n not in abstract. Read: abstract
Appiah-Opong 2007 Inhibition of human recombinant cytochrome P450s by curcumin and curcumin decomposition products. Toxicology · PMID 17433521 · DOI	Laboratory research in-vitro	Recombinant human CYPs	Curcumin	Curcumin inhibited CYP1A2 (IC50 40.0 uM), CYP3A4 (16.3), CYP2D6 (50.3), CYP2C9 (4.3) and CYP2B6 (24.5) Inhibition in vitro Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: CYP inhibition Limitations: Authors note low systemic exposure may limit liver relevance Funding and conflicts: not stated Read: abstract
Aragón-Vela 2024 Does curcumin improve liver enzymes levels in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease? A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression. Phytother Res · PMID 38965866 · DOI	Meta-analysis	835 Adults with NAFLD, 15 RCTs	Curcumin (with or without piperine) rhizome Various Various · vs Placebo	Curcumin did not lower ALT but did lower AST, both with high heterogeneity. Adding piperine gave no extra benefit. Longer trials and higher body-weight-adjusted doses were linked to smaller reductions. ALT: no significant effect; AST: lowered (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: ALT and AST Limitations: High heterogeneity; this review disagrees with others on ALT Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract
Araya-Quintanilla 2020 Effectiveness of Ginger on Pain and Function in Knee Osteoarthritis: A PRISMA Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pain Physician · PMID 32214292	Meta-analysis	Knee osteoarthritis	Ginger (oral or topical) unspecified Varies Varies · vs Placebo or standard treatment	7 trials (4 pooled); capsules vs placebo pain MD -7.88 mm (CI -11.92 to -3.85); authors conclude insufficient evidence for oral ginger. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Pain and knee function Limitations: Heterogeneous and poor methodology. Read: abstract
Asadi 2020 Beneficial effects of nano-curcumin supplement on depression and anxiety in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res · PMID 31788880 · DOI	Controlled trial	80 Adults with diabetic nerve disease (polyneuropathy)	Nano-curcumin unspecified 80 mg/day 8 weeks · vs Placebo	Depression and anxiety scores fell more than placebo; stress change not significant. Depression 16.7 to 15.3 vs placebo 17.5 to 17.3 (p=.02); anxiety 22.4 to 20.6 vs 21.9 to 21.2 (p=.009) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: DASS-21 depression, anxiety, stress Limitations: Abstract only. Small absolute score changes. Read: abstract
Asher 2017 Randomized Pharmacokinetic Crossover Study Comparing 2 Curcumin Preparations in Plasma and Rectal Tissue of Healthy Human Volunteers. J Clin Pharmacol · PMID 27503249 · DOI	Controlled trial	Healthy volunteers	Phosphatidylcholine curcumin extract vs standard extract unspecified 10-fold different doses, once daily Steady state · vs Standard extract	Plasma AUC equal after dose adjustment; rectal tissue curcumin 5-fold greater per dose; 20-fold greater hexahydrocurcumin; once daily enough. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Plasma and rectal tissue curcuminoids Limitations: n and dose not in abstract. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts reported Read: abstract
Bahamondes 2021 Effect of omega-3 on painful symptoms of patients with osteoarthritis of the synovial joints: systematic review and meta-analysis. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol · PMID 34303654 · DOI	Meta-analysis	454 Osteoarthritis of synovial joints	Omega-3 unspecified Varies; no effective dose established Varies · vs Control	6 RCTs; pain reduced in 4 (MD 22.89, CI 3.37-42.42); low-quality evidence. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Pain, stiffness, swelling Limitations: High clinical and methodological variability. Read: abstract
Bahrami 2021 Effects of curcumin on menstrual pattern, premenstrual syndrome, and dysmenorrhea: A triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res · PMID 34708460 · DOI	Controlled trial	124 Young women with both PMS and dysmenorrhea	Curcuminoid capsules rhizome 500 mg/day, from 7 days before to 3 days after menstruation 3 menstrual cycles · vs Placebo	PMS scores fell in both groups (32.5 to 21.6 on curcumin; 31.7 to 23.4 on placebo) and pain fell 64% on curcumin vs 53.3% on placebo. The authors conclude curcumin was comparable to placebo. No clear difference from placebo (Not reported) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: PSST (PMS) score and dysmenorrhea pain VAS Limitations: Low dose; short; between-group test not given in the abstract Read: abstract
Bahramsoltani 2017 Pharmacokinetic interactions of curcuminoids with conventional drugs: A review. J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 28734960 · DOI	Systematic review	In vitro, animal and human studies	Curcuminoids unspecified	Interactions through CYP and P-glycoprotein reported; only one clinical trial showed significant change in a conventional drug Insufficient to judge clinical interactions Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Drug interactions Limitations: Mostly non-human data Funding and conflicts: not stated Read: abstract
Balogun 2003 Curcumin activates the haem oxygenase-1 gene via regulation of Nrf2 and the antioxidant-responsive element. Biochem J · PMID 12570874 · DOI	Laboratory research in-vitro	renal epithelial cells	Curcumin pure compound cell-culture concentrations · vs untreated cells	Curcumin increased Nrf2 and HO-1 protein and enzyme activity in kidney cells, apparently by inactivating the Nrf2-Keap1 complex, with p38 MAPK involved. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Nrf2 and HO-1 Limitations: Cell culture only. Read: abstract
Banerjee 2021 Novel Bioenhanced Curcumin With Mesalamine for Induction of Clinical and Endoscopic Remission in Mild-to-Moderate Ulcerative Colitis: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-controlled Pilot Study. J Clin Gastroenterol · PMID 32889959 · DOI	Controlled trial	69 Adults with mild-to-moderate active ulcerative colitis on mesalamine	Bioenhanced curcumin (hydrophilic) as add-on rhizome 50 mg twice daily 6 weeks and 3 months · vs Placebo	At 6 weeks clinical remission 44.1% vs none on placebo and endoscopic remission 35.3% vs none (P<0.01). At 3 months clinical remission 55.9% vs 5.7%. Of responders, 95% (18/19) kept remission at 6 months and 84% (16/19) at 12 months. Clinical remission 44.1% vs 0% at 6 weeks (Not reported) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Clinical response and remission, endoscopic remission Limitations: Pilot, 69 people; single centre; a patented bioenhanced form at a low dose Read: abstract
Bannuru 2018 Efficacy of curcumin and Boswellia for knee osteoarthritis: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Semin Arthritis Rheum · PMID 29622343 · DOI	Meta-analysis	1009 Adults with knee osteoarthritis; 11 RCTs	Curcuminoid formulations (and, separately, boswellia) rhizome Various Various · vs Placebo or NSAIDs	Curcuminoids beat placebo for pain and function, did not differ from NSAIDs in effect, and caused fewer gastrointestinal adverse events. The authors rate study quality as low overall (most trials under 100 people) and say the evidence is not enough to make clinical practice recommendations. Better than placebo for pain and function; no difference from NSAIDs Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Pain, function, safety Limitations: Low overall quality; small trials Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract
Bartels 2015 Efficacy and safety of ginger in osteoarthritis patients: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Osteoarthritis Cartilage · PMID 25300574 · DOI	Meta-analysis	593 Adults with osteoarthritis	Oral ginger unspecified Varies Varies · vs Placebo	5 trials; pain SMD -0.30 (CI -0.50 to -0.09); disability SMD -0.22 (CI -0.39 to -0.04); more than twice as likely to stop treatment (RR 2.33, CI 1.04-5.22). Pain SMD -0.30 (-0.50 to -0.09) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Pain and disability; withdrawals Limitations: Inadequate intention-to-treat analyses; moderate quality. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42011001777 Read: abstract
Belcaro 2010 Efficacy and safety of Meriva®, a curcumin-phosphatidylcholine complex, during extended administration in osteoarthritis patients. Altern Med Rev · PMID 21194249	Controlled trial	100 Adults with osteoarthritis	Meriva (curcumin-phosphatidylcholine complex) unspecified Not in abstract 8 months · vs Control group (type not in abstract)	Significant improvement in clinical and biochemical end points versus control; excellent tolerability. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: WOMAC; Karnofsky; walking; inflammatory markers Limitations: Dose and control type not in abstract. Read: abstract
Ben-Horin 2024 Curcumin-QingDai Combination for Patients With Active Ulcerative Colitis: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol · PMID 37302449 · DOI	Controlled trial	42 Adults with active ulcerative colitis, Israel and Greece (part II)	Curcumin-QingDai combination (enteric-coated curcumin plus the herb indigo naturalis) rhizome 3 g/day (part II); curcumin alone for maintenance 8 weeks · vs Placebo	Co-primary response 43% vs 8% (P=.033). Clinical response 85.7% vs 30.7%; clinical remission 50% vs 8%; endoscopic improvement 75% vs 20%; adverse events were comparable. Co-primary outcome 43% vs 8% (Not reported) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Clinical response, remission, endoscopic and calprotectin response Limitations: The product contains QingDai as well as curcumin, so curcumin's own part cannot be separated; small (42 in part II) Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract
Bergman 2013 Curcumin as an add-on to antidepressive treatment: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot clinical study. Clin Neuropharmacol · PMID 23673908 · DOI	Controlled trial	40 Adults with a first episode of depression, on escitalopram or venlafaxine	Curcumin unspecified 500 mg/day 5 weeks · vs Placebo	Both groups improved; no difference between curcumin and placebo (a negative result), with a non-significant trend to faster relief. No significant difference Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: CGI-S, HAM-D, MADRS Limitations: Abstract only. Short, low dose, small. Read: abstract
Bhardwaj 2002 Piperine, a major constituent of black pepper, inhibits human P-glycoprotein and CYP3A4. J Pharmacol Exp Ther · PMID 12130727 · DOI	Laboratory research in-vitro	Caco-2 cells and human liver microsomes	Piperine	Piperine inhibited digoxin and cyclosporine transport (IC50 15.5 and 74.1 uM) and CYP3A4 verapamil metabolism (Ki 36-77 uM) Inhibition in vitro Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: P-gp transport and CYP3A4 activity Limitations: Cell and microsome data; not a clinical interaction trial Funding and conflicts: not stated Read: abstract
Bideshki 2024 The efficacy of curcumin in relieving osteoarthritis: A meta-analysis of meta-analyses. Phytother Res · PMID 38576215 · DOI	Meta-analysis	Adults with osteoarthritis; umbrella analysis of 11 meta-analyses of RCTs	Curcumin (various products) rhizome Various Various · vs Placebo or usual care	Pooled across 11 earlier meta-analyses, curcumin lowered VAS and all WOMAC scores (p up to 0.007). The authors say the results strongly support curcuminoids for pain, mobility and stiffness. Significant lowering of VAS and WOMAC scores (WMD and SMD) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: VAS, WOMAC total, function, pain, stiffness Limitations: Pools reviews that share the same underlying trials, so it does not add new independent evidence; abstract gives no effect sizes Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract
Briskey 2019 Increased bioavailability of curcumin using a novel dispersion technology system (LipiSperse®). Eur J Nutr · PMID 29974228 · DOI	Controlled trial	18 Healthy men and women (7 in the crossover)	Curcumin extract with LipiSperse unspecified 750 mg curcuminoid Single dose · vs Same extract without LipiSperse	807 vs 318 ng/mL in the crossover trial. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Plasma curcuminoids over 24 h Limitations: Small crossover subset. Read: abstract
Bundy 2004 Turmeric extract may improve irritable bowel syndrome symptomology in otherwise healthy adults: a pilot study. J Altern Complement Med · PMID 15673996 · DOI	Controlled trial	207 Adults screened for IBS by Rome II criteria	Standardised turmeric extract tablets rhizome One or two tablets/day 8 weeks · vs No placebo (two-dose comparison)	IBS prevalence fell by 53% (one tablet) and 60% (two tablets) between baseline and end (p<0.001), with no significant difference between doses. Abdominal pain fell 22% and 25%. About two thirds reported improvement. IBS prevalence down 53% and 60%; no difference between doses (Not reported) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: IBS prevalence, IBS quality of life, self-rated effectiveness Limitations: No placebo arm; partially blinded; volunteers had mild symptoms; prevalence also fell before treatment began Read: abstract
Campbell 2019 Influence of enhanced bioavailable curcumin on obesity-associated cardiovascular disease risk factors and arterial function: A double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial. Nutrition · PMID 30889454 · DOI	Controlled trial	22 Young obese men aged 18-35	CurQfen (curcumin with fenugreek fibre) unspecified 500 mg per day 12 weeks · vs Fenugreek fibre	Homocysteine lower (P=0.04) and HDL higher (P=0.04) than control; no change in glucose, insulin, endothelial function or blood pressure. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Cardiovascular blood markers; arterial function Limitations: Baseline HDL very different between arms; 22 men. Read: abstract
Carrion-Gutierrez 2015 Effects of Curcuma extract and visible light on adults with plaque psoriasis. Eur J Dermatol · PMID 26066761 · DOI	Controlled trial	21 Adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis	Oral Curcuma extract with visible-light phototherapy rhizome Dose not stated in the abstract · vs Real vs simulated visible-light phototherapy	With real visible light, no patients had moderate or severe plaques after treatment, compared with the simulated-light group (p<0.01). The authors say Curcuma works if activated by visible light. The study cannot separate the extract from the light. Better response with real light plus extract (Not reported) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Plaque severity, PASI, BSA Limitations: 21 people; both groups got the extract, so the extract's own effect is not tested Read: abstract
Chandran 2012 A randomized, pilot study to assess the efficacy and safety of curcumin in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. Phytother Res · PMID 22407780 · DOI	Controlled trial	45 Adults with active rheumatoid arthritis	Curcumin rhizome 500 mg · vs Diclofenac 50 mg, or both	All three groups improved on DAS28. The curcumin group had the highest percentage of improvement and scores significantly better than the diclofenac group. No adverse events were linked to curcumin. Curcumin group improved most; better than diclofenac alone Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: DAS28, ACR20/50/70 Limitations: Pilot, 45 people, three groups of about 15; no placebo; duration and exact numbers not in abstract Read: abstract
Cheng 2025 Comparative efficacy and tolerability of nutraceuticals for depressive disorder: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Psychol Med · PMID 40314175 · DOI	Meta-analysis	17437 192 trials of 44 nutraceuticals in depressive disorder (curcumin a small part of it)	Curcumin alone or added to antidepressants (network estimates) unspecified · vs Placebo and antidepressants	Curcumin plus antidepressant was among the best adjuncts; curcumin alone vs antidepressant had a wide interval crossing zero. Most nutraceuticals tolerated like placebo. Network estimates for curcumin rest on few trials. Curcumin + antidepressant SMD 1.03 (as reported, versus antidepressant alone); curcumin alone SMD 0.62 (Curcumin + ADT 0.55 to 1.51; curcumin alone -0.17 to 1.40) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Depressive symptoms (SMD), response, remission Limitations: Abstract only. Network meta-analysis of many different nutraceuticals; no curcumin-specific certainty given in abstract. Read: abstract
Chuengsamarn 2012 Curcumin extract for prevention of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care · PMID 22773702 · DOI	Controlled trial	240 Adults with prediabetes	Curcumin extract capsules (curcuminoids) rhizome Dose not stated in the abstract 9 months · vs Placebo	After 9 months 16.4% of placebo people had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes versus none in the curcumin group. HOMA-beta was higher (61.58 vs 48.72, P<0.01), C-peptide lower, HOMA-IR lower (3.22 vs 4.04, P<0.001) and adiponectin higher. 0 of the curcumin group vs 16.4% of placebo developed T2DM (Not reported) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Number progressing to type 2 diabetes; HOMA-beta, C-peptide, HOMA-IR, adiponectin Limitations: Single trial; 9 months only; dose not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Cowell 2017 Ground Turmeric as a Source of Lead Exposure in the United States. Public Health Rep · PMID 28358991 · DOI	Observational	US public health report	Ground turmeric powder	Title says ground turmeric is a source of lead exposure; abstract not available so no data used Not read Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Lead exposure Limitations: Abstract not available Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared Read: summary-only
Cox 2015 Investigation of the effects of solid lipid curcumin on cognition and mood in a healthy older population. J Psychopharmacol · PMID 25277322 · DOI	Controlled trial	60 Healthy adults aged 60 to 85	Longvida solid lipid curcumin unspecified 400 mg Longvida (single dose, then daily) 4 weeks · vs Placebo	One hour after a dose, sustained attention and working memory were better; after 4 weeks, working memory and some mood measures (fatigue, calmness, contentedness after stress) were better. Total and LDL cholesterol lower. Significant versus placebo; values not in abstract Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Attention, working memory, mood, blood markers Limitations: Abstract only. Healthy people with no memory problems; small. Read: abstract
Cox 2020 Further Evidence of Benefits to Mood and Working Memory from Lipidated Curcumin in Healthy Older People: A 12-Week, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Partial Replication Study. Nutrients · PMID 32512782 · DOI	Controlled trial	80 Healthy adults aged 50 to 80	Longvida lipidated curcumin unspecified 400 mg/day containing 80 mg curcumin 12 weeks · vs Placebo	Better working memory at 12 weeks and lower fatigue (4 and 12 weeks); tension, anger, confusion and total mood disturbance lower at 4 weeks only; blood glucose higher with curcumin. Significant; values not in abstract Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Cognition, mood, biomarkers Limitations: Abstract only. Partial replication by the same group; authors report industry funding for some co-authors. Read: abstract
Cuomo 2011 Comparative absorption of a standardized curcuminoid mixture and its lecithin formulation. J Nat Prod · PMID 21413691 · DOI	Randomized double blind crossover trial	healthy volunteers (n not read in the abstract)	Standardized curcuminoid mixture vs lecithin formulation (Meriva) rhizome extract clinically used doses (exact mg not in abstract) single dose · vs unformulated curcuminoid mixture	Total curcuminoid absorption about 29-fold higher for Meriva; only phase-2 (conjugated) metabolites were detected; plasma concentrations were still well below those needed to inhibit most anti-inflammatory targets in lab tests. The main plasma curcuminoid after Meriva was demethoxycurcumin, not curcumin. about 29-fold Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Plasma levels of curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin Limitations: Healthy volunteers; the key finding is that blood levels, even when boosted, mostly hold conjugates and stay below lab-active concentrations. Funding and conflicts: Authors include employees of USANA and Indena-linked researchers (affiliation list not fully read) Read: abstract
Daily 2016 Efficacy of Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin for Alleviating the Symptoms of Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. J Med Food · PMID 27533649 · DOI	Meta-analysis	Adults with arthritis (mostly knee osteoarthritis); 8 RCTs	Turmeric extracts and curcumin rhizome About 1000 mg/day of curcumin Various · vs Placebo or pain medicine	Three trials: pain VAS fell more than with placebo (MD -2.04). Four trials: WOMAC fell more than with placebo (MD -15.36). Five trials: pain VAS did not differ from pain medicine. The authors rated risk of bias low to moderate but said the number of trials and size were not enough for firm conclusions. Pain VAS MD -2.04; WOMAC MD -15.36 vs placebo (VAS -2.85 to -1.24; WOMAC -26.9 to -3.77) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Pain VAS and WOMAC Limitations: Only 8 small trials; first author is affiliated with a manufacturing company Funding and conflicts: First author affiliated with Daily Manufacturing, Inc. Read: abstract
Dalmonte 2024 Efficacy of Extracts of Oleogum Resin of Boswellia in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Phytother Res · PMID 39314013 · DOI	Meta-analysis	850 Knee osteoarthritis	Boswellia oleogum resin extracts unspecified Varies Varies · vs Placebo or other controls	13 studies; no significant overall effect (p=0.0865 WOMAC; 0.3966 VAS) due to high heterogeneity; subgroup analysis positive. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: WOMAC and VAS Limitations: High heterogeneity. Read: abstract
Daniel Vasile 2024 Evaluation of curcumin intake in reducing exercise-induced muscle damage in athletes: a systematic review. J Int Soc Sports Nutr · PMID 39623590 · DOI	Systematic review	Active adults; 11 studies of exercise-induced muscle damage	Curcumin (various forms) rhizome Various Various · vs Placebo	The authors conclude curcumin may relieve muscle symptoms, especially soreness after eccentric exercise, and may lower inflammation markers; taking it after exercise seemed more beneficial. No pooled numbers. Reduced soreness in several studies (no pooled numbers) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Muscle soreness (DOMS), damage and inflammation markers Limitations: No meta-analysis; small lab studies; mixed doses and forms Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract
Das 2023 Influence of CurQfen(®)-curcumin on cognitive impairment: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, 3-arm, 3-sequence comparative study. Front Dement · PMID 39081970 · DOI	Controlled trial	48 Adults with moderate dementia due to Alzheimer's disease	CurQfen (curcumagalactomannoside), standard curcumin complex unspecified 400 mg twice daily 6 months · vs Placebo and standard curcumin (95%)	The CurQfen group improved MMSE and gait/locomotion scores and blood markers versus placebo and standard curcumin. Significant P<0.05; values not in abstract Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: MMSE; BDNF, Abeta42, tau, IL-6, TNF-alpha Limitations: Abstract only. 16 per group; funding not checked; no independent replication found. Read: abstract
Dehzad 2023 Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation in adults: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Cytokine · PMID 36804260 · DOI	Meta-analysis	Adults in 66 RCTs (many conditions)	Curcumin or turmeric supplements rhizome Various Various · vs Placebo	CRP fell by 0.58 mg/L, TNF-alpha by 3.48 pg/ml and IL-6 by 1.31 pg/ml; IL-1 beta did not change significantly. Antioxidant capacity and SOD rose and MDA fell. GRADE-assessed; the abstract does not state the grades. CRP WMD -0.58 mg/L; TNF-alpha WMD -3.48 pg/ml; IL-6 WMD -1.31 pg/ml (CRP -0.74 to -0.41; TNF-alpha -4.38 to -2.58; IL-6 -1.58 to -0.67) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: CRP, TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1 beta, oxidative stress markers Limitations: The 2021 review below found no IL-6 effect; many conditions pooled; marker change is not a health outcome Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract
Dehzad 2023 Effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation on lipid profile: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Med · PMID 37230418 · DOI	Meta-analysis	Adults, 64 RCTs	Curcumin or turmeric supplements rhizome Various Various · vs Placebo	TC fell 3.99 mg/dL, TG 6.69, LDL 4.89; HDL rose 1.80. No effect on ApoA or ApoB. The authors rate the evidence low to very low and say studies did not address potency, purity or intake with food. TC WMD -3.99; TG -6.69; LDL -4.89; HDL +1.80 mg/dL (TC -5.33 to -2.65; TG -7.93 to -5.45; LDL -5.92 to -3.87; HDL 1.43 to 2.17) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, ApoA, ApoB Limitations: Evidence low or very low; significant heterogeneity Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract
Dehzad 2023 Effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation on glycemic indices in adults: A grade-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Diabetes Metab Syndr · PMID 37748368 · DOI	Meta-analysis	Adults	Curcumin/turmeric unspecified Dose-response analysis Varies · vs Placebo	59 RCTs; improved fasting blood sugar (WMD 4.60 mg/dL), fasting insulin (0.87 uIU/mL), HbA1c (0.32%) and HOMA-IR (0.33); the abstract prints the improvements as positive numbers with reversed confidence intervals. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c, HOMA-IR Limitations: Heterogeneity explored by subgroup. Read: abstract
Dei Cas 2019 Dietary Curcumin: Correlation between Bioavailability and Health Potential. Nutrients · PMID 31500361 · DOI	Narrative review	n/a	Curcumin rhizome	Low absorption in the small intestine plus extensive reductive and conjugative liver metabolism sharply limit oral bioavailability; adjuvants and new delivery systems improve solubility and plasma profile. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Bioavailability and delivery systems Limitations: Review. Funding and conflicts: Declared none Read: abstract
Delecroix 2017 Curcumin and Piperine Supplementation and Recovery Following Exercise Induced Muscle Damage: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Sports Sci Med · PMID 28344463	Controlled trial	10 Elite male rugby players; crossover	Curcumin plus piperine rhizome Dose not stated in the abstract 48 hours before and after exercise-induced muscle damage · vs Placebo	Sprint power fell 1.77% with curcumin and piperine vs 13.6% with placebo at 24 hours (effect size -1.12). No other differences. The authors say it attenuated some, but not all, aspects of damage. Sprint power drop 1.77% vs 13.6% at 24 h (90% CI -1.86 to -0.86) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Strength, sprint power, jump, creatine kinase, soreness Limitations: Only 10 athletes; many outcomes tested Read: abstract
Deng 2023 Effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation for patients with osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis. J Orthop Surg Res · PMID 37226250 · DOI	Meta-analysis	2070 Osteoarthritis	Omega-3 fatty acids unspecified Varies Varies · vs Placebo	9 RCTs; pain SMD -0.29 (CI -0.47 to -0.11, I2 60%); function SMD -0.21 (CI -0.34 to -0.07); adverse events similar (OR 0.97). Pain SMD -0.29 (-0.47 to -0.11) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Pain, joint function, adverse events Limitations: Heterogeneity moderate for pain. Read: abstract
Dhakal 2016 Evaluation of Turmeric Powder Adulterated with Metanil Yellow Using FT-Raman and FT-IR Spectroscopy. Foods · PMID 28231130 · DOI	Analytical survey not applicable (food samples)	Turmeric powder spiked with metanil yellow (0.01-30% w/w)	Turmeric powder unspecified	FT-Raman detected 1%, FT-IR 5%. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Detection of metanil yellow Limitations: Spiked laboratory samples, not market samples. Read: abstract
Dost 2021 Theracurmin Supplementation May be a Therapeutic Option for Older Patients with Alzheimer's Disease: A 6-Month Retrospective Follow-Up Study. Curr Alzheimer Res · PMID 34939543 · DOI	Retrospective cohort	93 Elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment (17) or Alzheimer's (19) treated, among 93 reviewed	Theracurmin unspecified 180 mg/day 6 months · vs Untreated patients	Scores fell in untreated Alzheimer's patients but stayed stable with Theracurmin. MMSE p<0.001; MoCA p=0.011; instrumental ADL p=0.004 (decline in untreated) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: MMSE, MoCA, daily-living scores Limitations: Abstract only. Retrospective, not randomized; only 36 treated. Read: abstract
EMA 2018 European Union herbal monograph on Curcuma longa L., rhizoma (final) · Source	Traditional use		Turmeric / curcumin rhizome	Traditional use only, for digestive disturbances. Powder 0.5-1 g 2-3 times daily; tea 0.5-1.0 g in 150 ml 2-3 times daily; tincture 1:10 0.5-1 ml three times daily; dry extracts 90-162 mg a day (DER 13-25:1) or 100-200 mg twice daily (DER 5.5-6.5:1); tincture 1:5 10 ml once daily. Not recommended under 18, in pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with bile duct obstruction, cholangitis, liver disease or gallstones. Mild dry mouth, flatulence, gastric irritation possible. Material complies with Ph. Eur. 2543. No overdose case reported. Methods, limits and funding Limitations: Document EMA/HMPC/329755/2017, 25 September 2018; read in full from the PDF. Read: full-text
Esmaily 2015 An investigation of the effects of curcumin on anxiety and depression in obese individuals: A randomized controlled trial. Chin J Integr Med · PMID 25776839 · DOI	Controlled trial	30 Obese adults (crossover)	Curcumin unspecified 1 g/day 30 days each period, 2-week washout · vs Placebo	Anxiety score fell with curcumin; depression score did not change. Anxiety p=0.03; depression p=0.7 Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories Limitations: Abstract only. Small crossover trial. Read: abstract
Fan 2024 Therapeutic potential of curcumin on the cognitive decline in animal models of Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol · PMID 38265680 · DOI	Meta-analysis animal	29 animal studies of Alzheimer's disease models (33 articles in the review)	Curcumin unspecified · vs Control animals	Curcumin improved memory tests in animals; publication bias detected. Acquisition -2.027; retention 1.606 (Acquisition -2.435 to -1.619; retention 1.101 to 2.111) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Memory test performance in animals Limitations: Animal evidence only; does not show effects in people. Read: abstract
Fathi 2024 Effect of curcumin supplementation on symptoms of anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Nutr ESPEN · PMID 38857152 · DOI	Meta-analysis	567 8 RCTs of people with anxiety symptoms	Curcumin (various) unspecified · vs Placebo	Curcumin lowered anxiety symptoms, but heterogeneity was extreme and the authors call for more high-quality trials. SMD -1.56 (95% CI -2.48 to -0.64; I2 95.6%) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Anxiety symptoms Limitations: Abstract only. Very high heterogeneity; effect size implausibly large. Read: abstract
Flory 2021 Increasing Post-Digestive Solubility of Curcumin Is the Most Successful Strategy to Improve its Oral Bioavailability: A Randomized Cross-Over Trial in Healthy Adults and In Vitro Bioaccessibility Experiments. Mol Nutr Food Res · PMID 34665507 · DOI	Controlled trial	12 Healthy adults	Native curcumin vs 7 formulations (liposomes, oils, adjuvants incl. piperine, submicron particles, phytosomes, gamma-cyclodextrin, micelles) unspecified 207 mg curcumin Single dose (crossover) · vs Native curcumin	Only micellar (57-fold) and gamma-cyclodextrin (30-fold) raised AUC significantly; only conjugated curcumin detected. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: 24 h pharmacokinetics; in vitro bioaccessibility Limitations: 12 people; single dose. Read: abstract
Fornaro 2026 Nutraceuticals and phytoceuticals for the treatment of major depressive disorder: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Mol Psychiatry · PMID 42680855 · DOI	Meta-analysis	15757 163 studies of nutraceuticals/phytoceuticals in major depressive disorder	Curcumin (k=2 in low-risk-of-bias anxiety analysis) unspecified · vs Placebo or treatment as usual	After filtering low-quality evidence only a few nutraceuticals showed potential for depressive symptoms; curcumin appeared only for anxiety (medium effect). Authors rate confidence in the evidence low to very low. Curcumin anxiety SMD -0.58 (k=2, n=89) (-0.99 to -0.18) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Depression, response, anxiety Limitations: Abstract only. Curcumin result rests on two trials. Read: abstract
Forsyth 2019 Turmeric means yellow in Bengali: Lead chromate pigments added to turmeric threaten public health across Bangladesh. Environ Res · PMID 31550596 · DOI	Observational	524 Samples of turmeric, pigments, dust and soil from Bangladesh plus 152 interviews	Turmeric (market and mills) rhizome	Evidence of lead chromate adulteration in 7 of 9 major turmeric-producing districts; maximum turmeric powder lead 1152 ug/g Widespread adulteration in Bangladesh Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Lead and chromium Limitations: Bangladesh only Funding and conflicts: not stated Read: abstract
Forsyth 2023 Food safety policy enforcement and associated actions reduce lead chromate adulteration in turmeric across Bangladesh. Environ Res · PMID 37286126 · DOI	Observational	Wholesale market and polishing mills, Bangladesh	Intervention: media, education and rapid lead detection enforcement 2017-2021 rhizome 2017-2021	Abstract (read in part) reports an intervention to reduce lead-tainted turmeric; full numbers not used here Reduction reported Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Prevalence of lead chromate adulteration Limitations: Only part of abstract read Funding and conflicts: not stated Read: abstract
Forsyth 2024 Evidence of turmeric adulteration with lead chromate across South Asia. Sci Total Environ · PMID 39053552 · DOI	Observational	356 Turmeric from 23 cities in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal (180 roots, 176 powders)	Dried roots and powder rhizome Dec 2020-Mar 2021	14% (51) had lead above 2 ug/g; lead above 1000 ug/g in Patna, Karachi, Peshawar; projected child blood lead up to 10 times CDC threshold 14% with detectable lead Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Lead and chromium Limitations: Sampling not nationally representative Funding and conflicts: No competing interests Read: abstract
Forsyth 2026 Systemic drivers of toxic food adulteration: lead chromate in turmeric across eastern India. NPJ Sci Food · PMID 42091913 · DOI	Analytical survey not applicable (food samples)	503 Turmeric from 34 cities in five eastern Indian states, 2021-2023	Turmeric unspecified 2021-2023	30% above 10 ug/g; Bihar geometric mean 48 ug/g, maximum 6,416 ug/g; adulteration to enhance colour and extend shelf life. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Lead versus India's 10 ug/g limit Limitations: Spice samples. Read: abstract
Fusar-Poli 2020 Curcumin for depression: a meta-analysis. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · PMID 31423805 · DOI	Meta-analysis	9 articles in the meta-analysis (7 with major depression, 2 depression secondary to a medical condition); 531 participants for depression, 284 for anxiety	Curcumin (various) unspecified · vs Placebo/standard care	Curcumin added to standard care reduced depressive and anxiety symptoms with large pooled effects; well tolerated. Authors say small samples mean cautious interpretation. Depression Hedges g -0.75 (10 studies, 531 people); anxiety g -2.62 (5 studies, 284 people) (Depression 95% CI -1.11 to -0.39; anxiety 95% CI -4.06 to -1.17) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Depressive and anxiety symptoms Limitations: Abstract only. Very small trials, large and likely inflated effects; no GRADE rating in abstract. Read: abstract
Gafner 2026 A scoping review of turmeric adulteration based on data from six continents. Pharm Biol · PMID 41452918 · DOI	Systematic review	2235 48 publications on commercial turmeric spices and supplements	Commercial turmeric unspecified	Overall 20.0% adulterated; spices 20.4%; supplements 22.0%; artificial dyes, undeclared diluents, synthetic curcumin reported 20% adulterated Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Adulteration prevalence Limitations: Scoping review; heterogeneous sampling Funding and conflicts: No conflict reported Read: abstract
Gallo Ruelas 2026 Effect of Curcumin Supplementation on Schizophrenia Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Psychiatr Q · PMID 41108513 · DOI	Meta-analysis	4 RCTs in schizophrenia	Curcumin add-on unspecified · vs Placebo	Small drop in negative symptoms and in general symptoms; none in positive or total symptoms or depression. Authors say not yet for clinical practice. Negative symptoms SMD -0.37; general psychopathology SMD -0.68; positive -0.33 (n.s.) (Negative -0.70 to -0.03 (low certainty); general -1.18 to -0.17 (very low certainty)) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Schizophrenia symptom scales Limitations: Abstract only. Four trials; GRADE low or very low. Read: abstract
Garaizabal Azkue 2024 Turmeric associated liver injury (DILI) with susceptible HLA. Rev Esp Enferm Dig · PMID 39297606 · DOI	Case report	1 35-year-old woman after CrossFit	Tablet with 60 mg curcumin and 10 mg black pepper twice daily unspecified 120 mg curcumin/day 2 months	ALT 2230 U/L, AST 916, bilirubin 10.5 mg/dl; HLA DRB104 and B35:01; RUCAM 8 points; normal enzymes 3 months after stopping Probable DILI Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: ALT, bilirubin, HLA Limitations: Single case Funding and conflicts: not stated Read: abstract
German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) 2021 Curcumin in food supplements: Acceptable daily intake may be exceeded (BfR Opinion No 040/2021) · Source	Authoritative guidance		Turmeric / curcumin rhizome	Cites EFSA 2010 and JECFA 2004 for an acceptable daily intake of 3 mg curcumin per kg body weight per day (no-effect level 250-320 mg/kg in a rat two-generation study, factor 100). Total curcumin from all sources should not exceed this long term; average additive intake in adults 0.2-0.4 mg/kg per EFSA; limit may need lowering for products with improved bioavailability. Rhizome holds about 1-5% curcuminoids. Describes Italian case series of 28 suspected hepatitis cases (intake estimable for 18: 40-1,425 mg/day; two thirds 1.6-7 times the limit). States causality cannot be concluded and calls for toxicity research on bioavailable products. Methods, limits and funding Limitations: Opinion document read in full from the PDF; EFSA and JECFA primary texts were not read. Read: full-text
Giacosa 2022 Beneficial Effects on Abdominal Bloating with an Innovative Food-Grade Formulation of Curcuma longa and Boswellia serrata Extracts in Subjects with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Small Bowel Dysbiosis. Nutrients · PMID 35276778 · DOI	Controlled trial	67 Adults with IBS and small-bowel dysbiosis	Curcumin plus Boswellia serrata phytosome (CBP), with low-FODMAP diet rhizome 500 mg twice daily 30 days · vs Low-FODMAP diet alone	Bloating, abdominal pain and indican fell more in the supplement group than diet alone (p<0.0001), and global assessment was better. Bloating and pain lower than diet alone (p<0.0001) (Not reported) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Bloating, abdominal pain, urinary indican, global assessment Limitations: Mixed curcumin+boswellia product; no placebo; 30 days Read: abstract
Gimblet 2024 Curcumin Supplementation and Vascular and Cognitive Function in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Antioxidants (Basel) · PMID 39199229 · DOI	Controlled trial	88 Adults with stage 3b or 4 chronic kidney disease, mean age 66	Longvida unspecified 2000 mg/day 12 months · vs Placebo	No change in vessel function or in cognitive outcomes. FMD median change -0.7 vs -0.1, p=0.69 Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Blood vessel function (FMD); NIH Toolbox cognition Limitations: Abstract only. Kidney disease population. Read: abstract
Girme 2020 Assessment of Curcuma longa extract for adulteration with synthetic curcumin by analytical investigations. J Pharm Biomed Anal · PMID 32957065 · DOI	Analytical survey not applicable (food samples)	16 Curcuma longa extracts procured across India	C. longa extract vs synthetic curcumin unspecified	HPLC-PDA method detects down to 1% synthetic curcumin; 4 of 16 extracts showed synthetic curcumin. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Markers of synthetic origin (CIMP-1, boron) Limitations: Authors work for an extract maker; small sample. Read: abstract
Gorabi 2021 Effect of curcumin on proinflammatory cytokines: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Cytokine · PMID 33934954 · DOI	Meta-analysis	Adults with an inflammatory background; 32 RCTs	Curcumin or turmeric rhizome Various Various · vs Placebo	IL-1 (WMD -2.33 pg/ml) and TNF-alpha (WMD -1.61 pg/ml) fell. IL-6 (WMD -0.33 pg/ml, CI -0.99 to 0.34) and IL-8 did not change significantly. IL-6 WMD -0.33 pg/ml (not significant); TNF-alpha WMD -1.61 pg/ml (IL-6 -0.99 to 0.34; TNF-alpha -2.72 to -0.51) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha Limitations: Mixed populations Read: abstract
Gorabi 2021 Effect of resveratrol on C-reactive protein: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Phytother Res · PMID 34472150 · DOI	Meta-analysis	Adults with inflammatory conditions	Resveratrol unspecified At least 500 mg a day and at least 10 weeks in the effective subgroups Varies · vs Placebo	35 RCTs; hs-CRP -0.40 mg/L (CI -0.70 to -0.09); CRP -0.31 mg/L (CI -0.47 to -0.15). Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: CRP and hs-CRP Limitations: Contradicts the 2015 meta-analysis; mixed conditions. Read: abstract
Gorabi 2022 Effect of curcumin on C-reactive protein as a biomarker of systemic inflammation: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Phytother Res · PMID 34586711 · DOI	Meta-analysis	Adults with inflammatory conditions; 9 studies for CRP and 23 for hs-CRP	Curcumin rhizome Often 1,000 mg/day or less Often over 10 weeks for CRP · vs Placebo	CRP fell by 3.67 mg/L (CI -6.96 to -0.38, p=0.02). hs-CRP was also lower than with placebo. The effect was seen at doses of 1,000 mg/day or less. CRP WMD -3.67 mg/L (CRP -6.96 to -0.38) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: CRP and hs-CRP Limitations: Mixed populations, wide interval, doses non-linear; marker change not a clinical outcome Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract
Gota 2010 Safety and pharmacokinetics of a solid lipid curcumin particle formulation in osteosarcoma patients and healthy volunteers. J Agric Food Chem · PMID 20092313 · DOI	Clinical trial	Healthy volunteers; 11 osteosarcoma patients	Solid lipid curcumin particle (SLCP) vs unformulated 95% curcuminoids unspecified 650 mg (healthy); 2, 3, 4 g (patients) Single dose · vs Unformulated 95% extract	Mean peak 22.43 ng/mL with SLCP; not detected with unformulated extract; non-linear dose relationship and high variability in patients. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Plasma free curcumin; tolerability Limitations: Healthy-volunteer number not in abstract. Read: abstract
Goulart 2020 Curcumin therapy for ulcerative colitis remission: systematic review and meta-analysis. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol · PMID 32772752 · DOI	Meta-analysis	Adults with mild-to-moderate active ulcerative colitis	Oral curcumin rhizome Varied; the authors note no standardised dose Varied · vs Placebo or control	The authors conclude curcumin helps induce remission. The abstract gives no numbers, number of trials or certainty rating. Higher remission with curcumin (numbers not in the abstract) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Remission in ulcerative colitis Limitations: Abstract gives no numbers; authors note non-standard dose and route across studies Read: abstract
Grafeneder 2022 Micellar Curcumin: Pharmacokinetics and Effects on Inflammation Markers and PCSK-9 Concentrations in Healthy Subjects in a Double-Blind, Randomized, Active-Controlled, Crossover Trial. Mol Nutr Food Res · PMID 36101515 · DOI	Controlled trial	15 Healthy volunteers	Micellar curcumin vs native curcumin unspecified 105 mg per day 7 days (crossover) · vs Native curcumin	About 39-fold higher Cmax and 14-fold higher AUC; no cytokine reduction; PCSK9 about 10% lower than baseline (p=0.038). Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Pharmacokinetics; cytokines after LPS; PCSK9 Limitations: Exploratory markers. Funding and conflicts: No conflict reported Read: abstract
Grammatikopoulou 2018 Oral Adjuvant Curcumin Therapy for Attaining Clinical Remission in Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients · PMID 30424514 · DOI	Meta-analysis	Ulcerative colitis	Oral adjuvant curcumin unspecified Varies Varies · vs Placebo	4 RCTs (3 analysed); superior to placebo only in one analysis; with the beta-binomial method both analyses insignificant (ITT OR 3.80, CI 0.55-26.28). OR 3.80 (ITT) (0.55-26.28) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Clinical remission Limitations: Few trials. Read: abstract
Gupte 2019 Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Capsule Longvida(®) Optimized Curcumin (solid lipid curcumin particles) in knee osteoarthritis: a pilot clinical study. J Inflamm Res · PMID 31239749 · DOI	Controlled trial	50 Adults with knee osteoarthritis	Longvida solid lipid curcumin particles unspecified 400 mg twice daily (80 mg curcumin per capsule) = 160 mg curcumin per day 90 days · vs Ibuprofen 400 mg once daily plus placebo	VAS and WOMAC improved, comparable with ibuprofen; none of the inflammation markers changed; one rash withdrawal. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: WOMAC; VAS; inflammatory markers Limitations: 25 of the ibuprofen group and 17 of the curcumin group completed. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts reported Read: abstract
Halegoua-DeMarzio 2023 Liver Injury Associated with Turmeric-A Growing Problem: Ten Cases from the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network [DILIN]. Am J Med · PMID 36252717 · DOI	Case series	10 Adjudicated DILIN cases 2004-2022; 8 women, 9 White, median age 56 (35-71)	Turmeric-containing supplements (turmeric confirmed in 7 of 7 products tested; 3 with piperine) unspecified Latency 1-4 months	Injury hepatocellular in 9, mixed in 1; 5 hospitalised; 1 death from acute liver failure; 7 of 10 carried HLA-B35:01 (2 homozygous), allele frequency 0.450 vs 0.056-0.069 in controls Strong HLA-B35:01 association Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Clinical pattern, histology, HLA Limitations: Ten cases; no denominator; association not a screening test; causality by expert opinion Funding and conflicts: Authors declared no competing interests Read: abstract
Hamlbar 2025 The effect of curcumin on postpartum depression and anxiety in primiparous women: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. BMC Complement Med Ther · PMID 40281561 · DOI	Controlled trial	96 First-time mothers with postpartum depression and anxiety	Curcumin unspecified 500 mg/day 8 weeks · vs Placebo	Lower depression and anxiety scores with curcumin. Depression mean difference -2.5; anxiety -1.4 (Depression -3.3 to -1.7; anxiety -2.1 to -0.7) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: EPDS depression and PSAS-RSF anxiety Limitations: Abstract only. Single region; formulation not given in abstract. Read: abstract
Hanai 2006 Curcumin maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis: randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol · PMID 17101300 · DOI	Controlled trial	89 Adults with quiescent ulcerative colitis, multicenter	Curcumin plus sulfasalazine or mesalamine rhizome 2 g/day (1 g after breakfast, 1 g after evening meal) 6 months (plus 6-month follow-up) · vs Placebo plus the same drugs	Relapse in 2 of 43 (4.65%) on curcumin vs 8 of 39 (20.51%) on placebo (P=.040). Clinical activity and endoscopic index also improved (P=.038, P=.0001). During the 6-month follow-up, when both groups were on the standard drug only, more people relapsed in both groups (8 and 6). Relapse 4.65% vs 20.51% (Not reported) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Relapse; clinical activity index; endoscopic index Limitations: Small; 7 protocol violators excluded; benefit not tested after stopping Read: abstract
He 2024 Curcumin supplementation alleviates hepatic fat content associated with modulation of gut microbiota-dependent bile acid metabolism in patients with nonalcoholic simple fatty liver disease: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr · PMID 38795741 · DOI	Controlled trial	80 Adults with non-alcoholic simple fatty liver	Curcumin rhizome 500 mg/day 24 weeks · vs Placebo	CAP (liver fat score) fell 17.5 dB/m more than placebo. Weight fell 2.6 kg, BMI 1.0, triglycerides 0.29 mmol/L, and fasting glucose, HbA1c and insulin were slightly lower. Gut bacteria and bile acid changes were also measured. CAP -17.5 dB/m vs placebo (CAP -27.1 to -7.8 dB/m) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Liver fat by FibroTouch CAP; weight, BMI, lipids, glucose, gut bacteria, bile acids Limitations: Single country; CAP is a scan-based estimate, not a biopsy; registered ChiCTR2200058052 Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract
Heidari-Beni 2020 Herbal formulation "turmeric extract, black pepper, and ginger" versus Naproxen for chronic knee osteoarthritis: A randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res · PMID 32180294 · DOI	Controlled trial	60 Adults with knee osteoarthritis (grade 2-3)	Turmeric extract, black pepper and ginger unspecified Not in abstract 4 weeks · vs Naproxen	PGE2 fell significantly in both groups, with no difference between groups. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Prostaglandin E2 Limitations: Three-herb combination; a marker, not symptoms. Read: abstract
Helder 2025 The dose-response effects of hydrolyzed curcumin on recovery, inflammation, and oxidative stress following exercise-induced muscle damage in males. Physiol Rep · PMID 40781899 · DOI	Controlled trial	34 Recreationally active men	Hydrolyzed curcumin gel rhizome 750 mg/day (low) or 1,500 mg/day (high) 7 days (from 48 h before exercise) · vs Placebo	The high dose reduced pain, CK, oxidative stress and IL-6 more than placebo (p<0.05) but muscle endurance recovered more slowly at 24 h compared with the low dose. High dose lowered pain, CK, IL-6; slower endurance recovery vs low dose (Not reported) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Pain, creatine kinase, oxidative stress (FORT), IL-6, strength, endurance Limitations: 34 men; short; trade-off between biochemical and performance recovery Read: abstract
Hellmann 2022 The effect of curcumin on hepatic fat content in individuals with obesity. Diabetes Obes Metab · PMID 35775631 · DOI	Controlled trial	37 Adults with obesity (BMI about 38.8) but not diabetes	Lecithin-formulated curcumin tablets rhizome 200 mg twice daily 6 weeks · vs Placebo	Liver fat did not change significantly compared with placebo (difference -1.57 percentage points, CI -5.36 to 2.22, P=.412). GGT fell 15.7%; glucose and triglycerides fell slightly but not after correcting for multiple tests. Well tolerated. Hepatic fat difference -1.57 percentage points (not significant) (-5.36 to 2.22) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Liver fat by MR spectroscopy; metabolic and inflammatory markers Limitations: Only 6 weeks; mostly mild fat; small (37) Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract
Henrotin 2019 Bio-optimized Curcuma longa extract is efficient on knee osteoarthritis pain: a double-blind multicenter randomized placebo controlled three-arm study. Arthritis Res Ther · PMID 31351488 · DOI	Controlled trial	150 Adults with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, multicenter	Bio-optimized Curcuma longa extract (BCL; Flexofytol), low and high dose rhizome Two doses (amounts not given in the abstract) 90 days · vs Placebo	Both doses lowered patient global assessment more than placebo. Pain fell 29.5 mm (low dose) and 36.5 mm (high dose) versus 8 mm on placebo (p=0.018). The cartilage marker fell in all groups with no difference between groups. More product-related adverse events in the high-dose group than placebo (p=0.012). Pain VAS -29.5 mm and -36.5 mm vs -8 mm placebo Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Patient global assessment, serum Coll2-1 (cartilage breakdown marker), pain VAS, KOOS, rescue pain medicine Limitations: Retrospectively registered; one author works for the maker and one founded the company making the marker test Funding and conflicts: Authors report ties to Tilman SA (maker) and Artialis SA Read: abstract
Hewlings 2017 Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health. Foods · PMID 29065496 · DOI	Narrative review	n/a	Curcumin rhizome	States curcumin alone does not give the associated benefits because of poor absorption, rapid metabolism and rapid elimination; reports piperine increasing bioavailability by 2000% (citing Shoba 1998). Describes tolerance in trials up to 12,000 mg/day of 95% curcuminoids. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: General overview Limitations: Review, favourable framing. Funding and conflicts: Declared none Read: full-text
Hirose 2022 Comparative pharmacokinetics of new curcumin preparations and evidence for increased bioavailability in healthy adult participants. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther · PMID 36278294 · DOI	Controlled trial	Healthy adults	Three Theracurmin-family compositions (TS-P1, CR-033P, CR-043P) unspecified 45 mg (TS-P1), 90 mg (CR-033P, CR-043P) Single dose (3-way crossover) · vs Between compositions	TS-P1 bioequivalent to CR-043P and to CR-033P on AUC0-12h; TS-P1 tended to a higher Cmax. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Plasma total curcumin Limitations: Compares closely related products of one maker; n not in abstract. Read: abstract
Hishikawa 2012 Effects of turmeric on Alzheimer's disease with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Ayu · PMID 23723666 · DOI	Case series	3 Three people with Alzheimer's disease and severe behavioural symptoms	Turmeric powder capsules rhizome Not given in abstract 12 weeks, then over 1 year	Irritability, agitation, anxiety and apathy improved; one MMSE rose from 12 to 17; two no MMSE change. NPI-brief fell significantly (three people) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Neuro-Psychiatric Inventory, MMSE Limitations: Abstract only. Three cases, no control group. Read: abstract
Hosseini 2025 The Effects of Curcumin Plus Piperine Co-administration on Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Curr Med Chem · PMID 38561618 · DOI	Meta-analysis	Adults	Curcumin plus piperine unspecified Varies Varies · vs Placebo	13 articles; SOD and GSH up, MDA, TNF-alpha and IL-6 down. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Inflammation and oxidative stress markers Limitations: Authors include a curcumin maker. Read: abstract
Hsiao 2021 The efficacy of high- and low-dose curcumin in knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med · PMID 34537344 · DOI	Meta-analysis	1258 Primary knee osteoarthritis	Curcuminoids high vs low dose unspecified High: 1,000 mg or more a day; low: under 1,000 mg Varies · vs Placebo; NSAIDs	11 studies; curcuminoids better than comparators on pain; no difference between high and low dose in pain relief or adverse events; better pain relief than NSAIDs on VAS. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: VAS, WOMAC pain; adverse events Limitations: Cross-trial dose comparison. Read: abstract
Hucklenbroich 2014 Aromatic-turmerone induces neural stem cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Stem Cell Res Ther · PMID 25928248 · DOI	In vitro and animal study animal	rat neural stem cells; adult rats	ar-Turmerone (pure compound) rhizome oil constituent various concentrations in cells; single injection into the brain ventricle in rats · vs vehicle	ar-Turmerone increased cultured rat neural stem cell numbers dose-dependently and promoted neuronal differentiation; after injection into the brain ventricles of adult rats, stem cells were mobilised from two brain regions. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation Limitations: Cells and rats only; direct brain injection, not swallowed; no human data. Read: abstract
Ireson 2001 Characterization of metabolites of the chemopreventive agent curcumin in human and rat hepatocytes and in the rat in vivo, and evaluation of their ability to inhibit phorbol ester-induced prostaglandin E2 production. Cancer Res · PMID 11221833	In vitro and animal study animal	human and rat liver cells; rats	Curcumin and its metabolites pure compound rats 40 mg/kg IV or 500 mg/kg by mouth; cells 20 microM	Main liver-cell metabolites were hexahydrocurcumin and hexahydrocurcuminol; in rat plasma curcumin glucuronide and sulfate dominated, parent curcumin near the detection limit after oral dosing. Curcumin at 20 microM reduced PGE2 in human colon cells; tetrahydrocurcumin, hexahydrocurcumin and curcumin sulfate had only weak activity and hexahydrocurcuminol none. Authors note the COX-2 effect needs 10-5 to 10-4 M concentrations. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Metabolites; prostaglandin E2 in human colon cells Limitations: Cells and rats. Read: abstract
Ireson 2002 Metabolism of the cancer chemopreventive agent curcumin in human and rat intestine. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev · PMID 11815407	In vitro tissue study in-vitro	human and rat intestinal and liver tissue fractions	Curcumin pure compound	Curcumin is glucuronidated and sulfated, and reduced to tetrahydro- and hexahydrocurcumin, in the gut wall and liver. Conjugation was much greater in human than rat intestine; reduction by human gut and liver tissue exceeded rat tissue by 18- and 5-fold. SULT1A1 and SULT1A3 sulfate curcumin. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Curcumin conjugation and reduction Limitations: Tissue preparations, not whole people. Read: abstract
Jafari 2024 Curcumin on Human Health: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 103 Randomized Controlled Trials. Phytother Res · PMID 39478418 · DOI	Meta-analysis	7216 Adults, 103 RCTs, 42 outcomes	Curcuma longa / curcumin supplements rhizome Various Various · vs Placebo	23 of 42 outcomes were statistically significant. Credibility of evidence (GRADE) was rated high for fasting blood sugar, CRP, HDL cholesterol and weight; moderate for waist, hip, BMI, insulin, HOMA-IR, QUICKI, leptin, GGT, glutathione and SOD; the other 28 outcomes low or very low. The authors call for long, large, well-designed trials. 23 of 42 outcomes significant; high credibility for FBS, CRP, HDL, weight (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: 42 outcomes; GRADE-rated credibility Limitations: Abstract gives no effect sizes; risk of bias scored with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale; mixed conditions Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract
Jager 2014 Comparative absorption of curcumin formulations. Nutr J · PMID 24461029 · DOI	Randomized double blind crossover trial	healthy volunteers (n not read in the abstract)	Curcumin formulations: phytosome (CP), turmeric volatile-oil formulation (CTR), hydrophilic-carrier formulation (CHC) vs standard curcumin mix (CS) rhizome extract single dose · vs unformulated standard curcumin mixture	Total curcuminoids appearing in blood were 1.3-fold higher for the turmeric-volatile-oil formulation, 7.9-fold for the phytosome and 45.9-fold for the hydrophilic-carrier formulation versus standard curcumin. 1.3x, 7.9x, 45.9x versus standard Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Total curcuminoids in blood by HPLC-MS/MS Limitations: Healthy volunteers, absorption only; the best-performing formulation belongs to the study sponsors' product line (funding not read). Read: abstract
Jamwal 2018 Bioavailable curcumin formulations: A review of pharmacokinetic studies in healthy volunteers. J Integr Med · PMID 30006023 · DOI	Narrative review	Healthy-volunteer pharmacokinetic studies	11 curcumin formulations vs unformulated curcumin unspecified Varies Varies · vs Unformulated curcumin	NovaSol (185-fold), CurcuWin (136) and LongVida (100) listed as over 100-fold higher relative bioavailability. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Relative bioavailability Limitations: Review of single-dose studies; blood level only. Read: abstract
Kanai 2012 Dose-escalation and pharmacokinetic study of nanoparticle curcumin, a potential anticancer agent with improved bioavailability, in healthy human volunteers. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol · PMID 21603867 · DOI	Clinical trial	6 Healthy volunteers	Theracurmin unspecified 150 mg and 210 mg Single doses 2 weeks apart · vs Within-person dose comparison	Cmax 189 and 275 ng/mL; AUC(24h) 2,649 and 3,649 ng/mL x h; half-life 9.7 and 13.0 h; one grade 1 diarrhea. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Safety; plasma curcumin Limitations: Six people; single doses. Read: abstract
Kanai 2013 A phase I study investigating the safety and pharmacokinetics of highly bioavailable curcumin (Theracurmin) in cancer patients. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol · PMID 23543271 · DOI	Clinical trial	16 Pancreatic or biliary tract cancer patients with gemcitabine-based chemotherapy	Theracurmin unspecified 200 mg then 400 mg daily Daily; 3 patients over 9 months	Median peak 324 ng/mL (level 1) and 440 ng/mL (level 2); no unexpected adverse events. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Safety; plasma curcumin Limitations: Cancer patients; small phase I. Read: abstract
Kanchanatawan 2018 Add-on Treatment with Curcumin Has Antidepressive Effects in Thai Patients with Major Depression: Results of a Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study. Neurotox Res · PMID 29327213 · DOI	Controlled trial	65 Thai adults with major depression	Curcumin add-on unspecified 500 rising to 1500 mg/day 12 weeks (follow-up at 16) · vs Placebo	Curcumin beat placebo on MADRS at weeks 12 and 16, more in men; no significant side effects, no effect on blood chemistry or ECG. Significant difference at weeks 12 and 16; values not in abstract Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: MADRS (primary), HAM-A Limitations: Abstract only. Small trial. Read: abstract
Kia 2021 Effects of nanomicelle curcumin capsules on prevention and treatment of oral mucosits in patients under chemotherapy with or without head and neck radiotherapy: a randomized clinical trial. BMC Complement Med Ther · PMID 34521398 · DOI	Controlled trial	50 Patients having chemotherapy with or without head-and-neck radiotherapy	Nanomicelle curcumin capsules rhizome 80 mg twice daily 7 weeks · vs Placebo	Oral mucositis was less severe with curcumin at weeks 1, 4 and 7 (P=0.010, 0.022, P<0.001) and pain was lower at week 7 only (P=0.001). The effect was clearest in chemotherapy-only patients. Less severe mucositis than placebo (Not reported) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Oral mucositis severity and pain Limitations: Small (50); nanomicelle form; subgroups tiny Read: abstract
Kongkam 2023 Curcumin and proton pump inhibitors for functional dyspepsia: a randomised, double blind controlled trial. BMJ Evid Based Med · PMID 37696679 · DOI	Controlled trial	206 Adults with functional dyspepsia, Thailand	Curcumin alone, omeprazole alone, or both rhizome Curcumin 500 mg four times daily (two 250 mg capsules) with or without omeprazole 20 mg daily 28 days (assessed at 28 and 56 days) · vs Omeprazole	All groups improved with no significant difference between curcumin alone, omeprazole alone and both. No serious adverse events. 151 of 206 completed. No difference between curcumin and omeprazole (Not reported) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: SODA pain, non-pain and satisfaction Limitations: No placebo arm; 27% dropout; erratum issued in 2025 Read: abstract
Koo 2025 Drug-Induced Liver Injury Secondary to Turmeric Supplement Containing Piperine: A Case Report. Cureus · PMID 41281037 · DOI	Case report	1 35-year-old man with jaundice, fatigue and itching	Turmeric (curcumin) supplement containing piperine unspecified	Other causes excluded; liver tests normalised after stopping with full recovery Probable DILI Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Liver tests Limitations: Single case Funding and conflicts: no financial support declared Read: abstract
Kou 2023 Effect of curcumin on rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Immunol · PMID 37325651 · DOI	Meta-analysis	539 Adults with rheumatoid arthritis; 6 publications	Curcumin (various products) rhizome Various Various · vs Placebo or control	DAS28 was 1.20 points lower, ESR 29.47 lower, swollen joint count 5.33 lower and tender joint count 6.33 lower than controls. DAS28 MD -1.20; ESR MD -29.47; SJC MD -5.33; TJC MD -6.33 (DAS28 -1.85 to -0.55; ESR -54.05 to -4.88; SJC -9.90 to -0.76; TJC -10.86 to -1.81) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: ESR, CRP, DAS28, tender and swollen joint counts, pain VAS Limitations: Only 6 small trials; the abstract does not report certainty; registered PROSPERO CRD42022361992 Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract
Kroon MAGM 2025 A pharmacokinetic study and critical reappraisal of curcumin formulations enhancing bioavailability. iScience · PMID 40487425 · DOI	Controlled trial	9 Healthy men	AOV, Longvida and NovaSOL; AOV with/without piperine unspecified About 570 mg; AOV also 2,280 mg Single dose (crossover) · vs Between formulations	Unconjugated curcumin below 2 nM in most cases; NovaSOL 6.7-38 nM at 30 min; conjugates over 10 nM with all, about 100-fold higher for NovaSOL; piperine no benefit. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Unconjugated curcumin, conjugates, fecal recovery Limitations: Nine men; blood level only. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests reported Read: abstract
Kuptniratsaikul 2009 Efficacy and safety of Curcuma domestica extracts in patients with knee osteoarthritis. J Altern Complement Med · PMID 19678780 · DOI	Controlled trial	107 Adults with primary knee osteoarthritis	Curcuma domestica extracts unspecified 2 g per day 6 weeks · vs Ibuprofen 800 mg per day	Both improved; no difference except pain on stairs (p=0.016); adverse events 33.3% vs 44.2% (p=0.36). Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Pain on walking and stairs; function; adverse events Limitations: No placebo arm; small. Read: abstract
Kuptniratsaikul 2014 Efficacy and safety of Curcuma domestica extracts compared with ibuprofen in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a multicenter study. Clin Interv Aging · PMID 24672232 · DOI	Controlled trial	367 Adults with primary knee osteoarthritis and pain score of 5 or more, multicenter	Curcuma domestica (C. longa) extract capsules rhizome 1,500 mg/day 4 weeks · vs Ibuprofen 1,200 mg/day	WOMAC total, pain and function at week 4 were not worse than with ibuprofen (non-inferiority P=0.010, 0.018, 0.010); stiffness showed a trend (P=0.060). Number of people with adverse events was similar, but abdominal pain/discomfort was more frequent with ibuprofen (P=0.046). Non-inferior to ibuprofen on WOMAC total, pain and function (Not reported in the abstract) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: WOMAC total, pain, stiffness, function; adverse events Limitations: No placebo arm; only 4 weeks; both groups improved from baseline Read: abstract
Lang 2015 Curcumin in Combination With Mesalamine Induces Remission in Patients With Mild-to-Moderate Ulcerative Colitis in a Randomized Controlled Trial. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol · PMID 25724700 · DOI	Controlled trial	50 Adults with mild-to-moderate active ulcerative colitis not responding to mesalamine	Curcumin capsules plus mesalamine unspecified 3 g per day 1 month · vs Placebo plus mesalamine	Remission 53.8% vs 0% (P=.01); response 65.3% vs 12.5%; endoscopic remission 38% (8/22) vs 0 (0/16). OR 42 for remission (2.3-760) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Clinical remission (SCCAI 2 or less) at week 4 Limitations: Small, wide confidence interval. Registration: NCT01320436 Read: abstract
Lao 2006 Dose escalation of a curcuminoid formulation. BMC Complement Altern Med · PMID 16545122 · DOI	Dose escalation safety study	24 healthy volunteers	Standardized curcumin powder extract (C3 Complex) rhizome extract 500 to 12,000 mg single doses single dose	Seven of 24 (30%) had minimal toxicity, not dose-related. No curcumin detected in serum after 500-8,000 mg; low levels in two people at 10,000 or 12,000 mg. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Safety, serum curcumin Limitations: Single dose, small groups, healthy people. Read: abstract
Lee 2014 Turmeric improves post-prandial working memory in pre-diabetes independent of insulin. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr · PMID 25516316 · DOI	Controlled trial	48 Adults 60+ with newly found pre-diabetes	Turmeric powder (spice) rhizome 1 g with a white-bread breakfast Single meal, 6-hour observation · vs Placebo, cinnamon, or both	Working memory score rose from 2.6 to 2.9 out of 3.0 with turmeric (borderline p=0.05), not through blood sugar or Alzheimer markers. 2.6 to 2.9 / 3.0 (p=0.05) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Working memory Limitations: Abstract only. Single dose; 3-point test; borderline. Read: abstract
Liu 2013 Curcumin alters the pharmacokinetics of warfarin and clopidogrel in Wistar rats but has no effect on anticoagulation or antiplatelet aggregation. Planta Med · PMID 23807811 · DOI	Animal research animal	Wistar rats	Curcumin 25, 50, 100 mg/kg unspecified 25-100 mg/kg 7 days	100 mg/kg raised AUC and Cmax of warfarin (x1.6, x1.5) and clopidogrel metabolite (x1.61, x1.81) but no change in prothrombin time or platelet aggregation PK change only Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: PK and clotting/platelets Limitations: Rats; not applicable to humans directly Funding and conflicts: not stated Read: abstract
Liu 2018 Dietary supplements for treating osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med · PMID 29018060 · DOI	Meta-analysis	Hand, hip or knee osteoarthritis	20 dietary supplements incl. Curcuma longa extract, curcumin, Boswellia unspecified Varies Short, medium, long term · vs Placebo	69 studies; 7 supplements including curcumin and Curcuma longa extract had large short-term pain effects; none clinically important at long term; GRADE very low to high. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Pain, function, structure, safety Limitations: Very low overall quality. Read: abstract
Liu 2025 Effects of curcumin and Curcuma longa extract on inflammatory biomarkers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Inflamm Res · PMID 41372521 · DOI	Meta-analysis	314 Adults with rheumatoid arthritis or lupus (SLE); 7 RCTs	Curcumin and Curcuma longa extract rhizome Various Various · vs Placebo or standard therapy	No significant effect on DAS-28 (SMD -2.34, CI -5.13 to 0.44), ESR (SMD -1.49, CI -3.71 to 0.72) or CRP (SMD -1.65, CI -3.88 to 0.58), with very high heterogeneity (I2 over 90%). The authors describe the effects as limited and inconsistent. No significant effect on DAS-28, ESR or CRP (See effect) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: DAS-28, ESR, CRP Limitations: Very high heterogeneity; mixes RA and lupus; small Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract
Lombardi 2021 Acute liver injury following turmeric use in Tuscany: An analysis of the Italian Phytovigilance database and systematic review of case reports. Br J Clin Pharmacol · PMID 32656820 · DOI	Systematic review	30 7 Tuscan cases up to Sept 2019 plus 23 published cases	Curcuma longa dietary supplements (high-bioavailability, high-dose curcuminoid formulations in the Tuscan cases) unspecified	Seven Tuscan cases linked to high-bioavailability, high-dose formulations with positive dechallenge in most; in 23 reviewed cases most were on another medicine and 16 had positive dechallenge Association confirmed by authors Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: RUCAM and WHO-UMC causality; dechallenge Limitations: Case reports only; confounding by other medicines Funding and conflicts: not stated in abstract Read: abstract
Lopez 2022 Assessing Analytical Methods for the Rapid Detection of Lead Adulteration in the Global Spice Market. Environ Sci Technol · PMID 36343212 · DOI	Analytical survey not applicable (food samples)	Seven spice types incl. powders and dried roots	Spices unspecified	pXRF within 5% of ICP-MS for powders and detects 2 mg Pb/kg; colour test detects lead chromate above roughly 5-70 mg/kg in roots and 1,000 mg/kg in powders. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Portable XRF and colour test vs ICP-MS Limitations: Method paper. Read: abstract
Lopresti 2014 Curcumin for the treatment of major depression: a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled study. J Affect Disord · PMID 25046624 · DOI	Controlled trial	56 Adults with major depressive disorder	Patented curcumin extract unspecified 500 mg twice daily 8 weeks · vs Placebo	Both groups improved in first 4 weeks; from weeks 4 to 8 curcumin was better on several mood items. Authors say partial support. Bigger effect in atypical depression subgroup. IDS-SR30 total group x time F(1,53)=4.22; mood score F(1,53)=6.51 (p=.045 total; p=.014 mood) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: IDS-SR30 self-rated depression Limitations: Abstract only. Small, short; subgroup finding exploratory. Read: abstract
Lopresti 2015 Curcumin and major depression: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating the potential of peripheral biomarkers to predict treatment response and antidepressant mechanisms of change. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol · PMID 25523883 · DOI	Controlled trial	50 Adults with major depressive disorder (secondary biomarker analysis of the 2014 trial)	Patented curcumin extract unspecified 500 mg twice daily 8 weeks · vs Placebo	Curcumin raised urinary thromboxane B2 and substance P; placebo group showed falls in aldosterone and cortisol. Higher baseline endothelin-1 and leptin predicted bigger benefit. Authors warn of multiple-comparison error. Urinary substance P p<0.001; thromboxane B2 p<0.05 Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Salivary, urinary and blood biomarkers Limitations: Abstract only. Exploratory secondary analysis; many comparisons. Read: abstract
Lopresti 2017 Curcumin for neuropsychiatric disorders: a review of in vitro, animal and human studies. J Psychopharmacol · PMID 28135888 · DOI	Systematic review	In vitro, animal and human studies in neuropsychiatric disorders (depression, PTSD, OCD, bipolar, psychosis, autism)	Curcumin (various) unspecified	Calls curcumin promising, with greatest support for major depressive disorder; notes poor oral absorption of standard curcumin and need for robust trials. Not pooled Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Evidence overview Limitations: Abstract only. Narrative review from 2017. Read: abstract
Lopresti 2017 Efficacy of curcumin, and a saffron/curcumin combination for the treatment of major depression: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Affect Disord · PMID 27723543 · DOI	Controlled trial	123 Adults with major depressive disorder	Curcumin extract, alone or with saffron unspecified 250 mg or 500 mg twice daily; or 250 mg twice daily plus saffron 15 mg twice daily 12 weeks · vs Placebo	Combined active treatments beat placebo on depression and anxiety; no difference between doses or saffron combination; better in atypical depression (response 65% vs 35%). Active vs placebo depression p=.031; STAI-state p<.001; STAI-trait p=.001 Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: IDS-SR30 and STAI Limitations: Abstract only. Active arms pooled, so a curcumin-alone effect is not isolated; saffron arm confounds. Read: abstract
Lukkunaprasit 2023 An updated meta-analysis of effects of curcumin on metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease based on available evidence from Iran and Thailand. Sci Rep · PMID 37037891 · DOI	Meta-analysis	Adults with MAFLD; 6 earlier reviews and 16 RCTs (mainly Iran and Thailand)	Curcumin rhizome Various Various · vs Placebo or control	AST fell 3.90 and ALT 5.61 units/L; steatosis resolved (RR 3.53) and improved (RR 3.41) more with curcumin. Lower fasting sugar, BMI and total cholesterol. Authors say liver histology and fibrosis need more trials. AST MD -3.90; ALT MD -5.61 U/L; steatosis resolution RR 3.53 (AST -5.97 to -1.82; ALT -9.37 to -1.85; RR 2.01 to 6.22) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: AST, ALT, steatosis, fasting sugar, BMI, cholesterol Limitations: Evidence from only two countries Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract
Mallard 2021 Curcumin Improves Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness and Postexercise Lactate Accumulation. J Diet Suppl · PMID 32705925 · DOI	Controlled trial	28 Trained men aged 18-35	Curcumin with LipiSperse as a drink unspecified Not in abstract Around one exercise session · vs Placebo drink	Less post-exercise lactate (7.4 vs 8.8 mmol/L); less pain at 48 and 72 h; reduced thigh swelling at 24 and 48 h. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Pain, thigh circumference, lactate, damage and inflammation markers Limitations: Small; dose not in abstract. Read: abstract
Mamsharifi 2023 Nano-curcumin effects on nicotine dependence, depression, anxiety and metabolic parameters in smokers: A randomized double-blind clinical study. Heliyon · PMID 37954269 · DOI	Controlled trial	70 Adult smokers	Nano-curcumin unspecified 80 mg/day 3 months · vs Placebo	No change in depression or anxiety; CRP, nitric oxide and malondialdehyde lower. Depression and anxiety p>0.05; CRP p<0.05 Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Nicotine dependence, depression, anxiety, CRP Limitations: Abstract only. Mood was not the problem being treated. Read: abstract
Manzan 2003 Extraction of essential oil and pigments from Curcuma longa [L] by steam distillation and extraction with volatile solvents. J Agric Food Chem · PMID 14582978 · DOI	Laboratory extraction study in-vitro	n/a	Curcuma longa rhizome rhizome	Steam distillation gave at best 0.46 wt% essential oil and 0.16 wt% pigment (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin); solvent extraction gave up to 5.49 wt% oil and 7.98 wt% pigment. Shows yields depend strongly on method; they are not the content of the raw spice. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Yield of essential oil and pigment Limitations: One sample set; extraction yields only. Read: abstract
Mathieu 2022 A Meta-Analysis of the Impact of Nutritional Supplementation on Osteoarthritis Symptoms. Nutrients · PMID 35458170 · DOI	Meta-analysis	Mostly knee osteoarthritis	Curcumin, ginger, vitamin D, omega-3, vitamin E and others unspecified Varies Varies · vs Placebo; active	52 references; 12 curcumin studies (724 vs 714): pain and function improved vs placebo, not vs active treatment; ginger (3 studies) lowered pain; omega-3 and vitamin E caused no change. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Pain, function, inflammation markers Limitations: Mixed designs. Read: abstract
Menniti-Ippolito 2020 Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) food supplements and hepatotoxicity: an integrated evaluation approach. Ann Ist Super Sanita · PMID 33346172 · DOI	Case series	28 Adults with acute hepatitis linked to turmeric supplements (Italy, first half of 2019)	Turmeric food supplements unspecified Not in abstract Not in abstract	28 spontaneous reports of acute hepatitis, mostly with cholestasis; causality at least possible in all but one; suspected products analysed for drugs, metals, aflatoxins, pesticides, dyes and pyrrolizidine alkaloids; regulatory action taken. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Hepatotoxicity reports; product analysis Limitations: Results of the product analyses are not in the abstract. Read: abstract
Mohammadi-Sartang 2017 Effects of supplementation with quercetin on plasma C-reactive protein concentrations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Eur J Clin Nutr · PMID 28537580 · DOI	Meta-analysis	Adults	Quercetin unspecified 500 mg a day or more in the significant subgroup Varies · vs Placebo	7 RCTs (10 arms); CRP WMD -0.33 mg/L (CI -0.50 to -0.15). CRP WMD -0.33 mg/L (-0.50 to -0.15) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: CRP Limitations: Meta-regression showed no dose link. Read: abstract
Mokgalaboni 2024 Curcumin Attenuates Hyperglycemia and Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Quantitative Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients · PMID 39683570 · DOI	Meta-analysis	1382 Adults with type 2 diabetes, 18 trials, mean age 55.9	Curcumin (various forms) rhizome Various Various · vs Placebo	Fasting blood glucose fell 11.48 mg/dL, HbA1c fell 0.54 percentage points, and CRP was lower (SMD -0.59). The authors say future trials should settle dose and duration and use better-absorbed forms. FBG MD -11.48 mg/dL; HbA1c MD -0.54%; CRP SMD -0.59 (FBG -14.26 to -8.70; HbA1c -0.73 to -0.35; CRP -1.11 to -0.07) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Fasting glucose, HbA1c, CRP Limitations: Findings were inconsistent in earlier trials; small trials; dose and duration unsettled Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract
Molani-Gol 2024 Effects of resveratrol on the anthropometric indices and inflammatory markers: an umbrella meta-analysis. Eur J Nutr · PMID 38374352 · DOI	Meta-analysis	4088 Adults	Resveratrol unspecified At least 500 mg a day in some subgroups At least 12 weeks in some subgroups · vs Placebo	Umbrella of 19 meta-analyses (81 RCTs); CRP ES -0.390 (CI -0.474 to -0.306); TNF-alpha ES -0.455; IL-6 and weight not significant overall. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Anthropometrics and inflammation markers Limitations: Umbrella review of overlapping meta-analyses. Read: abstract
Musso 2025 Effect of phospholipid curcumin Meriva on liver histology and kidney disease in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Hepatology · PMID 38809154 · DOI	Controlled trial	52 Adults with biopsy-proven NASH; 51 completed	Meriva (curcumin bound to phospholipid, better absorbed) rhizome 2 g/day 72 weeks · vs Placebo	NASH resolved in 16 of 26 (62%) on Meriva vs 3 of 25 (12%) on placebo (RR 5.33, p=0.003). Fibrosis improved by 1 or more stages in 50% vs 8%. HbA1c fell 0.62 points and LDL-C 39 mg/dL more than placebo. Adverse events were rare, mild and evenly split. NASH resolution RR 5.33; fibrosis improvement RR 6.50 (NASH RR 1.76 to 12.13; fibrosis RR 1.63 to 21.20) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: NASH resolution without worse fibrosis on biopsy; fibrosis; kidney function; lipids; glucose Limitations: Small (52); an unusually large effect that needs repeating; Meriva is a special product, not turmeric powder Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract
Nakagawa 2014 Short-term effects of highly-bioavailable curcumin for treating knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled prospective study. J Orthop Sci · PMID 25308211 · DOI	Controlled trial	50 Adults over 40 with knee osteoarthritis, Kellgren-Lawrence grade II or III	Theracurmin (highly bioavailable curcumin) rhizome 180 mg curcumin/day 8 weeks · vs Placebo	Knee pain VAS was lower with Theracurmin than placebo at 8 weeks (except in people with a starting VAS of 0.15 or less), and celecoxib use fell more. No major side effects. Lower pain VAS and less celecoxib than placebo (numbers not in the abstract) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Knee pain VAS, Japanese knee scores, NSAID (celecoxib) need Limitations: Small (50); short; abstract gives no effect sizes; Theracurmin is a special highly absorbed form Read: abstract
Nakagawa 2022 The Oral Administration of Highly-Bioavailable Curcumin for One Year Has Clinical and Chondro-Protective Effects: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Prospective Study. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil · PMID 35494290 · DOI	Controlled trial	50 Adults after mosaicplasty (cartilage-plug surgery) for knee chondral or osteochondral disease; 43 analysed	Theracurmin (highly bioavailable curcumin) rhizome 180 mg curcumin/day 12 months · vs Placebo	Symptom scores and MRI T2 mapping did not differ between groups. Cartilage stiffness and surface roughness were better with Theracurmin at second-look arthroscopy. Authors note no worse clinical effects and adverse events than placebo. No difference in symptoms or MRI; better arthroscopic cartilage findings Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: JOA score, VAS, JKOM, MRI T2 mapping, cartilage stiffness at second-look arthroscopy Limitations: Small (43 analysed); post-surgery population, not typical osteoarthritis; maker employee among authors Funding and conflicts: One author employed by Theravalues (maker) Read: abstract
Neerati 2014 Evaluation of the effect of curcumin capsules on glyburide therapy in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus. Phytother Res · PMID 25044423 · DOI	Controlled trial	8 Type 2 diabetes patients on glyburide	Curcumin capsules unspecified 10 days · vs Baseline (open-label)	Glucose decreased, Cmax unchanged, AUMC increased, no hypoglycaemia; LDL, VLDL and triglycerides fell Lower glucose Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Glyburide PK, glucose, lipids Limitations: Open-label, 8 patients, 10 days Funding and conflicts: not stated Read: abstract
Nelson 2017 The Essential Medicinal Chemistry of Curcumin. J Med Chem · PMID 28074653 · DOI	Narrative review (medicinal chemistry) n/a	not applicable (chemistry review)	Curcumin rhizome	Authors classify curcumin as both a PAINS (pan-assay interference compound) and an IMPS (invalid metabolic panacea) candidate. They state it is an unstable, reactive, non-bioavailable compound and a highly improbable drug lead, and that no double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of curcumin has been successful (their statement, as of 2017; later meta-analyses of trials report some positive findings, see benefit files). Critical, expert opinion Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Chemical stability, reactivity, assay interference, bioavailability and clinical trial record of curcumin Limitations: The 'no successful trial' statement is the authors' own judgment and is contested by later meta-analyses; it is a drug-discovery view and does not judge turmeric as a food spice. Funding and conflicts: Declared no competing financial interest Read: abstract
Ng 2006 Curry consumption and cognitive function in the elderly. Am J Epidemiol · PMID 16870699 · DOI	Cohort study	1010 Non-demented Asian adults aged 60 to 93	Curry (turmeric) eaten as food rhizome Usual curry intake Cross-sectional · vs People who rarely or never eat curry	People who ate curry occasionally or often had higher MMSE scores. Authors call it tentative. Higher MMSE with occasional and often/very often curry intake (numbers not in abstract) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: MMSE score Limitations: Abstract only. Observational; healthier people may eat more curry. Read: abstract
Ng 2017 Clinical Use of Curcumin in Depression: A Meta-Analysis. J Am Med Dir Assoc · PMID 28236605 · DOI	Meta-analysis	377 6 trials in depression	Curcumin (various) unspecified 4 to 8 weeks across trials · vs Placebo	Curcumin improved depressive symptoms; anti-anxiety effect in 3 trials; no adverse events reported in any trial. Authors note no funnel plot possible and no long-term data. Pooled SMD -0.344 (95% CI -0.558 to -0.129; P=.002) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Hamilton Depression Rating Scale change Limitations: Abstract only. Six trials; open and single-blind designs included. Read: abstract
Ngu 2022 Curcumin as adjuvant treatment in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med · PMID 35661765 · DOI	Meta-analysis	1028 Adults with NAFLD, 16 RCTs	Curcumin as add-on treatment rhizome Various Various · vs Placebo or control	NAFLD severity improved (RR 3.52) and steatosis resolved more often (RR 3.96) on ultrasound. AST fell 4.00 and ALT 7.02 units; total cholesterol fell 11.86 mg/dL; BMI fell 0.41. Steatosis resolution RR 3.96; ALT MD -7.02; AST MD -4.00 (Steatosis resolution 1.54 to 10.17; ALT -9.83 to -4.20; AST -5.72 to -2.28) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Ultrasound severity and steatosis resolution, ALT, AST, cholesterol, BMI Limitations: Ultrasound is a rough measure; trials small Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract
Nguyen 2024 Oral resveratrol in adults with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized placebo-controlled trial (ARTHROL). PLoS Med · PMID 39137167 · DOI	Controlled trial	142 Adults with painful knee osteoarthritis	Oral resveratrol (patented formulation) unspecified 40 mg twice daily for 1 week, then 20 mg twice daily 6 months (primary outcome at 3 months) · vs Placebo	Pain fell -15.7 vs -15.2 (difference -0.6, CI -8.0 to 6.9, p=0.88); no pain benefit. Difference -0.6 (-8.0 to 6.9) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Knee pain NRS at 3 months Limitations: Underpowered; effect size optimistically estimated. Registration: NCT02905799 Read: abstract
Nicol 2015 Curcumin supplementation likely attenuates delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Eur J Appl Physiol · PMID 25795285 · DOI	Controlled trial	17 Healthy men doing unaccustomed heavy eccentric exercise; crossover	Oral curcumin rhizome 2.5 g twice daily From 2 days before to 3 days after exercise · vs Placebo	At 24 and 48 hours curcumin reduced pain during squat by 1.4 to 1.7 points on a 10-cm scale and creatine kinase by 22 to 29%, with a small rise in jump performance (15%). Pain VAS -1.4 to -1.7 cm; CK -22 to -29% (90% CL about +/-1.0 cm for pain) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Pain (VAS), jump height, creatine kinase, IL-6 Limitations: 17 men; a very high dose of 5 g/day; magnitude-based statistics Read: abstract
Nikpour 2024 The effect of curcumax on postpartum women's depression: a randomized controlled trial. Front Psychiatry · PMID 39319351 · DOI	Controlled trial	124 Women with postpartum depression	Curcumax (ginger, turmeric, black pepper blend) rhizome 1 capsule/day 8 weeks · vs Placebo	Scores fell from about 15 to 1.72 with the blend and to 5.85 with placebo. After 8 weeks 1.72 (3.30) vs 5.85 (3.67) (p<0.0001) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale Limitations: Abstract only. Herb blend, not curcumin alone; placebo group also improved a lot. Read: abstract
Panahi 2015 Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcuminoid-piperine combination in subjects with metabolic syndrome: A randomized controlled trial and an updated meta-analysis. Clin Nutr · PMID 25618800 · DOI	Controlled trial	117 Adults with metabolic syndrome (plus an updated meta-analysis of CRP trials)	Curcuminoids with piperine rhizome 1 g curcuminoids + 10 mg piperine per day 8 weeks · vs Placebo	Curcuminoid-piperine raised SOD activity and lowered MDA and CRP versus placebo (all p<0.001). The meta-analysis of CRP trials found WMD -2.20 mg/L. CRP meta-analysis WMD -2.20 mg/L (-3.96 to -0.44) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: SOD, MDA, CRP; meta-analysis of CRP Limitations: Short; marker change not a clinical outcome Read: abstract
Panahi 2016 Mitigation of Systemic Oxidative Stress by Curcuminoids in Osteoarthritis: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial. J Diet Suppl · PMID 25688638 · DOI	Controlled trial	40 Adults with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis	Curcuminoids with piperine unspecified 1,500 mg curcuminoids plus 15 mg piperine per day 6 weeks · vs Placebo	SOD +2.94 vs -0.38 (p<0.001); MDA -5.26 vs -2.49 (p=0.044); GSH +1.39 vs -0.02 (p=0.064). Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Serum SOD, GSH, MDA Limitations: Oxidative stress markers, not symptoms; 40 people. Read: abstract
Panda 2021 The enhanced bioavailability of free curcumin and bioactive-metabolite tetrahydrocurcumin from a dispersible, oleoresin-based turmeric formulation. Medicine (Baltimore) · PMID 34232211 · DOI	Controlled trial	Healthy volunteers	CURCUGEN dispersible turmeric extract vs 95% curcuminoid extract unspecified Not in abstract Single dose (2-way crossover) · vs 95% curcuminoids extract	Free curcumin Cmax 16.1x and AUC 39x; total curcuminoids AUC 52.5x; tetrahydrocurcumin 31x. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Free curcumin, conjugates and tetrahydrocurcumin Limitations: Dose and n not in abstract; authors list company affiliations. Funding and conflicts: No conflict reported Read: abstract
Pandaran Sudheeran 2016 Safety, Tolerance, and Enhanced Efficacy of a Bioavailable Formulation of Curcumin With Fenugreek Dietary Fiber on Occupational Stress: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study. J Clin Psychopharmacol · PMID 27043120 · DOI	Controlled trial	60 Adults with work-related stress, anxiety and fatigue	CurQfen (curcumin with fenugreek fibre), standard curcumin unspecified 500 mg twice daily 30 days · vs Placebo and standard curcumin	Stress, anxiety and fatigue were lower with CurQfen than standard curcumin; absorption was far higher with CurQfen. Stress, anxiety, fatigue P<0.001 vs standard curcumin; absorption 30.7-fold single dose Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Perceived Stress Scale, Beck Anxiety, SF-36 Limitations: Abstract only. Small; compared with the standard curcumin, and the abstract does not give placebo-versus-standard results. Funding not checked. Read: abstract
Papke DJ Jr 2025 Turmeric supplement-associated hepatitis: a clinicopathological series of 11 cases highlighting pan-lobular and zone 3 injury. Histopathology · PMID 39381846 · DOI	Case series	11 10 women, 1 man; median age 58 (37-66)	Turmeric supplements unspecified	Six asymptomatic with abnormal tests, five with malaise or jaundice; 10 predominantly transaminase rises; biopsies acute hepatitis in 8; RUCAM probable 8, possible 3; all normalised after stopping, 4 also given steroids All recovered Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Clinicopathological features, RUCAM Limitations: Retrospective, small Funding and conflicts: not stated in abstract Read: abstract
Patel 2026 Recurrent Drug-Induced Autoimmune-like Hepatitis due to Turmeric Supplementation. J Investig Med High Impact Case Rep · PMID 42160492 · DOI	Case report	1 65-year-old woman	Turmeric supplement with black pepper extract unspecified	Marked rise on re-exposure (AST 4310, ALT >2500 U/L, bilirubin 18.3 mg/dl), positive smooth muscle antibodies, improved on corticosteroids Recurrent, worse on re-exposure Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Liver tests, biopsy Limitations: Single case Funding and conflicts: not stated Read: abstract
Peng 2025 Safety and efficacy of curcumin in the treatment of ulcerative colitis: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Explore (NY) · PMID 39612780 · DOI	Meta-analysis	482 Ulcerative colitis	Adjunctive curcumin unspecified Varies Varies · vs Placebo	8 RCTs; clinical remission RR 2.33 (CI 1.25-4.34, I2 80%); endoscopic remission not significant; no serious adverse events; efficacy rose with dose. RR 2.33 (1.25-4.34) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Clinical and endoscopic remission and improvement; safety Limitations: High heterogeneity; few studies. Read: abstract
Plummer 1999 Inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase 2 expression in colon cells by the chemopreventive agent curcumin involves inhibition of NF-kappaB activation via the NIK/IKK signalling complex. Oncogene · PMID 10557090 · DOI	Laboratory research in-vitro	n/a human colon epithelial cells	Curcumin pure compound cell-culture concentrations · vs untreated cells	In human colon epithelial cells curcumin blocked COX-2 induction by TNF-alpha or fecapentaene-12 and prevented IkB phosphorylation by inhibiting IKK activity. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: COX-2 and NF-kB signalling Limitations: Cell culture only. Read: abstract
Pourhabibi-Zarandi 2022 Effects of curcumin supplementation on metabolic parameters, inflammatory factors and obesity values in women with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res · PMID 35178811 · DOI	Controlled trial	48 Women with rheumatoid arthritis	Curcumin rhizome 500 mg once daily 8 weeks · vs Placebo	Compared with placebo, curcumin lowered HOMA-IR, ESR, hs-CRP, triglycerides, weight, BMI and waist circumference (p<.05). Fasting sugar, insulin, other lipids and visfatin did not change significantly. Lower HOMA-IR, ESR, hs-CRP, triglycerides, weight, BMI, waist vs placebo (p<.05) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: HOMA-IR, ESR, hs-CRP, triglycerides, weight, BMI, waist Limitations: Small (48); women only; 8 weeks; disease activity score not the main outcome Read: abstract
Qiu 2023 Effects of dietary polyphenol curcumin supplementation on metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress indices in patients with metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) · PMID 37522129 · DOI	Meta-analysis	785 Adults with metabolic syndrome, 13 RCTs	Curcumin supplements rhizome Various 4 to 12 weeks · vs Placebo or control	Waist fell 2.16 cm, fasting sugar 8.6 mg/dL, diastolic pressure 2.8 mmHg, HDL rose 4.98 mg/dL, CRP and TNF-alpha fell. Systolic pressure, triglycerides, IL-6 and hs-CRP did not change significantly. Several outcomes had high heterogeneity and only two studies for some markers. Waist MD -2.16; FBS MD -8.6; DBP MD -2.8; HDL MD +4.98 (Waist -3.78 to -0.54; FBS -15.45 to -1.75; DBP -4.53 to -1.06; HDL 2.58 to 7.38) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Waist, fasting sugar, blood pressure, lipids, inflammation markers Limitations: Few studies per marker; high heterogeneity; 4 to 12 weeks only Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract
Rahimnia 2015 Impact of Supplementation with Curcuminoids on Systemic Inflammation in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: Findings from a Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial. Drug Res (Stuttg) · PMID 25050518 · DOI	Controlled trial	40 Adults with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis	Pure curcuminoids with piperine rhizome 1,500 mg curcuminoids + 15 mg piperine per day 6 weeks · vs Placebo	IL-4, IL-6 and hs-CRP fell within the curcuminoid group, but IL-4, IL-6, TNF-alpha and TGF-beta also fell within the placebo group. The size of change did not differ between groups. The authors conclude symptom relief cannot be attributed to a systemic anti-inflammatory effect. No between-group difference in any inflammatory marker (p>0.05) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: IL-4, IL-6, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta, hs-CRP, ESR Limitations: Small (40); short Read: abstract
Rahmat 2021 Javanese Turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.): Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, Biotechnology, and Pharmacological Activities. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med · PMID 34194529 · DOI	Narrative review	n/a	Curcuma xanthorrhiza rhizome rhizome	Temulawak is a major jamu ingredient in Indonesia; traditional uses include loss of appetite, stomach and liver complaints, constipation, dysentery, arthritis and others. Over 40 compounds isolated, including terpenoids and curcuminoids. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Botany, traditional uses and chemistry of Javanese turmeric Limitations: Review; lab-heavy pharmacology. Funding and conflicts: Declared no conflicts Read: abstract
Rainey-Smith 2016 Curcumin and cognition: a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind study of community-dwelling older adults. Br J Nutr · PMID 27102361 · DOI	Controlled trial	96 Community-dwelling older adults	Biocurcumax unspecified 1500 mg/day 12 months · vs Placebo	Only the MoCA showed a time-by-treatment difference, because the placebo group declined at 6 months while the curcumin group did not; no difference on all other measures. MoCA time x treatment F=3.85 (P<0.05) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Cognitive battery (MoCA and others) Limitations: Abstract only. One of many outcomes; no difference at 12 months in other tests. Read: abstract
Rasyid 1999 The effect of curcumin and placebo on human gall-bladder function: an ultrasound study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther · PMID 10102956 · DOI	Controlled trial	12 Healthy volunteers	Curcumin 20 mg isolated curcumin 20 mg Single dose (2 h) · vs Placebo	Volume fell 11.8%, 16.8%, 22.0% and 29.3% at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 h, significant vs placebo Gallbladder contraction Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Gallbladder volume Limitations: 12 healthy people; short Funding and conflicts: not stated Read: abstract
Rasyid 2002 Effect of different curcumin dosages on human gall bladder. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr · PMID 12495265 · DOI	Controlled trial	12 Healthy volunteers	Curcumin 20, 40, 80 mg isolated curcumin 20/40/80 mg Single dose (2 h) · vs Crossover between doses	Volume decrease at 2 h: 34.1%, 51.2%, 72.3% (P<0.01) Dose-related contraction Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Gallbladder volume Limitations: 12 healthy people; single-blind; no placebo arm described Funding and conflicts: not stated Read: abstract
Ringman 2012 Oral curcumin for Alzheimer's disease: tolerability and efficacy in a 24-week randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study. Alzheimers Res Ther · PMID 23107780 · DOI	Controlled trial	36 Mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (mean age 73.5)	Curcumin C3 Complex unspecified 2 g/day or 4 g/day 24 weeks (open-label extension to 48) · vs Placebo	No difference from placebo in clinical or biomarker measures. Plasma curcumin levels very low (7.32 ng/mL). Three curcumin subjects left because of gut symptoms. No between-group differences Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: ADAS-Cog, adverse events, biomarkers Limitations: Abstract only. Small; low absorption of the form tested. Read: abstract
Ryan 2013 Curcumin for radiation dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of thirty breast cancer patients. Radiat Res · PMID 23745991 · DOI	Controlled trial	30 Women with breast cancer having radiotherapy	Oral curcumin rhizome 2.0 g three times daily (6 g/day) Through radiotherapy · vs Placebo	Curcumin lowered end-of-treatment RDS (2.6 vs 3.4, P=0.008) and moist desquamation (28.6% vs 87.5%, P=0.002). No difference in redness, pain or symptoms. The larger 686-patient trial from the same group did not confirm the benefit. RDS 2.6 vs 3.4; moist desquamation 28.6% vs 87.5% (Not reported) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Radiation dermatitis severity (RDS), moist desquamation Limitations: Only 30 patients; very high dose; not replicated in the larger trial Read: abstract
Ryan Wolf 2018 Oral curcumin for radiation dermatitis: a URCC NCORP study of 686 breast cancer patients. Support Care Cancer · PMID 29192329 · DOI	Controlled trial	686 Women with breast cancer having radiotherapy (URCC NCORP network)	Oral curcumin rhizome 2 g three times daily (four 500 mg capsules) Through radiotherapy until 1 week after · vs Placebo	Curcumin did not reduce radiation dermatitis severity compared with placebo (B 0.044, CI -0.101 to 0.188, p=0.552). Fewer curcumin patients had severity above 3.0 (7.4% vs 12.9%, p=0.082), not significant. Pain, symptoms and quality of life did not differ. No effect: B 0.044 (-0.101 to 0.188) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Radiation dermatitis severity at end of radiotherapy Limitations: Subjective skin scoring; broad eligibility Read: abstract
Saeedi 2022 Curcumin and blood lipid levels: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials. Arch Physiol Biochem · PMID 36264280 · DOI	Meta-analysis	Adults	Curcumin unspecified Varies Varies · vs Placebo	Pooled odds-type results not significant for any lipid (for example LDL -0.17, CI -0.43 to 0.09), though the authors conclude curcumin may reduce blood lipids. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides Limitations: Abstract conclusion goes further than its own confidence intervals. Read: abstract
Sahebkar 2014 Are curcuminoids effective C-reactive protein-lowering agents in clinical practice? Evidence from a meta-analysis. Phytother Res · PMID 23922235 · DOI	Meta analysis of RCTs	342 adults in six trials (172 curcuminoids, 170 placebo)	Curcuminoids rhizome extract varied by trial varied (subgroup effect seen at 4 weeks or longer) · vs placebo	CRP lower with curcuminoids: weighted mean difference -6.44 mg/L; effect kept in trials using bioavailability-improved preparations and 4 weeks or longer, but not in other subgroups. WMD -6.44 mg/L (95% CI -10.77 to -2.11; p = 0.004) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Blood CRP Limitations: Only six small trials, heterogeneity, biomarker not a clinical outcome. Read: abstract
Sahebkar 2015 Lack of efficacy of resveratrol on C-reactive protein and selected cardiovascular risk factors--Results from a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Int J Cardiol · PMID 25885871 · DOI	Meta-analysis	Adults	Resveratrol unspecified Varies Varies · vs Placebo	10 RCTs; CRP WMD -0.144 mg/L (CI -0.968 to 0.680), no effect; HDL slightly lower. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: CRP and cardiovascular risk factors Limitations: Older (2015). Read: abstract
Saji 2026 Effects of Curcuma longa extract on cognitive function in healthy participants with subtle cognitive weaknesses within the normal range: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Front Nutr · PMID 42597400 · DOI	Controlled trial	40 Healthy adults aged 40 to 69 with subtle cognitive weaknesses	Curcuma longa extract (hot-water plus CO2 extract with turmeronols and bisacurone) rhizome 2 capsules/day 24 weeks · vs Placebo	Only orientation and attention scores were higher at 24 weeks; the rest were not different. Authors say results suggest a possibility only. 2 of 35 endpoints significant Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: 35 cognitive endpoints Limitations: Abstract only. A turmeric extract (turmeronols, bisacurone), not a curcumin extract; small; multiple outcomes. Read: abstract
Sangouni 2022 Effects of curcumin and/or coenzyme Q10 supplementation on metabolic control in subjects with metabolic syndrome: a randomized clinical trial. Nutr J · PMID 36192751 · DOI	Controlled trial	88 Adults with metabolic syndrome (2x2 factorial)	Curcumin and/or coenzyme Q10 rhizome 12 weeks · vs Double placebo	Curcumin alone improved HDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL compared with the other three groups. No differences in blood pressure, fasting glucose, waist, BMI or weight. Coenzyme Q10 and the combination did not help. Lipids improved; glucose, blood pressure and body measures unchanged (Not reported) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: SBP, DBP, waist, triglycerides, HDL, fasting glucose, TC, LDL, BMI Limitations: Small; 12 weeks; abstract does not give doses or numbers Read: abstract
Sanmukhani 2014 Efficacy and safety of curcumin in major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled trial. Phytother Res · PMID 23832433 · DOI	Controlled trial	60 Adults with major depressive disorder without suicidal ideation or psychosis	Curcumin vs fluoxetine vs both unspecified Curcumin 1000 mg/day; fluoxetine 20 mg 6 weeks (observer-masked) · vs Fluoxetine; combination	Responders: 77.8% combination, 64.7% fluoxetine, 62.5% curcumin; not statistically significant. Mean score change similar in all groups. Response differences P=0.58; mean change P=0.77 Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: HAM-D17 response and score change Limitations: Abstract only. No placebo arm and observer-masked, not fully blinded, so it cannot show curcumin beats placebo. Read: abstract
Santos-Parker 2018 Curcumin supplementation and motor-cognitive function in healthy middle-aged and older adults. Nutr Healthy Aging · PMID 29951592 · DOI	Controlled trial	39 Healthy adults aged 45 to 74	Longvida unspecified 2000 mg/day 12 weeks · vs Placebo	No change in muscle strength, dexterity, endurance, balance, or in processing speed, executive function, working memory or episodic memory. All P>0.05 (most P>0.3) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: NIH Toolbox motor and cognitive tests Limitations: Abstract only. Small; healthy, so little room to improve. Read: abstract
Sargazi-Taghazi 2025 Add-on effect of curcumin to dienogest in patients with endometriosis: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Phytomedicine · PMID 40220411 · DOI	Controlled trial	86 Women aged 18-45 with stage 2-3 pelvic endometriosis and moderate to severe pain	Nanocurcumin soft gel capsules added to dienogest rhizome 80 mg/day with dienogest 2 mg/day 8 weeks · vs Dienogest plus placebo	Add-on curcumin lowered dysmenorrhea pain by an extra 1.55 points (aMD -1.55, CI -2.04 to -1.06) as well as dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain and dyschezia, and improved quality of life and sexual function. Endometrioma size did not differ. Dysmenorrhea aMD -1.55 vs placebo (-2.04 to -1.06) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Pain VAS for dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, pelvic pain and dyschezia; quality of life; sexual function Limitations: Endometriosis, not ordinary period pain; short; one site; nano formulation Read: abstract
Sarraf 2019 Short-term curcumin supplementation enhances serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor in adult men and women: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutr Res · PMID 31279955 · DOI	Meta-analysis	139 4 RCTs reporting serum BDNF	Curcumin 200 to 1820 mg/day unspecified 200 to 1820 mg/day 8 to 12 weeks · vs Placebo	Serum BDNF increased; heterogeneity high. Weighted mean difference 1789.38 pg/mL (722.04 to 2856.71; I2 83.5%) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Serum BDNF Limitations: Abstract only. Four trials; BDNF is a lab marker, not a symptom. Read: abstract
Sasaki 2011 Innovative preparation of curcumin for improved oral bioavailability. Biol Pharm Bull · PMID 21532153 · DOI	Clinical trial	Rats and healthy human volunteers	Theracurmin vs curcumin powder unspecified 30 mg in humans Single dose · vs Curcumin powder	Human area under the curve 27-fold higher than curcumin powder; AUC more than 40-fold higher in rats; reduced blood acetaldehyde after drinking. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Blood curcumin (area under the curve) Limitations: Human number not in abstract; first author lists the maker. Read: abstract
Schiborr 2014 The oral bioavailability of curcumin from micronized powder and liquid micelles is significantly increased in healthy humans and differs between sexes. Mol Nutr Food Res · PMID 24402825 · DOI	Randomized crossover trial	23 healthy adults (13 women, 10 men)	Curcuminoids: native powder, micronized powder, liquid micelles rhizome extract 500 mg curcuminoids single dose single dose, 24 h sampling · vs native curcuminoid powder	Versus native powder, micronized curcumin was 14-, 5- and 9-fold and micellar curcumin 277-, 114- and 185-fold more bioavailable (women, men, all subjects). Women absorbed more than men. Safety markers stayed in reference ranges. An erratum notes a dosage error in the article text. fold-increases in AUC as reported Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Plasma total curcuminoids (AUC) Limitations: Single dose in healthy people; says nothing about clinical benefit; erratum exists. Read: abstract
Sharifi-Rad 2020 Turmeric and Its Major Compound Curcumin on Health: Bioactive Effects and Safety Profiles for Food, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnological and Medicinal Applications. Front Pharmacol · PMID 33041781 · DOI	Narrative review	n/a	Turmeric / curcumin rhizome	Full text read. States the Curcuma genus has about 120 species; taxonomy is difficult because flowering is short and rhizomes/inflorescences are fleshy and hard to preserve; Curcuma use dates back 5,000 years (Ayurveda) and 2,000 years (Atharveda); curcumin first isolated 1815, crystallised 1870, structure proposed 1910; rhizome listed in WHO monographs vol. 1 (1999), Ph. Eur. monograph 2543 and ESCOP; JECFA ADI 0-3 mg/kg body weight for curcumin. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Overview incl. history, taxonomy, regulation Limitations: Review; the dates are the authors' and differ from the 1900 BC statement in PMID 17569205. Read: full-text
Shep 2019 Safety and efficacy of curcumin versus diclofenac in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized open-label parallel-arm study. Trials · PMID 30975196 · DOI	Controlled trial	139 Adults with knee osteoarthritis	Curcumin BCM-95 unspecified 500 mg three times daily 28 days · vs Diclofenac 50 mg twice daily	Similar pain and KOOS improvement; adverse effects 13% vs 38% (P<0.01). Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: VAS pain; KOOS; adverse events Limitations: Open-label; retrospectively registered (ISRCTN10074826). Registration: ISRCTN10074826 Read: abstract
Shoba 1998 Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers. Planta Med · PMID 9619120 · DOI	Clinical trial	Rats and healthy human volunteers	Curcumin 2 g with piperine 20 mg unspecified 2 g curcumin + 20 mg piperine Single dose · vs Curcumin alone	In humans serum curcumin was undetectable or very low alone; with piperine much higher at 0.25-1 h; bioavailability increase 2000%; no adverse effects reported +2000% bioavailability Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Serum curcumin Limitations: Abstract gives no number of volunteers; short single-dose study; manufacturer-linked authors Funding and conflicts: not stated Read: abstract
Simental-Mendía 2019 Lipid-modifying activity of curcuminoids: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · PMID 29185808 · DOI	Meta-analysis	1427 Adults	Curcuminoids unspecified Varies Varies · vs Placebo	20 RCTs; triglycerides WMD -21.36 mg/dL (CI -32.18 to -10.53); HDL +1.42 mg/dL (CI 0.03 to 2.81); LDL and total cholesterol not significant. TG -21.36 mg/dL (-32.18 to -10.53) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Plasma lipids Limitations: Author from a curcumin maker. Read: abstract
Singh 1995 Activation of transcription factor NF-kappa B is suppressed by curcumin (diferuloylmethane). J Biol Chem · PMID 7559628 · DOI	Laboratory research in-vitro	human myeloid ML-1a cells	Curcumin pure compound cell-culture concentrations · vs untreated cells	Curcumin inhibited TNF-, phorbol ester- and hydrogen peroxide-induced NF-kB activation; blocked IkB alpha phosphorylation/degradation and p65 nuclear movement. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: NF-kB activation Limitations: Cell culture only. Read: abstract
Small 2018 Memory and Brain Amyloid and Tau Effects of a Bioavailable Form of Curcumin in Non-Demented Adults: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled 18-Month Trial. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry · PMID 29246725 · DOI	Controlled trial	40 Non-demented adults aged 51 to 84	Theracurmin unspecified 90 mg curcumin twice daily 18 months · vs Placebo	Memory and attention improved with curcumin; PET signal fell in the amygdala and was unchanged in the hypothalamus versus rising on placebo. Attention ES 0.96 vs 0.28 (between-group 0.67, p=0.04); SRT long-term retrieval between-group ES 0.68, p=0.05; amygdala between-group p=0.07 Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Verbal and visual memory, attention, FDDNP-PET amyloid/tau signal Limitations: Abstract only. Small (40; PET in 30); borderline p-values; PET signal is a lab marker. Read: abstract
Soleimani 2018 Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its major constituent (curcumin) as nontoxic and safe substances: Review. Phytother Res · PMID 29480523 · DOI	Narrative review	Animal and human studies	Turmeric and curcumin unspecified Up to 6 g/day 4-7 weeks (human)	Nonmutagenic and nongenotoxic; human studies showed no toxic effects at 6 g/day for 4-7 weeks, GI upsets may occur; pre-dates the liver-injury case series Considered safe in reviewed data Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Safety and toxicity Limitations: Few trials; pre-dates many liver reports Funding and conflicts: not read Read: abstract
Soliman 2022 Experimentally designed chemometric models for the assay of toxic adulterants in turmeric powder. RSC Adv · PMID 35424884 · DOI	Analytical survey not applicable (food samples)	Turmeric powder spiked with adulterants	Turmeric powder unspecified	Names metanil yellow, acid orange 7 and lead chromate as deliberate turmeric adulterants; improves model prediction accuracy. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Chemometric assay of metanil yellow, acid orange 7, lead chromate Limitations: Method paper. Read: abstract
Stati 2021 Curcuma longa Hepatotoxicity: A Baseless Accusation. Cases Assessed for Causality Using RUCAM Method. Front Pharmacol · PMID 34776989 · DOI	Narrative review	Published hepatotoxicity reports	Curcuma longa with piperine unspecified	Argues few RUCAM-assessed cases exist and that piperine may drive toxicity; calls for human trials Opinion/hypothesis Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Argument on piperine role Limitations: Authors' title contests causal role of Curcuma longa; hypothesis not tested Funding and conflicts: not read Read: abstract
Stohs 2020 Highly Bioavailable Forms of Curcumin and Promising Avenues for Curcumin-Based Research and Application: A Review. Molecules · PMID 32204372 · DOI	Narrative review	n/a	Curcumin formulations rhizome extract	Reviews micro- and nano-formulations, human PK of formulated products, and criticises hydrolysing plasma samples to report total blood curcumin. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Formulation and human pharmacokinetics Limitations: Review; two authors consulted for Boston Biopharm. Funding and conflicts: Two authors consultants to Boston Biopharm; others none Read: abstract
Sunagawa 2015 Colloidal submicron-particle curcumin exhibits high absorption efficiency-a double-blind, 3-way crossover study. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) · PMID 25994138 · DOI	Controlled trial	9 Healthy adults aged 24-32	Theracurmin vs BCM-95 vs Meriva unspecified 182.4, 279.3 and 152.5 mg curcumin Single dose · vs Head-to-head	Theracurmin peak 10.7 and 5.6 times higher than BCM-95 and Meriva; AUC 11.0- and 4.6-fold higher. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Plasma curcumin 0-24 h Limitations: Nine people; blood level only. Read: abstract
Tabrizi 2020 The effects of quercetin supplementation on lipid profiles and inflammatory markers among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · PMID 31017459 · DOI	Meta-analysis	Patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders	Quercetin unspecified Varies Varies · vs Placebo	16 RCTs; total cholesterol, LDL and CRP lower (CRP SMD -0.64, CI -1.03 to -0.25); triglycerides, HDL, IL-6, TNF-alpha unchanged. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Lipids and inflammatory markers Limitations: I2 about 90% for key outcomes. Read: abstract
Talaei 2023 The Effect of Adding Curcumin to Sertraline in the Treatment of Severe Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial. Clin Neuropharmacol · PMID 37071480 · DOI	Controlled trial	45 Adults with severe major depression on sertraline	SinaCurcumin unspecified 40 mg/day 8 weeks · vs Placebo	Depression and anxiety fell in both groups; no significant difference between groups; anxiety score lower in the curcumin group. P>0.05 between groups Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Beck depression and anxiety Limitations: Abstract only. Very low dose; small. Read: abstract
Tang 2008 Effect of cinnamon and turmeric on urinary oxalate excretion, plasma lipids, and plasma glucose in healthy subjects. Am J Clin Nutr · PMID 18469248 · DOI	Controlled trial	11 Healthy adults aged 21-38	Turmeric supplement doses providing 55 mg oxalate/day rhizome powder 4 weeks per period (crossover) · vs Cinnamon and water control	Turmeric produced significantly higher urinary oxalate excretion; 91% of its oxalate was water-soluble; no change in glucose or lipids Higher urinary oxalate Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Urinary oxalate after oxalate load; glucose; lipids Limitations: 11 people; stone formation not measured Funding and conflicts: not stated Read: abstract
Tsai 2021 The Effect of Curcumin Differs on Individual Cognitive Domains across Different Patient Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) · PMID 34959636 · DOI	Meta-analysis	389 8 RCTs; patients and adults with various conditions	Curcumin (various) unspecified · vs Placebo	Working memory improved; processing speed borderline; no difference in language, episodic or verbal memory, flexibility or overall cognition. More stomach and gut side effects with curcumin. Working memory Hedges g 0.396; processing speed g 0.303; GI adverse events OR 3.019 (Working memory 0.078 to 0.714; processing speed -0.013 to 0.619; GI OR 1.118 to 8.150) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Domain-level cognition; GI adverse events Limitations: Abstract only. Eight small trials with mixed populations. Read: abstract
Tuntipopipat 2006 Chili, but not turmeric, inhibits iron absorption in young women from an iron-fortified composite meal. J Nutr · PMID 17116705 · DOI	Controlled trial	10 Healthy young women (10 per experiment)	Turmeric powder 0.5 g in a meal rhizome powder 0.5 g Single meal · vs Same meal without turmeric	Turmeric did not inhibit iron absorption (P=0.91); chili reduced it by 38% No effect Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Iron absorption (stable isotopes) Limitations: Culinary dose; single meal Funding and conflicts: not stated Read: abstract
Unhapipatpong 2025 An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials Investigating the Effect of Curcumin Supplementation on Lipid Profiles. Nutr Rev · PMID 40044446 · DOI	Meta-analysis	Adults, umbrella review of 26 reviews plus updated meta-analysis of 72 RCTs	Curcumin (enhanced-bioavailability forms analysed separately) rhizome Various At least 8 weeks gave added benefit · vs Placebo	Total cholesterol fell 7.76 mg/dL, LDL 5.84 mg/dL, triglycerides 13.15 mg/dL; HDL rose 2.4 mg/dL. LDL and triglyceride changes reached the minimally important difference; total cholesterol and HDL did not. Larger changes in people with metabolic disease, especially type 2 diabetes, with enhanced-bioavailability forms and 8+ weeks. TC -7.76, LDL -5.84, TG -13.15, HDL +2.4 mg/dL (TC -11.29 to -4.22; LDL -11.63 to -0.05; TG -17.31 to -8.98; HDL 1.22 to 3.57) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides Limitations: Very high heterogeneity (I2 94 to 98%) Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract
Vareed 2008 Pharmacokinetics of curcumin conjugate metabolites in healthy human subjects. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev · PMID 18559556 · DOI	Randomized dose group pharmacokinetic study	12 healthy volunteers	Curcumin preparation rhizome extract 10 g (n=6) or 12 g (n=6) single oral dose single dose, samples 0.25-72 h	With an assay limit of 50 ng/mL only one subject had detectable free curcumin; glucuronides and sulfates were found in all. Estimated Cmax 2.30 and 1.73 ug/mL, Tmax 3.29 h, half-life 6.77 h (these are for conjugates). Glucuronide to sulfate ratio 1.92:1; conjugates were either glucuronide or sulfate, not mixed. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Serum free curcumin, curcumin glucuronide and sulfate Limitations: Very high doses; healthy volunteers; one-compartment model estimates. Read: abstract
Victoria-Montesinos 2026 Effects of Zingiberaceae-derived interventions on memory-related and other cognitive outcomes in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Nutr · PMID 42199754 · DOI	Meta-analysis	18 double-blind placebo-controlled RCTs of curcumin, turmeric, ginger and related preparations in adults	Zingiberaceae (curcumin, turmeric, ginger) unspecified · vs Placebo	Memory-related outcomes improved; no pooled effect on executive function/processing speed, global cognition or attention. Authors call the evidence very uncertain. Memory SMD 0.57 (95% CI 0.13 to 1.02) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Memory, executive function, global cognition, attention Limitations: Abstract only. Mixes ginger and turmeric products. Read: abstract
Volak 2008 Curcuminoids inhibit multiple human cytochromes P450, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, and sulfotransferase enzymes, whereas piperine is a relatively selective CYP3A4 inhibitor. Drug Metab Dispos · PMID 18480186 · DOI	In vitro enzyme study in-vitro	human liver/intestinal enzyme preparations	Curcuminoid extract, pure curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, piperine rhizome extract micromolar concentrations in the test tube	Curcuminoid extract inhibited SULT > CYP2C19 > CYP2B6 > UGT > CYP2C9 > CYP3A with IC50 about 1 to 25 microM; CYP2D6, 1A2, 2E1 less affected. Piperine was a fairly selective CYP3A inhibitor (IC50 5.5 microM). Authors predict most inhibition inside the gut wall after oral dosing. IC50 values as reported Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Enzyme inhibition (IC50, Ki) Limitations: Test-tube study; effect in people not shown here. Read: abstract
Wang 1997 Stability of curcumin in buffer solutions and characterization of its degradation products. J Pharm Biomed Anal · PMID 9278892 · DOI	In vitro chemistry in-vitro	n/a (laboratory solutions, serum-containing medium, human blood)	Curcumin pure compound up to 8 h	In 0.1 M phosphate buffer at pH 7.2 and 37 C, about 90% of curcumin decomposed within 30 min; faster at neutral-basic pH. In cell medium with 10% serum or in human blood, less than 20% decomposed in 1 h and about 50% remained after 8 h. Main breakdown product predicted to be trans-6-(4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxyphenyl)-2,4-dioxo-5-hexenal; minor ones vanillin, ferulic acid and feruloyl methane. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Degradation kinetics Limitations: Laboratory solutions. Read: abstract
Wang 2021 The efficacy and acceptability of curcumin for the treatment of depression or depressive symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord · PMID 33418373 · DOI	Meta-analysis	594 10 trials in depression or depressive symptoms	Curcumin (various) unspecified · vs Placebo/control	Curcumin lowered depression scores and raised response rate; drop-outs and side effects not different. Authors rate evidence quality as low and call efficacy uncertain. Three trials high risk of bias. SMD -0.32 (symptoms); response OR 3.20 (n=271); in diagnosed depression SMD -0.35, in depressive symptoms without diagnosis SMD -0.17 (not significant) (Symptoms 95% CI -0.50 to -0.13; response OR CI 1.28 to 7.99; diagnosed depression CI -0.56 to -0.15; symptoms-only CI -0.61 to 0.26) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Depressive symptoms, response, drop-outs, adverse effects Limitations: Abstract only. Reviewers' own conclusion: low evidence quality. Read: abstract
Wang 2021 Efficacy and Safety of Turmeric Extracts for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials. Curr Rheumatol Rep · PMID 33511486 · DOI	Meta-analysis	1810 Adults with knee osteoarthritis	Turmeric extracts unspecified Varies Up to 16 weeks · vs Placebo; NSAIDs	16 RCTs; pain SMD -0.82 (CI -1.17 to -0.47, I2 86.23%) and function SMD -0.75 (CI -1.18 to -0.33, I2 90.05%) vs placebo; similar to NSAIDs; 12% fewer adverse events than NSAIDs. Pain SMD -0.82 (-1.17 to -0.47) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Pain, physical function, adverse events Limitations: Very high heterogeneity; moderate risk of bias; BMI modified effects. Read: abstract
Yaikwawong 2024 Curcumin Reduces Depression in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients · PMID 39125295 · DOI	Controlled trial	227 Adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes	Curcumin unspecified 12 months · vs Placebo	Curcumin group had lower depression severity at 12 months, higher serotonin, lower IL-1b, IL-6, TNF-alpha. Depression p=0.000001; serotonin p<0.0001 Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: PHQ-9 depression severity; serotonin; inflammatory and antioxidant markers Limitations: Abstract only. Dose not in abstract; PHQ-9 is a screening questionnaire, not a full diagnosis. Read: abstract
Yaikwawong 2024 Curcumin extract improves beta cell functions in obese patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial. Nutr J · PMID 39354480 · DOI	Controlled trial	272 Adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity	Curcumin extract rhizome 1,500 mg/day 12 months · vs Placebo	At 12 months fasting glucose was 115.49 vs 130.71 and HbA1c 6.12 vs 6.47 (P<0.05) compared with placebo. HOMA-beta was higher, HOMA-IR lower, adiponectin higher and leptin lower; BMI was lower. FBG 115.49 vs 130.71; HbA1c 6.12 vs 6.47 (Not reported) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Fasting glucose, HbA1c, HOMA-beta, HOMA-IR, adiponectin, leptin, BMI Limitations: Shares an author (Chuengsamarn) with the 2012 prediabetes trial; values are group end-points as reported Read: abstract
Yongwatana 2022 Curcuma longa Linn versus omeprazole in treatment of functional dyspepsia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Gastroenterol Hepatol · PMID 34652861 · DOI	Controlled trial	132 Adults with functional dyspepsia (Rome IV)	Curcuma longa Linn capsules rhizome Dose not stated in the abstract 4 weeks · vs Omeprazole or placebo	At 4 weeks the pain score fell more with curcumin than placebo (-16.98 vs -10.53, P<0.001) and non-pain score too (-7.96 vs -6.05, P<0.008). No significant difference from omeprazole. SODA pain -16.98 vs -10.53 (placebo) (Not reported) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Severity of Dyspepsia Assessment (SODA), EQ-5D Limitations: Single centre; 4 weeks; quality of life difference not significant (P=0.055) Read: abstract
You 2022 Analytical strategies to determine the labelling accuracy and economically-motivated adulteration of natural dietary supplements in the marketplace: Turmeric case study. Food Chem · PMID 34507212 · DOI	Observational	14 14 commercial turmeric supplements	Commercial supplements unspecified	Only 4 of 14 supported all-natural claims; synthetic curcumin implicated Mislabelling common in this sample Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Carbon-14 and HPLC authenticity Limitations: Small sample Funding and conflicts: not stated Read: abstract
Yu 2015 Chronic Supplementation of Curcumin Enhances the Efficacy of Antidepressants in Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study. J Clin Psychopharmacol · PMID 26066335 · DOI	Controlled trial	108 Adult men aged 31 to 59 with major depression on antidepressants	Curcumin unspecified 1000 mg/day 6 weeks · vs Placebo (soybean powder)	Add-on curcumin lowered depression scores, IL-1b, TNF-alpha and cortisol and raised BDNF compared with placebo. Significant reductions on HAM-D17 and MADRS; numeric values not given in abstract Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: HAM-D17, MADRS, IL-1b, TNF-alpha, BDNF, salivary cortisol Limitations: Abstract only. Men only; pilot; numbers not in abstract. Read: abstract
Yu 2020 Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Med Ther · PMID 32680575 · DOI	Meta-analysis	545 Osteoarthritis	Boswellia and Boswellia extract unspecified Varies At least 4 weeks recommended · vs Placebo or western medicine	7 trials; VAS WMD -8.33 (CI -11.19 to -5.46); WOMAC pain WMD -14.22 (CI -22.34 to -6.09). VAS WMD -8.33 (-11.19 to -5.46) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: VAS, WOMAC, Lequesne Limitations: Small trials. Read: abstract
Yu 2025 Targeting cognitive aging with curcumin supplementation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Prev Alzheimers Dis · PMID 40579315 · DOI	Meta-analysis	531 10 human RCTs on cognitive aging (plus 25 animal studies in Alzheimer models)	Curcumin (various) unspecified · vs Placebo	No significant effect on global cognition in humans; working memory and processing speed improved in subgroups; more adverse events with curcumin. Animal studies in Alzheimer models were strongly positive. Human global cognition SMD 0.14; working memory SMD 1.01; processing speed SMD 0.37 (Global -0.78 to 1.07; working memory 0.15 to 1.87; processing speed 0.07 to 0.67) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Global cognition and domains Limitations: Abstract only. Animal-to-human gap; wide intervals. Read: abstract
Yuan 2025 Potential therapeutic benefits of curcumin in depression or anxiety induced by chronic diseases: a systematic review of mechanistic and clinical evidence. Front Pharmacol · PMID 40918536 · DOI	Meta-analysis	1123 15 RCTs in adults with depression or anxiety linked to chronic diseases (e.g. type 2 diabetes, obesity, migraine, arthritis, coronary heart disease, IBS)	Curcumin (various formulations and doses) unspecified Varied Varied · vs Placebo/control	Curcumin lowered depressive and anxiety symptoms; heterogeneity very high for depression, none for anxiety; authors warn of limited sample sizes, varied formulations and possible publication bias. Animal work in the same review is mechanistic only. Depression SMD -0.65; anxiety SMD -0.22 (Depression -1.16 to -0.13 (I2 93%); anxiety -0.40 to -0.05 (I2 0%)) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Depressive and anxiety symptoms Limitations: Abstract only. PROSPERO CRD42024602837. Read: abstract
Zeng 2021 The efficacy and safety of Curcuma longa extract and curcumin supplements on osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Biosci Rep · PMID 34017975 · DOI	Meta-analysis	1621 Adults with osteoarthritis, 15 RCTs	Curcuma longa extract and curcumin supplements (various products) rhizome Various Authors recommend use for more than 12 weeks · vs Placebo or NSAIDs, or NSAID plus curcumin vs NSAID	Versus placebo, pain, function and stiffness scores were lower. Versus NSAIDs, effects on pain, function and stiffness were similar with fewer adverse events. Adding curcumin to an NSAID lowered scores more than the NSAID alone and did not add adverse events. GRADE was used for primary outcomes. Lower VAS and WOMAC scores than placebo; similar to NSAIDs Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Pain (VAS, WOMAC pain), function, stiffness; adverse events Limitations: Abstract gives no numbers or GRADE ratings; mixed products and doses Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract
Zeng 2022 Efficacy and Safety of Curcumin and Curcuma longa Extract in the Treatment of Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Immunol · PMID 35935936 · DOI	Meta-analysis	2396 29 RCTs in 5 types of arthritis (ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, gout/hyperuricemia)	Curcumin and Curcuma longa extract (various products) rhizome 120 to 1500 mg/day 4 to 36 weeks · vs Placebo or other treatment	Curcumin and C. longa extract improved inflammation and pain levels and were safe in all studies. The authors call the trials low quality and few and ask for careful interpretation. Improved pain and inflammation (pooled numbers not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Inflammation and pain in arthritis; safety Limitations: Low quality and small number of trials per arthritis type; five different diseases pooled Funding and conflicts: No funding conflict declared in the abstract Read: abstract
Zhang 2025 Effect of curcumin on inflammatory markers and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) · PMID 41327719 · DOI	Meta-analysis	Adults with rheumatoid arthritis; 7 RCTs	Curcumin in any form rhizome Various Various · vs Placebo or standard care	DAS28 was 1.47 lower, rheumatoid factor 24.15 lower, ESR 31.26 lower and CRP 0.93 lower. Heterogeneity was substantial; the authors call for larger trials with longer follow-up. DAS28 WMD -1.47; RF WMD -24.15; ESR WMD -31.26; CRP WMD -0.93 (DAS28 -1.68 to -1.26; RF -36.47 to -11.83; ESR -58.59 to -3.93; CRP -1.33 to -0.53) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: DAS28, rheumatoid factor, ESR, CRP Limitations: Substantial heterogeneity; small trials; the 2025 SLE/RA review below found no significant effect Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract
Zhang 2025 Comparative Effectiveness of Nutritional Supplements in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Network Meta-Analysis. Nutrients · PMID 40806131 · DOI	Meta-analysis	4599 Knee osteoarthritis	Eggshell membrane, vitamin D, Boswellia, curcumin, ginger, krill oil, collagen unspecified Varies Varies · vs Placebo	39 RCTs; Boswellia improved WOMAC pain (MD 10.58), stiffness, function and VAS pain; curcumin, collagen, ginger and krill oil helped some outcomes; no supplement raised adverse events. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: WOMAC and VAS Limitations: Standardized doses and formulations lacking. Read: abstract
Zhao 2024 Efficacy and safety of curcumin therapy for knee osteoarthritis: A Bayesian network meta-analysis. J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 38036015 · DOI	Meta-analysis	2175 Adults with knee osteoarthritis, 23 RCTs from 7 countries	Curcumin alone or with NSAIDs or chondroprotective agents (network meta-analysis) rhizome Various Various · vs Placebo, NSAIDs, other	Versus placebo, curcumin lowered VAS pain by 1.63 points (MD -1.63) and total WOMAC by 18.85 points, and cut the use of rescue medicine (OR 0.17). Versus NSAIDs, curcumin had fewer adverse reactions (OR 0.51). VAS MD -1.63; total WOMAC MD -18.85 vs placebo (VAS 95% CI -2.91 to -0.45; WOMAC -29.53 to -8.76; adverse reactions vs NSAIDs OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.94) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: VAS pain, total WOMAC, rescue medicine use, adverse reactions Limitations: Authors say the combination findings still need confirming; mixed products Funding and conflicts: None declared Read: abstract
Zhu 2019 Curcumin intervention for cognitive function in different types of people: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytother Res · PMID 30575152 · DOI	Meta-analysis	289 6 trials: healthy older adults, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia	Curcumin (various) unspecified · vs Placebo	In older adults cognition scores improved; in Alzheimer's the treated group did not do better (trend to worse MMSE). Older adults cognition SMD 0.33; Alzheimer's MMSE SMD -0.90 (Older adults 0.05 to 0.62 (p=0.02); Alzheimer's -1.48 to -0.32) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Cognition, depression, adverse events Limitations: Abstract only. Six trials; the Alzheimer's estimate is the opposite of a benefit. Older-adult adverse-event odds ratio 5.59 (0.96 to 36.80). Read: abstract
s-efsa-curcumin-2010 2010 EFSA ANS Panel re-evaluation of curcumin (E 100), 2010; refined exposure 2014, as reported by FoodNavigator · Source	Authoritative guidance	General public	Curcumin (E 100) unspecified	ADI 3 mg/kg bw/day; 2014 refined exposure for children at ADI level (secondary report). Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Agency safety statement Read: summary-only
s-ema-hmpc-curcuma-2018 2018 EMA/HMPC European Union herbal monograph on Curcuma longa L., rhizoma (EMA/HMPC/329755/2017) · Source	Authoritative guidance	General public	Turmeric rhizome unspecified	Contraindication hypersensitivity; not recommended with bile duct obstruction, cholangitis, liver disease, gallstones; pregnancy/lactation not recommended; under 18 not recommended; interactions none reported; mild dry mouth, flatulence, gastric irritation. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Agency safety statement Read: full-text
s-ema-hmpc-curcuma-longa-2018 EMA/HMPC European Union herbal monograph on Curcuma longa L., rhizoma (final, EMA/HMPC/329755/2017, adopted 25 September 2018; first monograph adopted 12 November 2009) · Source	Authoritative guidance n/a		rhizome	Traditional-use only (no well-established use): relief of digestive disturbances such as fullness, slow digestion and flatulence, based exclusively on long-standing use. Preparations: powder 0.5-1 g 2-3x daily; tea 0.5-1 g in 150 mL; tinctures; dry extracts. Material complies with Ph. Eur. monograph 2543. Not recommended under 18. See doctor if symptoms last over 2 weeks. Methods, limits and funding Read: full-text
s-fda-turmeric-lead 2013 FDA actions on lead in turmeric, as reported by ABC News (2013) · Source	Authoritative guidance	General public	Ground turmeric unspecified	News report of Pran recall (48 ppm lead) and import alert on named importers. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Agency safety statement Read: summary-only
s-gbif-curcuma-longa GBIF backbone: Curcuma longa L. (usageKey 2757624) · Source	Authoritative guidance n/a		rhizome	Accepted species, family Zingiberaceae, order Zingiberales; 13 listed synonyms incl. Curcuma domestica Valeton / L., Curcuma tinctoria Guibourt, Amomum curcuma Jacq. Retrieved via GBIF API 2026-10-24. Methods, limits and funding Read: full-text
s-italy-moh-2019 2019 Italian Ministry of Health turmeric/curcumin decrees (2019, 2022) as reported by NutraIngredients · Source	Authoritative guidance	General public	Turmeric/curcumin supplements unspecified	Trade-press summary of the 26 July 2019 label warning and 2022 broadening. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Agency safety statement Read: summary-only
s-nccih-turmeric NCCIH: Turmeric · Source	Authoritative guidance	General public	Turmeric/curcumin unspecified	Updated April 2025: likely safe for 2-3 months; nausea, reflux, stomach upset, diarrhoea or constipation; highly bioavailable curcumin may harm the liver; supplements in pregnancy may be unsafe. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Agency safety statement Read: full-text
s-tga-turmeric-2023 2023 TGA safety alert: Medicines containing turmeric or curcumin - risk of liver injury · Source	Authoritative guidance	General public	Turmeric/curcumin unspecified	Via web search summary: 18 reports to 29 June 2023, 9 implicating, 2 severe including 1 death; risk described as rare. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Agency safety statement Read: summary-only

What we do not know yet

What the evidence supports: concentrated curcumin extracts probably lower blood CRP and fasting blood sugar a little, and small trials of extracts report less knee osteoarthritis pain. Rare serious liver injury with supplements is documented in case series.
What is uncertain: almost every trial used a concentrated or boosted extract, and no placebo-controlled trial of cooking-level turmeric was found for any of the uses here. We do not know if kitchen turmeric does anything for these conditions.
No study measured how often turmeric supplement liver injury happens. Whether black pepper, high-absorption forms, dose or turmeric itself is the driver is not settled. The HLA-B*35:01 gene link rests on 10 patients and is not a screening test.
No head-to-head trial shows one curcumin form works better than another. Absorption studies measure blood levels in healthy people, and higher blood levels have not been shown to give better health results.
Many trials are small, 4 to 12 weeks long, and come from a few research groups. Long-term benefit and safety beyond about a year are not established, and lab markers are reported far more often than outcomes people feel.
No trial shows turmeric prevents dementia or treats Alzheimer's disease. No trial of curcumin in a diagnosed anxiety disorder was found.
Interactions with blood thinners, diabetes medicines and narrow-margin drugs rest on lab, animal and tiny studies. Pregnancy and breastfeeding have no human outcome data. Kidney stone risk rests on an 11-person urine study.
Some regulator details come from trade press or web summaries because the original pages could not be opened (Italian decrees, the Australian TGA alert, EFSA, FDA recalls). We read PubMed abstracts rather than full texts for most studies, so funding, conflicts of interest and risk of bias are not assessed. Native range, plant growth details and classical Ayurvedic and Chinese text citations were not verified.

How new research is added

New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and are placed in a review queue. A person reads each one before it changes any evidence rating, safety wording or dose information. New publications never change ratings automatically.

Lab markers

What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".

Hormonal 1

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Cortisol (stress hormone)

Mixed results in trials

A hormone released during stress; measured in saliva, blood or urine.

Not enough evidence

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

A marker of the body's stress response, often high in depression.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

The two trials disagree; one is a secondary exploratory analysis with many comparisons.

Safety implication

None identified.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁹³	Salivary cortisol lower than placebo (values not in abstract)	108 men with depression on antidepressants	Curcumin 1000 mg/day, 6 weeks
¹¹⁴	Cortisol fell in the placebo group, not the curcumin group (p<0.05); curcumin raised substance P and thromboxane B2	50 adults with major depression	Curcumin extract 500 mg twice daily, 8 weeks

^{193 114}

Metabolic 8

▲

Blood glucose (safety signal)

Raised in trials

The sugar level in blood.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Raised glucose appeared as a side finding in two cognition trials, so it is tracked as a safety signal rather than a benefit.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Two trials noted it; size not in the abstracts.

Safety implication

People with diabetes or taking glucose-lowering drugs should discuss curcumin extracts with a clinician.

Study	Result	People	Product
³⁶	Blood glucose significantly higher with Longvida than placebo	80 healthy adults aged 50 to 80	Longvida 400 mg/day, 12 weeks
¹⁵²	Increased glucose levels, judged clinically insignificant by the authors, with lowered haematocrit	36 people with Alzheimer's	Curcumin C3 Complex 2 or 4 g/day, 24 weeks

^{36 152}

▼

Fasting blood glucose

Lowered in trials

Blood sugar after not eating overnight.

Moderate certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Used to judge diabetes risk and control.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Consistent small fall; the size in type 2 diabetes (about 11 mg/dL) is modest. Ratings from a large GRADE review help, but trials vary and some are null.

Safety implication

May add to the effect of diabetes medicines; check with a doctor to avoid low sugar.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹²⁴	MD -11.48 mg/dL (CI -14.26 to -8.70)	Type 2 diabetes, 1,382 adults	Curcumin vs placebo
¹⁹⁰	115.49 vs 130.71 (P<0.05)	272 obese adults with type 2 diabetes	Curcumin 1,500 mg/day, 12 months
¹⁴⁶	MD -8.6 mg/dL (CI -15.45 to -1.75)	Metabolic syndrome, 13 RCTs	Curcumin vs control
¹⁵⁹	No difference between groups	88 adults with metabolic syndrome	Curcumin vs placebo, 12 weeks
⁹²	Rated high credibility by GRADE	103 RCTs	Curcumin vs placebo
⁸²	ETD -0.24 mmol/L (CI -0.45 to -0.03), not significant after correction	37 obese adults	Lecithin curcumin 200 mg twice daily, 6 weeks

^{124 190 146 159 92 82}

▼

HbA1c

Lowered in trials

Average blood sugar over about 3 months.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Standard measure of long-term diabetes control.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Statistically significant, and about half a percentage point in diabetes is a meaningful but modest change if real; results depend on a few trials.

Safety implication

Same caution about combining with diabetes medicine.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹²⁴	MD -0.54% (CI -0.73 to -0.35)	Type 2 diabetes, 18 trials	Curcumin vs placebo
¹⁹⁰	6.12 vs 6.47 (P<0.05)	272 adults with type 2 diabetes	Curcumin 1,500 mg/day, 12 months
⁷⁹	-0.06% (CI -0.33 to -0.01) vs placebo	80 adults with fatty liver	Curcumin 500 mg/day, 24 weeks
¹²⁶	-0.62% (CI -0.87 to -0.37) vs placebo	52 adults with NASH	Meriva 2 g/day, 72 weeks

^{124 190 79 126}

▼

Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and insulin

Lowered in trials

A calculated index of how well the body responds to insulin; lower means better sensitivity.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

To see whether curcumin improves insulin sensitivity.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Moderate credibility for HOMA-IR in the 103-RCT review, but the main support is a small set of trials, two from one group.

Safety implication

None.

Study	Result	People	Product
³³	3.22 vs 4.04 (P<0.001)	240 adults with prediabetes	Curcumin 9 months
¹⁹⁰	4.86 vs 6.04 (P<0.001)	272 adults with type 2 diabetes	Curcumin 1,500 mg/day
⁷⁹	Insulin -4.94 microU/L (CI -9.73 to -0.15)	Fatty liver	Curcumin 500 mg/day
¹⁴⁵	HOMA-IR lower than placebo (p<.05)	48 women with RA	Curcumin 500 mg/day

^{33 190 79 145 92}

▼

LDL cholesterol

Lowered in trials

The 'bad' cholesterol carried in the blood.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

To see whether curcumin helps cholesterol.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Small average fall; authors rate the evidence low to very low and heterogeneity is very high (I2 up to 98%).

Safety implication

Do not replace cholesterol medicine; ask your doctor about interactions.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁸²	MD -5.84 mg/dL (CI -11.63 to -0.05); reached the minimally important difference	Adults, 72 RCTs	Curcumin vs placebo
⁴³	WMD -4.89 mg/dL (CI -5.92 to -3.87)	Adults, 64 RCTs	Curcumin/turmeric vs placebo
¹⁵⁹	LDL improved vs the three other groups (P<0.001)	88 with metabolic syndrome	Curcumin 12 weeks
¹²⁶	-39 mg/dL (CI -45 to -33) vs placebo	52 with NASH	Meriva 2 g/day

^{182 43 159 126}

▲

HDL cholesterol

Raised in trials

The 'good' cholesterol.

Moderate certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Lipid profile.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

A consistent but small rise; the 2025 authors say it is below the minimal clinically important difference.

Safety implication

None.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁸²	+2.4 mg/dL (CI 1.22 to 3.57); did not reach the minimally important difference	72 RCTs	Curcumin vs placebo
⁴³	+1.80 mg/dL (CI 1.43 to 2.17)	64 RCTs	Curcumin/turmeric
¹⁴⁶	+4.98 mg/dL (CI 2.58 to 7.38)	Metabolic syndrome, 13 RCTs	Curcumin
⁹²	Rated high credibility by GRADE	103 RCTs	Curcumin vs placebo

^{182 43 146 92}

▼

Triglycerides

Lowered in trials

Fats in the blood.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Lipid profile.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Falls in most analyses but not in the metabolic syndrome analysis; heterogeneity very high.

Safety implication

None.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁸²	MD -13.15 mg/dL (CI -17.31 to -8.98); reached the minimally important difference	72 RCTs	Curcumin vs placebo
⁴³	WMD -6.69 mg/dL (CI -7.93 to -5.45)	64 RCTs	Curcumin/turmeric
¹⁴⁶	MD +1.28 (CI -3.75 to 6.30), not significant	Metabolic syndrome, 13 RCTs	Curcumin
⁷⁹	-0.29 mmol/L (CI -0.41 to -0.14)	80 with fatty liver	Curcumin 500 mg/day
¹²⁶	-36 mg/dL (CI -46 to -26)	52 with NASH	Meriva 2 g/day

^{182 43 146 79 126}

↕

Weight, BMI and waist

Mixed results in trials

Body measures related to metabolic risk.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

To see whether curcumin helps weight.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Small changes; the 0.41 BMI drop is not meaningful on its own. Trials are inconsistent.

Safety implication

None.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁴⁶	Waist MD -2.16 cm (CI -3.78 to -0.54)	Metabolic syndrome	Curcumin
¹⁵⁹	No difference in BMI, waist or weight	88 with metabolic syndrome	Curcumin 12 weeks
⁷⁹	Weight -2.6 kg (CI -4.4 to -0.8); BMI -1.0 (CI -2.0 to -0.1)	80 with fatty liver	Curcumin 500 mg/day
¹³³	BMI MD -0.41 (CI -0.75 to -0.07)	NAFLD	Curcumin
⁹²	Weight rated high credibility by GRADE; BMI and waist moderate	103 RCTs	Curcumin

^{146 159 79 133 92}

Inflammatory 6

▼

Inflammatory messengers (IL-1 beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha)

Lowered in trials

Immune-system proteins in the blood that rise with inflammation.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Depression and dementia are linked to higher inflammation, and curcumin is anti-inflammatory.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Statistical changes in lab markers; no trial shows that lower cytokines cause the mood or memory result.

Safety implication

None identified.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁹³	IL-1b and TNF-alpha lower than placebo	108 men with depression on antidepressants	Curcumin 1000 mg/day, 6 weeks
¹⁸⁹	IL-1b, IL-6 and TNF-alpha lower than placebo (p<0.001 for all)	227 obese adults with type 2 diabetes	Curcumin, 12 months
⁴¹	IL-6 and TNF-alpha improved versus placebo and standard curcumin (P<0.05)	48 people with moderate Alzheimer's	CurQfen 400 mg twice daily, 6 months

^{193 189 41}

▼

C-reactive protein (CRP)

Lowered in trials

A blood marker of general inflammation.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Checked as a general inflammation marker in mood and ageing trials.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

One trial in smokers; shows a lab change without a mood change.

Safety implication

None identified.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹¹⁹	CRP lower than placebo (P<0.05) while depression and anxiety did not change	70 smokers	Nano-curcumin 80 mg/day, 3 months

¹¹⁹

▼

C-reactive protein (CRP, hs-CRP)

Lowered in trials

A protein the liver makes when there is inflammation. High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) detects low-grade inflammation.

Moderate certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Used as a general marker of inflammation, including in arthritis and metabolic disease.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Most pooled analyses show a statistically significant fall; one large review rated it high credibility. The fall is small compared with the day-to-day spread of CRP, and one RA/lupus analysis and one osteoarthritis trial found no difference from placebo. A lower CRP is not the same as less disease.

Safety implication

No safety signal from CRP lowering; CRP is not a safety measure.

Study	Result	People	Product
⁴²	CRP WMD -0.58 mg/L (CI -0.74 to -0.41)	Adults, 66 RCTs	Curcumin/turmeric vs placebo
⁷⁰	CRP WMD -3.67 mg/L (CI -6.96 to -0.38); hs-CRP also lower	Adults with inflammatory conditions, 9 and 23 studies	Curcumin vs placebo; effect at 1,000 mg/day or less
⁹²	Rated high credibility by GRADE; effect size not in abstract	Adults, 103 RCTs	Curcumin vs placebo
¹³⁷	CRP lower than placebo (p<0.001); meta-analysis WMD -2.20 mg/L (CI -3.96 to -0.44)	Adults with metabolic syndrome	Curcuminoids 1 g + piperine 10 mg/day, 8 weeks
¹⁹⁹	CRP WMD -0.93 (CI -1.33 to -0.53)	Rheumatoid arthritis, 7 RCTs	Curcumin vs placebo or standard care
¹¹⁰	SMD -1.65 (CI -3.88 to 0.58), not significant; I2 91.6%	RA and lupus, 7 RCTs	Curcumin/C. longa extract
¹²⁴	CRP SMD -0.59 (CI -1.11 to -0.07)	Type 2 diabetes, 18 trials	Curcumin vs placebo
¹⁴⁷	hs-CRP fell within the curcuminoid group (p=0.004) but the change did not differ from placebo (p>0.05)	Knee osteoarthritis, n=40	Curcuminoids 1,500 mg + piperine 15 mg/day, 6 weeks

^{42 70 92 137 199 110 124 147}

↕

Interleukin-6 (IL-6)

Mixed results in trials

A signalling protein that drives inflammation; measured in blood.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Used to see whether curcumin changes inflammatory signals.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Two large analyses disagree, and the trial where IL-6 fell also saw it fall on placebo.

Safety implication

None.

Study	Result	People	Product
⁴²	IL-6 WMD -1.31 pg/ml (CI -1.58 to -0.67)	Adults, 66 RCTs	Curcumin/turmeric vs placebo
⁶⁸	IL-6 WMD -0.33 pg/ml (CI -0.99 to 0.34), not significant	Adults with inflammatory background, 32 RCTs	Curcumin vs placebo
¹⁴⁶	IL-6 MD -1.5 (CI -3.97 to 0.97), not significant (two studies)	Metabolic syndrome, 13 RCTs	Curcumin vs control
¹⁴⁷	IL-6 fell in both curcuminoid and placebo groups; no difference between groups	Knee osteoarthritis, n=40	Curcuminoids + piperine 6 weeks
¹³⁵	IL-6 raised 31% at 0 h and 32% at 48 h, lower at 24 h relative to post-exercise	17 men after hard exercise	Curcumin 2.5 g twice daily

^{42 68 146 147 135}

▼

Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha)

Lowered in trials

An inflammatory signalling protein targeted by some arthritis drugs.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

To see whether curcumin lowers a key inflammation driver.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Statistically significant in several analyses, but units and populations differ and few studies in metabolic syndrome. Compiler's rating.

Safety implication

None.

Study	Result	People	Product
⁴²	WMD -3.48 pg/ml (CI -4.38 to -2.58)	Adults, 66 RCTs	Curcumin/turmeric vs placebo
⁶⁸	WMD -1.61 pg/ml (CI -2.72 to -0.51)	32 RCTs	Curcumin vs placebo
¹⁴⁶	MD -12.97 (CI -18.37 to -7.57), two studies	Metabolic syndrome	Curcumin vs control

^{42 68 146}

↕

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

Mixed results in trials

How fast red blood cells settle in a tube; rises with inflammation.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Used with CRP to follow arthritis activity.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Very wide confidence intervals and high heterogeneity; one of three analyses found no effect.

Safety implication

None.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁰¹	MD -29.47 (CI -54.05 to -4.88)	Rheumatoid arthritis, 539 people	Curcumin vs control
¹⁹⁹	WMD -31.26 (CI -58.59 to -3.93)	RA, 7 RCTs	Curcumin
¹¹⁰	SMD -1.49 (CI -3.71 to 0.72), not significant	RA and lupus, 314	Curcumin/C. longa extract
¹⁴⁵	ESR lower than placebo (p<.05)	48 women with RA	Curcumin 500 mg/day, 8 weeks

^{101 199 110 145}

Organ function 2

↕

ALT (alanine aminotransferase)

Mixed results in trials

A liver enzyme that rises when liver cells are damaged. Here it is a benefit marker in fatty liver, not a safety marker.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Used to judge liver inflammation in fatty liver disease.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Conflicting analyses; changes of about 5 to 7 units.

Safety implication

This is a benefit marker in people who already have fatty liver. Curcumin has also been linked to rare liver injury in case reports (see the safety file); do not read a lower ALT as proof of safety.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹³³	MD -7.02 units (CI -9.83 to -4.20)	NAFLD, 16 RCTs, 1,028	Curcumin vs control
¹¹⁷	MD -5.61 units/L (CI -9.37 to -1.85)	MAFLD	Curcumin
¹¹	No significant effect on ALT; high heterogeneity	NAFLD, 15 studies	Curcumin
⁸²	GGT fell 15.7% but liver fat did not change	37 obese adults	Lecithin curcumin 6 weeks

^{133 117 11}

▼

AST (aspartate aminotransferase)

Lowered in trials

A liver and muscle enzyme.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Used to judge liver inflammation in fatty liver disease.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Consistent small fall across three analyses.

Safety implication

Benefit marker only; see liver-safety cautions.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹³³	MD -4.00 units (CI -5.72 to -2.28)	NAFLD, 16 RCTs	Curcumin
¹¹⁷	MD -3.90 units/L (CI -5.97 to -1.82)	MAFLD	Curcumin
¹¹	AST reduced; high heterogeneity	NAFLD, 15 studies, 835	Curcumin

^{133 117 11}

Other 11

↕

Depression rating scales (HAM-D, MADRS, IDS-SR30, PHQ-9, Beck)

Mixed results in trials

Questionnaires or clinician interviews that score how severe depression symptoms are. Lower scores mean fewer symptoms.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

The main way trials judge whether an antidepressant approach works.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Pooled effects are small to moderate (SMD about -0.3), but the smallest change that matters to patients is not stated in the reviews read, so clinical importance is not established.

Safety implication

None identified in the trials read.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹¹³	IDS-SR30 total group x time F(1,53)=4.22, p=.045; benefit from weeks 4 to 8	56 adults with major depression	Curcumin 500 mg twice daily, 8 weeks
¹⁹³	Lower HAM-D17 and MADRS than placebo (values not in abstract)	108 men on antidepressants	Curcumin 1000 mg/day, 6 weeks
⁹⁷	MADRS better than placebo at weeks 12 and 16	65 adults with major depression	Curcumin 500 to 1500 mg/day, 12 weeks
²⁴	No difference from placebo on CGI-S, HAM-D, MADRS	40 adults, first-episode depression on antidepressants	Curcumin 500 mg/day, 5 weeks
¹⁷⁸	No difference between groups on Beck depression	45 adults with severe depression on sertraline	SinaCurcumin 40 mg/day, 8 weeks
¹⁸⁹	PHQ-9 depression improved at 12 months, p=0.000001	227 obese adults with type 2 diabetes	Curcumin, 12 months

^{113 193 97 24 178 189 132 187}

▼

Anxiety scales (STAI, Beck Anxiety, DASS anxiety)

Lowered in trials

Self-rated questionnaires of anxiety symptoms. Lower is better.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Used to see whether curcumin calms anxiety.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Statistically significant in most small trials; pooled sizes range from SMD -0.22 to -1.56, so size is uncertain.

Safety implication

None identified.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹¹⁶	STAI state p<.001 and trait p=.001 versus placebo (active arms pooled)	123 adults with depression	Curcumin 250 to 500 mg twice daily, with or without saffron, 12 weeks
⁵¹	Beck Anxiety reduced, p=0.03	30 obese adults	Curcumin 1 g/day, 30 days
¹³	Anxiety 22.4 to 20.6 vs 21.9 to 21.2, p=.009	80 adults with diabetic neuropathy	Nano-curcumin 80 mg/day, 8 weeks
¹¹⁹	No change	70 smokers	Nano-curcumin 80 mg/day, 3 months

^{116 51 13 119 53 196}

↕

Cognitive tests (working memory, attention, MMSE, MoCA)

Mixed results in trials

Standard computer or paper tests of memory, attention and thinking. Higher scores mean better function.

Mixed findings

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Used to see whether curcumin helps thinking in healthy ageing or dementia.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Pooled working-memory effects are small to moderate; global cognition shows no pooled effect (Yu 2025 SMD 0.14, CI -0.78 to 1.07). Multiple outcomes per trial raise the chance of chance findings.

Safety implication

None for the tests themselves.

Study	Result	People	Product
³⁵	Better sustained attention and working memory 1 hour after a dose; better working memory after 4 weeks	60 healthy adults aged 60 to 85	Longvida 400 mg
¹⁷¹	Attention between-group ES 0.67, p=0.04; verbal memory ES 0.68, p=0.05	40 non-demented adults	Theracurmin 90 mg twice daily, 18 months
¹⁴⁹	MoCA time x treatment F=3.85, p<0.05; no difference on other measures	96 older adults	Biocurcumax 1500 mg/day, 12 months
¹⁶¹	No change in any cognitive measure (P>0.3)	39 healthy adults aged 45 to 74	Longvida 2000 mg/day, 12 weeks
¹⁵²	No difference in ADAS-Cog or biomarkers	36 people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's	Curcumin C3 Complex 2 or 4 g/day, 24 weeks
⁴¹	Improved MMSE (P<0.05) versus placebo and standard curcumin	48 people with moderate Alzheimer's dementia	CurQfen 400 mg twice daily, 6 months

^{35 171 149 161 152 41 180 195 202}

▲

BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor)

Raised in trials

A protein that supports the survival and growth of nerve cells; levels in the blood are used as a rough marker of brain health.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Low BDNF is seen in depression and dementia, so a rise is taken as a possible sign of benefit.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

A blood marker, not a symptom. Whether blood BDNF reflects brain BDNF or relates to feeling better is not proven; heterogeneity is high.

Safety implication

None identified.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁶³	Serum BDNF rose: weighted mean difference 1789.38 pg/mL (CI 722.04 to 2856.71), I2 83.5%	4 RCTs, 139 people	Curcumin 200 to 1820 mg/day, 8 to 12 weeks
¹⁹³	Plasma BDNF higher than placebo	108 men with depression on antidepressants	Curcumin 1000 mg/day, 6 weeks
⁴¹	BDNF improved versus placebo and standard curcumin (P<0.05)	48 people with moderate Alzheimer's	CurQfen 400 mg twice daily, 6 months

^{163 193 41}

▲

Serotonin (blood level)

Raised in trials

A chemical messenger involved in mood; the blood level is not the same as brain activity.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Antidepressants act on serotonin signalling.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

One trial; blood serotonin is a poor guide to brain serotonin.

Safety implication

If serotonin effects were real, combining with serotonergic drugs would need attention; no such interaction is shown in these trials.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁸⁹	Serotonin higher with curcumin (p<0.0001)	227 obese adults with type 2 diabetes	Curcumin, 12 months

¹⁸⁹

↕

Brain amyloid and tau markers (FDDNP-PET, spinal fluid, blood)

Mixed results in trials

Scans or lab tests that estimate protein build-up linked to Alzheimer's disease.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Amyloid and tau build-up is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Small, borderline or unreplicated; PET and blood markers are imperfect stand-ins for brain health.

Safety implication

None identified.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁷¹	PET signal fell in the amygdala (ES -0.41, p=0.04 within curcumin; between-group p=0.07); hypothalamus between-group p=0.02	30 non-demented adults with PET	Theracurmin 90 mg twice daily, 18 months
¹⁵²	No difference in plasma Abeta or spinal fluid Abeta42, tau and F2-isoprostanes	36 people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's	Curcumin C3 Complex 2 or 4 g/day, 24 weeks
⁴¹	Serum Abeta42 and tau improved versus placebo and standard curcumin	48 people with moderate Alzheimer's	CurQfen 400 mg twice daily, 6 months

^{171 152 41}

↕

Disease activity score DAS28

Mixed results in trials

A combined score of tender and swollen joints, ESR or CRP and the patient's global rating in rheumatoid arthritis. Lower is better.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

The standard measure of rheumatoid arthritis activity.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

A clinical score rather than a pure lab marker; results conflict across analyses and trials are tiny.

Safety implication

Not a replacement for prescribed RA drugs.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁰¹	MD -1.20 (CI -1.85 to -0.55)	RA, 6 publications	Curcumin vs control
¹⁹⁹	WMD -1.47 (CI -1.68 to -1.26)	RA, 7 RCTs	Curcumin
¹¹⁰	SMD -2.34 (CI -5.13 to 0.44), not significant; I2 96%	RA and lupus	Curcumin/C. longa extract
³¹	All three groups improved; curcumin 500 mg improved most, better than diclofenac alone	45 RA patients	Curcumin vs diclofenac vs both

^{101 199 110 31}

↕

Liver fat (ultrasound, CAP, MR spectroscopy)

Mixed results in trials

Amount of fat in the liver, measured by ultrasound, FibroTouch CAP score or MRI spectroscopy.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

The main aim in fatty liver treatment.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Three positive sources and one null; biopsy result from one small trial of a special form; ultrasound is not precise.

Safety implication

Not a replacement for lifestyle change or medical care.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹³³	Steatosis resolution RR 3.96 (CI 1.54 to 10.17) on ultrasound	NAFLD, 16 RCTs	Curcumin
⁷⁹	CAP -17.5 dB/m (CI -27.1 to -7.8) vs placebo	80 adults	Curcumin 500 mg/day, 24 weeks
¹²⁶	NASH resolved 62% vs 12%; fibrosis improved 50% vs 8% on biopsy	52 adults with biopsy-proven NASH	Meriva 2 g/day, 72 weeks
⁸²	MRS liver fat difference -1.57 points (CI -5.36 to 2.22), not significant	37 obese adults	Lecithin curcumin 200 mg twice daily, 6 weeks

^{133 79 126 82}

↕

Creatine kinase (CK)

Mixed results in trials

An enzyme that leaks from damaged muscle; high after hard exercise.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Marker of muscle damage after eccentric exercise.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Small, short crossover trials; CK varies widely between people.

Safety implication

Very high CK can signal muscle injury and kidney risk; do not use curcumin to mask it.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹³⁵	Small reductions of 22 to 29% at 24 to 48 h	17 men	Curcumin 2.5 g twice daily
⁴⁶	Not different between conditions except sprint power	10 elite rugby players	Curcumin + piperine
⁸¹	Lower with the high dose than placebo (p<0.05)	34 men	Hydrolyzed curcumin 1,500 mg/day

^{135 46 81}

↕

Oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, total antioxidant capacity)

Mixed results in trials

Blood measures of cell damage by oxygen radicals (MDA) and antioxidant enzymes (SOD).

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Curcumin is an antioxidant in the lab.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Statistically significant in pooled analyses, but these markers are not clinical outcomes and assays differ. Compiler's rating.

Safety implication

None.

Study	Result	People	Product
⁴²	MDA WMD -0.33 umol/L (CI -0.53 to -0.12); SOD WMD +20.51 u/L (CI 7.35 to 33.67); TAC WMD +0.21 mmol/L (CI 0.08 to 0.33)	Adults, 66 RCTs	Curcumin/turmeric vs placebo
¹⁴⁶	MDA MD -2.35 (CI -4.47 to -0.24)	Metabolic syndrome	Curcumin
¹³⁷	SOD higher and MDA lower than placebo (both p<0.001)	117 with metabolic syndrome	Curcuminoids + piperine 8 weeks

^{42 146 137}

↕

Fecal calprotectin and bowel inflammation

Mixed results in trials

A stool marker of gut inflammation, used in colitis.

Not enough evidence

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Objective measure of bowel inflammation.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

One small trial, and the calprotectin measure alone did not reach significance.

Safety implication

None.

Study	Result	People	Product
²³	50% calprotectin reduction in 46.4% vs 15.4% (P=.08), not significant on its own; co-primary composite 43% vs 8% (P=.033)	42 with active ulcerative colitis	Curcumin-QingDai 3 g/day, 8 weeks

²³

Dosage and forms

What researchers actually gave people in trials. These are study numbers, not advice for you.

208–1000mg of extract a day in most trials

6–13weeks is how long most trials lasted

30–3,000mg a day: the full range tested

34studies with a stated dose

Study doses are not advice and may not suit you. Ask a clinician or pharmacist.

How to read these numbers: four different kinds of dose

Four different kinds of numbers must not be mixed. (1) Studied doses are what volunteers took in trials. In the health-outcome trials read here, people took about 100 to 3,000 mg a day of curcumin or curcuminoid extract. Knee osteoarthritis trials used 1,500 to 2,000 mg a day of plain extract for 4 to 6 weeks, or 160 to 180 mg a day of curcumin from absorption-boosted products for 8 weeks to 12 months. Ulcerative colitis add-on trials used 2 to 3 g a day of plain curcumin, or 100 mg a day of one bioenhanced product. Depression trials used 500 to 1,000 mg a day for 12 weeks. Memory trials in older adults used 400 mg a day of a lipid-particle product that holds 80 mg of curcumin. A 2022 review of 29 arthritis trials lists 120 to 1,500 mg for 4 to 36 weeks. A knee osteoarthritis meta-analysis found no significant difference in pain relief or side effects between high-dose (1,000 mg a day or more) and low-dose (under 1,000 mg) curcuminoids, while an ulcerative colitis meta-analysis (8 trials, 482 people) found a positive link between dose and effect. Both compare different products across trials, so neither proves a best dose. Milligrams of an extract, of curcuminoids and of curcumin itself are three different things, and abstracts often do not say which: 1,500 mg of extract may hold much less curcumin. Absorption changes everything: in a dose-escalation study of healthy volunteers, single doses of a standardized curcumin extract up to 8,000 mg left no curcumin in the blood, while 150 to 210 mg of a nanoparticle product gave measurable levels. Higher blood levels are not proof of more benefit, and one independent 2025 study found free curcumin stayed very low even with the best formulation. (2) Label serving sizes are chosen by the maker. A bottle may hold turmeric root powder (only about 1 to 5% curcuminoids according to the German BfR, so 1,000 mg of powder holds roughly 10 to 50 mg, our arithmetic), a 95% curcuminoid extract, an absorption-boosted product, or a blend with black pepper or ginger. The label need not match any trial. (3) Official figures. For the food colouring curcumin (E 100), JECFA (2004) and EFSA (2010) set an acceptable daily intake of 3 mg per kg of body weight per day, based on a no-effect level of 250 to 320 mg per kg in a rat two-generation study and a safety factor of 100 (as described by the BfR). For a 70 kg adult that is 210 mg a day (our arithmetic). The BfR (2021) applies the same number to supplements: curcumin from all sources should not exceed 3 mg per kg a day in the long run, EFSA estimated average adult intake from the additive alone at 0.2 to 0.4 mg per kg, and for absorption-boosted products the limit may need to be lower. Several trial doses of plain extract (for example 1,500 to 3,000 mg a day) contain more extract than 210 mg, but because abstracts rarely state the curcumin content we cannot say which ones exceed the limit. In the Italian liver reports reviewed by the BfR, intake could be estimated for 18 cases at 40 to 1,425 mg a day, and in two thirds of them it was 1.6 to 7 times the acceptable daily intake according to the authors. The NIH centre NCCIH gives no dose; it says conventional oral turmeric or curcumin is likely safe in the recommended amounts for up to 2 or 3 months, that highly absorbable curcumin products may harm the liver, and that turmeric supplements in pregnancy may be unsafe. The European Medicines Agency's 2018 monograph (traditional use only, for digestive complaints) lists 0.5 to 1 g of powdered rhizome 2 to 3 times a day, and advises against use under age 18, in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and with bile duct obstruction, cholangitis, liver disease or gallstones. The Health Canada monograph could not be retrieved. (4) Traditional amounts are the European tea, powder, tincture and extract amounts in the traditional preparations list; we could not verify an Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia figure or any golden-milk amount. None of these four is a prescription. People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have liver or gallbladder disease, or take blood thinners or other medicines should ask a clinician first.

Doses used in studies 34

Absorption (blood levels)

Healthy human volunteers (number not in abstract) · compared with curcumin plus piperine

2,000 mg a day

Single 2 g dose · Single dose

Curcumin alone (unformulated) · unspecified

What the trial found

Serum levels were undetectable or very low after 2 g of curcumin alone.

¹⁶⁸

Absorption (blood levels)

Healthy human volunteers (number not in abstract) · compared with curcumin alone

2,000 mg a day

Single dose: 2 g curcumin with 20 mg piperine · Single dose

Curcumin 2 g plus piperine 20 mg · unspecified

What the trial found

Much higher blood levels from 0.25 to 1 h (P<0.01 at 0.25 and 0.5 h; P<0.001 at 1 h); the authors report a 2000% increase in bioavailability and no adverse effects.

¹⁶⁸

Absorption (blood levels)

Healthy volunteers (number not in abstract) · compared with unformulated 95% curcuminoids extract, same quantity

650 mg a day

Single 650 mg dose · Single dose

Solid lipid curcumin particle (SLCP, Longvida) vs unformulated 95% curcuminoid extract · unspecified · Comparator: 95% curcuminoids extract

What the trial found

Mean peak free curcumin 22.43 ng/mL with SLCP; not detected with the unformulated extract.

⁷¹

Absorption (blood levels)

Healthy human volunteers (number not in abstract) · compared with curcumin powder

30 mg a day

Single 30 mg dose · Single dose

Theracurmin (colloidal nanoparticle curcumin) vs curcumin powder · unspecified

What the trial found

Area under the blood-level curve was 27-fold higher with Theracurmin than curcumin powder.

¹⁶⁴

Absorption and safety

Healthy volunteers · 6 people · compared with within-person, 150 vs 210 mg

150 mg a day

Single 150 mg dose · Single dose

Theracurmin · unspecified

What the trial found

Peak 189 +/- 48 ng/mL; half-life about 9.7 h; one person had grade 1 diarrhea.

⁹⁵

Absorption and safety

Healthy volunteers · 6 people · compared with within-person, 150 vs 210 mg

210 mg a day

Single 210 mg dose, 2 weeks after the 150 mg dose · Single dose

Theracurmin · unspecified

What the trial found

Peak 275 +/- 67 ng/mL; half-life about 13.0 h; blood levels rose with dose up to 210 mg.

⁹⁵

Safety and blood levels

Pancreatic or biliary tract cancer patients who had failed standard chemotherapy, given with gemcitabine-based chemotherapy · 16 people · compared with none (dose escalation)

200 mg a day

Daily; Level 1 = 200 mg curcumin (level 2 = 400 mg) · Repeated daily; 3 patients continued over 9 months

Theracurmin · unspecified

What the trial found

Median peak curcumin 324 ng/mL (range 47-1,029) at level 1; no unexpected adverse events.

⁹⁶

Safety and blood levels

Pancreatic or biliary tract cancer patients, given with gemcitabine-based chemotherapy · 16 people · compared with none (dose escalation)

400 mg a day

Daily; Level 2 = 400 mg curcumin · Repeated daily

Theracurmin · unspecified

What the trial found

Median peak curcumin 440 ng/mL (range 179-1,380) at level 2; no unexpected adverse events.

⁹⁶

Traditional preparations Ayurveda, not clinical dosing

Herbal tea (infusion) of comminuted turmeric rhizome

European (EU traditional herbal medicine monograph)

0.5 to 1.0 g of comminuted rhizome in 150 ml of boiling water as an infusion, 2 to 3 times daily, for relief of digestive disturbances such as feelings of fullness, slow digestion and flatulence

From the final EU herbal monograph adopted 25 September 2018. Use is based only on long-standing use, not on trials. If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks, or worsen, a doctor should be consulted. Not recommended under age 18, in pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with bile duct obstruction, cholangitis, liver disease or gallstones.

Powdered turmeric rhizome

European (EU traditional herbal medicine monograph)

0.5 to 1 g per dose, 2 to 3 times daily (so about 1 to 3 g a day)

Same monograph, same indication, same cautions. The monograph lists powder as a preparation of the herbal substance that complies with the European Pharmacopoeia monograph 2543.

Tinctures of the rhizome (1:10 in 70% ethanol; 1:5 in 70% ethanol)

European (EU traditional herbal medicine monograph)

1:10 tincture: 0.5 to 1 ml three times daily. 1:5 tincture: 10 ml once daily, or 5 ml in 60 ml of water three times daily

Tinctures containing ethanol must carry the appropriate ethanol labelling per the monograph.

Dry extracts of the rhizome (DER 13-25:1 in 96% ethanol; DER 5.5-6.5:1 in 50% ethanol)

European (EU traditional herbal medicine monograph)

DER 13-25:1: 90 to 162 mg a day divided in 2 to 5 doses. DER 5.5-6.5:1: 100 to 200 mg, twice daily

These are the monograph's traditional-use extract amounts for digestive complaints. They are much smaller than the curcuminoid amounts used in joint, gut and mood trials, and they are a different product from high-curcuminoid supplements.

Powdered rhizome (haridra churna) in Ayurvedic practice

Ayurveda

No authoritative amount found.

A search returned secondary sources that cite the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India for 1 to 3 g of powdered Curcuma longa rhizome, and one source says the pharmacopoeia's doses are for general guidance. We could not retrieve the pharmacopoeia monograph for Curcuma longa itself (the pharmacopoeia volume we found covers a different plant, Curcuma amada), and sources differ on whether 1-3 g is per dose or per day, so no number is given as verified.

Golden milk (haldi doodh): turmeric stirred into warm milk

Indian home remedy

No authoritative amount found.

Recipe and wellness pages describe it as a traditional Indian drink, but we found no pharmacopoeia, monograph or peer-reviewed paper that gives an amount or tests the drink itself. No number is given.

Culinary use as a spice and colouring

South Asian and global cooking

No authoritative amount found.

Turmeric is described in the papers read as a commonly used spice in India and Southeast Asia. We found no authoritative per-day amount eaten in cooking, so none is given. The rhizome holds about 1 to 5% curcuminoids according to the German BfR, so a spoonful of spice supplies far less curcumin than supplement trials.

Forms and preparations

Turmeric root powder or ground spice

Dried, ground rhizome used in cooking and sold in capsules.

Studied for, and limits

Studied for

One food-matrix absorption study; traditional European use for digestive complaints. No health-outcome trial of cooking-level or capsule root powder was found in the searches.

Can results be compared?

Only about 1 to 5% of the powder is curcuminoids, so grams of powder cannot be compared with milligrams of extract. In a fatty meal, turmeric powder gave much higher plasma curcumin than purified curcumin powder (8.4 vs 0.19 ng/mL peak).

Limits

Turmeric roots and powders sold in South Asian markets have had lead chromate and dye adulteration (see quality).

^{3 50 64 56 58}

Fresh turmeric root

Grated fresh rhizome eaten in food.

Studied for, and limits

Studied for

One absorption crossover: fresh root in a meal gave a peak of 4.9 ng/mL vs 0.19 ng/mL for curcumin powder.

Can results be compared?

Cannot be translated into a health dose.

Read only through NCCIH's summary.

²⁰⁹

Safety

What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.

Main points to know 8

Liver injury has been reported with turmeric and curcumin supplements, and it can be serious. Several case series describe jaundice (yellow skin or eyes), dark urine, itching, tiredness and nausea after weeks to months of turmeric or curcumin supplements. In ten US cases collected by the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN), injury was mostly of the hepatocellular type (liver-cell damage), five people were hospitalised and one died of acute liver failure; the delay before illness was 1 to 4 months. In an Italian series of seven cases the products were high-dose, high-absorption forms. In an 11-case US pathology series all people recovered after stopping, four also received steroids. Most reports involve concentrated supplements, not turmeric used as a spice. Case series show that this happens, not how often: no source we read measured a rate. Australia's TGA calls the risk rare; that wording is the agency's, not a measured figure. Stop the product and get medical care if you notice warning signs. Case series ^{76 111 141 210 209}
A gene variant (HLA-B*35:01) is linked to turmeric liver injury. Of 10 DILIN patients, 7 carried HLA-B*35:01 (2 carried two copies), an allele frequency of 0.45 compared with 0.056 to 0.069 in population controls. A separate Spanish case report found the same variant in a woman who developed jaundice after two months of a curcumin plus black pepper tablet. This is an association in a very small group, not a screening test: the evidence type is a case series with genetic typing, and it does not tell anyone how to predict who will be harmed. Case series ^{76 63}
Products with black pepper (piperine) are common in the cases, but piperine is not proven to be the cause. Piperine raised curcumin blood levels by about 2,000% in a small study of healthy volunteers (2 g curcumin with 20 mg piperine). In the DILIN series, 3 of the 7 products that could be tested also contained piperine. Several case reports involve a curcumin-plus-piperine product. A 2021 review argues it is reasonable to suspect piperine may contribute but says human trials are needed to settle the question. In short: piperine is a plausible contributor (higher absorption), not an established cause. Case series ^{168 76 100 63 174}
People with liver or bile-duct problems, or gallstones, should not use concentrated turmeric. The European Medicines Agency's herbal committee (HMPC) says turmeric root is not recommended in bile duct obstruction, cholangitis, liver disease, gallstones or other biliary disease because it may stimulate bile secretion. Italy requires a label warning against use with liver or bile-duct changes or gallstones. In two small crossover studies in healthy volunteers, curcumin (20 to 80 mg) made the gallbladder contract in a dose-related way, which fits the caution. Australia's TGA also says people with current or past liver problems may be more likely to be affected. Authoritative guidance ^{204 208 210 150 151}
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: supplement doses are not recommended. The EMA herbal committee says safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established and use is not recommended for lack of data. NCCIH says turmeric supplements during pregnancy may be unsafe and that little is known about breastfeeding at amounts above food. Turmeric as a normal food spice is a different matter; the cautions are about supplement doses. Authoritative guidance ^{204 209}
Stomach upset is the most common mild effect. EMA lists dry mouth, wind and stomach irritation, with frequency not known. NCCIH lists nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, stomach upset, diarrhoea and constipation. A review of safety studies reports that curcumin at up to 6 g a day for 4 to 7 weeks showed no toxic effects, though gut upsets may occur. These are reviews and agency summaries, not a single pooled rate. Authoritative guidance ^{204 209 172}
Turmeric can raise urine oxalate, which matters if you form kidney stones. In a crossover study of 11 healthy people, turmeric supplements providing about 55 mg oxalate a day raised urinary oxalate after an oxalate test meal compared with control and cinnamon; 91% of the oxalate in turmeric was water-soluble. The authors conclude that supplement-size doses may raise stone risk in susceptible people. Stone formation itself was not measured. Controlled trial ¹⁷⁹
Contamination and adulteration are real in the spice trade: lead chromate, dyes and synthetic curcumin. Lead chromate, a yellow pigment, has been added to turmeric in South Asia. Stanford-led work found lead above 2 ug/g in 14% of 356 samples from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal, with some above 1,000 ug/g. A 2026 scoping review of 48 papers (2,235 commercial samples) found 20.0% adulterated overall (22.0% of supplements). Choose products with independent testing. Systematic review ^{58 56 61 192}

Side effects 8

Effect	How often	Severity and recovery	Evidence
Stomach upset (nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, diarrhoea, constipation) Listed by NCCIH. A safety review says gut upsets may occur even at doses tolerated otherwise. No pooled rate was in the sources we read.	Not established	mild Reversible; usually stops when the product is stopped (as described by agencies)	Authoritative guidance ^{209 172}
Dry mouth, wind (flatulence) and stomach irritation EMA/HMPC monograph (2018) for powdered rhizome and extracts: mild symptoms may occur; frequency is not known.	Not established	mild Not stated	Authoritative guidance ²⁰⁴
Liver injury (hepatitis, jaundice) See the liver section. Frequency not known.	Not established	severe Liver tests normalised after stopping in the 11-case pathology series and in several case reports; one DILIN patient died of acute liver failure	Case series ^{76 111 141 100 63}
Autoimmune-like hepatitis, worse on re-exposure A 65-year-old woman with suspected turmeric liver injury six years earlier restarted a turmeric plus black pepper supplement; injury was more severe, with autoimmune antibodies. One case only.	Not established	severe Improved on corticosteroids in one case	Case report ¹⁴²
Gallbladder contraction Curcumin 20 mg reduced gallbladder volume by about 29% at 2 hours vs placebo in 12 healthy people; 20, 40 and 80 mg gave 34%, 51% and 72% in a second 12-person study. Relevance for people with gallstones is the basis of the caution; no harm was reported in these studies.	Not established	moderate Short-lived effect measured over 2 hours in healthy volunteers	Controlled trial ^{150 151}
Higher urinary oxalate 11 healthy people; stone formation not measured.	Not established	moderate Not studied	Controlled trial ¹⁷⁹
Skin reaction (hives or itching) with topical curcumin NCCIH, for skin use.	Not established	mild Not stated	Authoritative guidance ²⁰⁹
Allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) Hypersensitivity to turmeric is the only formal contraindication in the EMA monograph.	Not established	moderate Not stated	Authoritative guidance ²⁰⁴

Liver

Turmeric and curcumin supplements are now a recognised cause of herb-induced liver injury, but the evidence is case reports and case series, which cannot give a rate. (1) US DILIN: ten adjudicated cases between 2004 and 2022, all enrolled since 2011 and six since 2017; 8 women, median age 56. Injury was hepatocellular in 9 and mixed in 1; biopsies in 4 showed acute hepatitis or mixed injury with eosinophils; 5 were hospitalised and 1 died of acute liver failure. Turmeric was confirmed in all 7 products analysed, and 3 also contained piperine. Seven patients carried HLA-B*35:01 (allele frequency 0.45 vs 0.056-0.069 in controls). The authors report latency of 1 to 4 months. (2) Italy and a systematic review: seven Tuscan cases linked to high-bioavailability, high-dose curcumin formulations, with a positive dechallenge (liver tests improved on stopping) in most; the review found 23 further published cases, most also taking another medicine, 16 with positive dechallenge. (3) Boston pathology series of 11 cases (10 women): usually hepatocellular injury, pan-lobular or zone 3 inflammation, RUCAM probable in 8 and possible in 3; all normalised after stopping and four got steroids. (4) Case reports: a Spanish woman (HLA-B*35:01 and DRB1*04) after two months of a 60 mg curcumin plus 10 mg black pepper tablet twice daily, ALT 2230 U/L, recovered over three months; a man with cholestatic features after a turmeric-piperine product; and a woman whose second exposure caused autoimmune-like hepatitis. Evidence type matters: the HLA result is an association from 10 patients; piperine involvement is suggested but unproven; and a 2021 review argues the accusation against Curcuma longa itself is overstated and that piperine may be the real driver, calling for human trials. Trade press reports Italian authorities found no contaminant in the products tied to the 2019 hepatitis cluster; we did not read the primary document. Most cases involve concentrated or high-absorption supplements, not turmeric in food; TGA says the risk does not appear related to typical dietary amounts. Practical points: avoid concentrated supplements if you have liver disease; do not restart a product after suspected liver injury; stop and seek care for jaundice, dark urine or severe itching. ^{76 111 141 63 100 142 174 168 210 208 209}

How often. No source we read measured how often liver injury happens per user. TGA (secondary summary) calls the risk rare; this is the agency's wording, not a measured rate. Italian and US numbers are case counts without a denominator.

Monitoring. No official monitoring schedule was found. Ask a clinician whether liver blood tests make sense if you have liver disease or take other liver-risky medicines; stop and test if jaundice, dark urine or severe itching appear.

Halegoua-DeMarzio 2023 (DILIN) (10 patients). Hepatocellular (9) or mixed (1); 8 women; median age 56; 5 hospitalised; 7 of 7 tested products contained turmeric, 3 also piperine; 7 of 10 carried HLA-B*35:01 Other possible causes: Some patients took other products; causality by expert opinion score ⁷⁶
Lombardi 2021 (Tuscany plus systematic review) (7 patients). Acute hepatitis linked to high-bioavailability, high-dose curcumin formulations; RUCAM and WHO-UMC used; review adds 23 published cases Other possible causes: In the review most patients took another medicine; 16 had positive dechallenge ¹¹¹
Papke 2025 (pathology series) (11 patients). 10 women; median age 58; 10 predominantly transaminase rise; acute hepatitis on biopsy (5 pan-lobular, 3 zone 3); bile duct injury in 5 Other possible causes: Retrospective; RUCAM probable 8, possible 3 ¹⁴¹
Garaizabal Azkue 2024 (Spain) (1 patients). 35-year-old woman; 60 mg curcumin plus 10 mg black pepper tablet twice daily for 2 months; ALT 2230 U/L, bilirubin 10.5 mg/dl; HLA-B*35:01 and DRB1*04 Other possible causes: Occasional alcohol; viral and autoimmune tests negative ⁶³
Koo 2025 (US) (1 patients). 35-year-old man with jaundice, itching, fatigue after a turmeric supplement containing piperine Other possible causes: Other causes excluded per authors ¹⁰⁰
Patel 2026 (US) (1 patients). 65-year-old woman; recurrent injury on re-exposure to turmeric with black pepper extract; AST 4310, bilirubin 18.3 mg/dl; autoimmune-like hepatitis on biopsy Other possible causes: No alcohol or hepatotoxic drugs reported ¹⁴²

This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Turmeric supports liver health.

Medicines and supplements 6

With	Why it matters	Importance	Evidence	What to do
Products or foods containing piperine (black pepper extract), and drugs moved by P-glycoprotein or CYP3A4 supplement	Piperine inhibited P-glycoprotein transport of digoxin and cyclosporine in cell models and CYP3A4 in human liver microsomes. In healthy volunteers, 20 mg piperine with 2 g curcumin raised curcumin blood levels by about 2000%. Effects of piperine on other drugs were not tested in people in these studies.	Extra curcumin absorption is established; whether piperine changes levels of your prescription drugs is shown in cells, not in trials read here.	Laboratory research Low certainty ^{25 168}	If you take medicines with a narrow safety margin (for example digoxin, cyclosporine or similar), ask a pharmacist before using a curcumin-piperine product.
Drugs processed by liver enzymes (CYP1A2, 2B6, 2C9, 2D6, 3A4) and P-glycoprotein prescription	In lab tests, curcumin inhibited five human CYP enzymes (IC50 4.3 to 50.3 uM; strongest on CYP2C9). The authors note that low blood levels may limit the effect in the liver but gut exposure could matter. A review found one clinical trial showing a drug change with curcumin and judged the evidence not enough to call clinical interactions.	Unknown in people; lab data only.	Laboratory research Very low certainty ^{10 17}	Tell your pharmacist you use curcumin, especially with warfarin-type or narrow-margin medicines.
Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, clopidogrel); bleeding and surgery prescription	In rats, curcumin at 100 mg/kg raised blood levels of warfarin and clopidogrel's metabolite but did not change clotting time or platelet aggregation. No human trial or bleeding report was found in our sources, and EMA lists no interactions reported.	Insufficient human evidence either way.	Animal research Not enough evidence ^{108 204 17}	Tell your surgeon, anaesthetist and prescriber about turmeric supplements; ask when to stop before surgery.
Diabetes medicines (for example glyburide) prescription	In an open-label trial of 8 people with type 2 diabetes on glyburide, 10 days of curcumin capsules was followed by lower glucose and no hypoglycaemia; the authors suggest P-glycoprotein inhibition. Tiny, short, not blinded.	Possible additive blood-sugar lowering; not established.	Controlled trial Very low certainty ¹²⁹	If you take diabetes medicines, check your blood sugar and tell your prescriber before adding curcumin.
Iron (food iron and iron supplements) supplement	Turmeric is rich in phenols, which can bind iron, but in 10 young women 0.5 g turmeric powder in a meal did not reduce iron absorption (chili did, by 38%). Effects of concentrated curcumin supplements on iron were not studied in the sources we read.	No effect from culinary turmeric in this trial; supplement doses not tested.	Controlled trial Low certainty ¹⁸¹	If you have iron deficiency, ask your clinician to check iron stores if you use high-dose curcumin for a long time.
Other liver-risky medicines and supplements, and heavy alcohol supplement	Many case reports include other medicines or supplements, so turmeric's share is hard to separate. Stacking products may add to liver risk (inference).	Confounded case reports only.	Case series Not enough evidence ^{111 76}	Avoid combining concentrated turmeric with other liver-risky supplements; limit alcohol.

Who should check first 8

Situation	Advice	Evidence
Liver disease	Avoid concentrated supplements. EMA says not recommended in liver disease; TGA says people with existing or past liver problems may be more likely to be affected; Italy requires a label warning.	Authoritative guidance ^{204 210 208}
Previous liver injury from turmeric	Do not restart. One case showed more severe, autoimmune-like injury on re-exposure.	Case report ¹⁴²
Bile duct obstruction, cholangitis or gallstones	Avoid. EMA lists these as situations where turmeric is not recommended because it stimulates bile secretion; healthy-volunteer studies show gallbladder contraction.	Authoritative guidance ^{204 150 151 208}
Kidney stones	Use caution with supplement doses if you form oxalate stones; turmeric raised urinary oxalate in a small trial.	Controlled trial ¹⁷⁹
Pregnancy and breastfeeding	Avoid supplement doses. EMA: safety not established, use not recommended. NCCIH: may be unsafe in pregnancy.	Authoritative guidance ^{204 209}
Children and adolescents	EMA: use under 18 is not recommended because adequate data are lacking.	Authoritative guidance ²⁰⁴
Allergy to turmeric	Do not use.	Authoritative guidance ²⁰⁴
Before surgery, bleeding disorders, or taking anticoagulants	Precaution only: no human bleeding data found. Tell your surgical team and prescriber.	Authoritative guidance ^{108 17}

Overdose, product quality and regulators

Summary. Turmeric as food is long used and the reviews we read call turmeric and curcumin nontoxic in standard tests. The liver injury cases show an unpredictable (idiosyncratic) reaction in some people on supplements.

Animal. A 2018 review reports that turmeric and curcumin are nonmutagenic and nongenotoxic in standard tests and that oral use did not cause reproductive toxicity in animals at certain doses; EMA notes that adequate reproductive toxicity, genotoxicity and carcinogenicity tests have not been performed for the herbal preparations. EFSA's 2010 re-evaluation of curcumin as a food colour (E 100) set an acceptable daily intake of 3 mg per kg body weight (secondary report; EFSA page not read).

Human doses studied. A safety review states curcumin was safe at 6 g a day by mouth for 4 to 7 weeks, and bioavailable formulations at 500 mg twice a day for 30 days. EMA lists powdered rhizome 0.5 to 1 g two to three times daily for traditional use, for up to 2 weeks before seeking advice. NCCIH calls conventional oral products likely safe for up to 2 or 3 months.

High dose or long term signals. Liver injury cases occurred with ordinary supplement doses in some people (for example 60 mg curcumin twice daily with piperine for two months). Long-term safety beyond a few months is not established in the sources read.

Overdose response. EMA: no case of overdose reported. If a child or anyone has swallowed a large amount, call your local poison centre (US 1-800-222-1222).

Genotoxicity. Nongenotoxic in standard tests per a 2018 review; EFSA 2010 said available in vivo genotoxicity studies were insufficient to remove all concern (secondary report).

Turmeric spice has a documented history of lead chromate adulteration, and about one in five commercial turmeric samples in a 2026 review were adulterated. The liver-injury reports have not been explained by contamination in the sources we read, but adulteration is a separate quality risk.

Lead chromate (Bangladesh). In Bangladesh, the Stanford-led study found lead chromate pigment adulteration in 7 of the 9 major turmeric-producing districts; maximum turmeric powder lead was 1152 ug/g. A later study reports enforcement and awareness actions between 2017 and 2021 reduced the practice. ^{56 57}

Lead chromate (South Asia). Of 356 turmeric samples from 23 cities in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal, 14% (51) had lead above 2 ug/g; samples with 18 ug/g or more had lead to chromium ratios near 1:1, suggestive of lead chromate; levels above 1,000 ug/g were found in Patna, Karachi and Peshawar. ⁵⁸

Lead in ground turmeric in the United States. A 2017 public health paper in the US identifies ground turmeric as a source of lead exposure; the abstract was not available, so no numbers are used. News reports describe FDA-linked recalls and a 2013 import alert on named importers (secondary sources, not read at FDA). ^{34 206}

Adulterated or mislabelled products. A 2026 scoping review of 48 papers and 2,235 commercial samples found 20.0% adulterated (spices 20.4%, supplements 22.0%), with artificial dyes, undeclared diluents and synthetic curcumin among the reported problems. A 2022 testing study found only 4 of 14 turmeric supplements supported their 'all natural' claim; synthetic curcumin was implicated. ^{61 192}

Contamination as a cause of liver injury. In the DILIN series turmeric was confirmed in all tested products. Trade press reports that Italian authorities found no contaminant explaining the 2019 hepatitis cluster; the primary document was not read. ^{76 208}

Body	Action	Date
European Medicines Agency, HMPC (EU)	Herbal monograph on Curcuma longa rhizome: traditional use for digestive disturbances; contraindication only hypersensitivity; not recommended in bile duct obstruction, cholangitis, liver disease or gallstones; not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding; not for under 18; interactions none reported; mild dry mouth, wind and stomach irritation, frequency unknown; no overdose reported. source	2018-09-25
US NIH, NCCIH (USA)	Conventional oral turmeric is likely safe in recommended amounts for 2 to 3 months; highly bioavailable curcumin products may harm the liver (stop immediately and talk to a provider); supplements in pregnancy may be unsafe. source	Updated April 2025

When to get medical help

Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine or pale stools: stop turmeric or curcumin and get medical care the same day.
Severe itching, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness or pain in the upper right belly: stop and see a doctor promptly.
Severe pain in the upper belly or right shoulder, especially after meals, with fever or vomiting (possible gallstone or bile-duct blockage): seek care urgently.
Swelling of the lips or face, hives or trouble breathing: call emergency services (US 911).
Severe flank pain or blood in the urine (possible kidney stone): seek care, especially if you take supplement-dose turmeric.
Shaking, sweating or confusion if you take diabetes medicines (possible low blood sugar): check your blood sugar and seek care.
Unusual bruising, nosebleeds or bleeding if you take blood thinners: contact your prescriber.
If you have had liver injury from turmeric before, do not restart it.
If a child or anyone has swallowed a large amount: call poison control (US 1-800-222-1222) or emergency services.

Stop the supplement and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.

General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is turmeric good for?

Turmeric is a long-used kitchen spice and traditional herb. The best-studied modern use is concentrated curcumin extract for knee osteoarthritis pain, with low-certainty evidence of small benefit. Pooled trials also show lower CRP and blood sugar, rated moderate, but these are lab markers. Evidence for mood, memory and most other uses is low or very low. Almost all trials used extracts, not food.

^{188 20 156 44}

Can turmeric supplements damage the liver?

Yes, rarely, and it can be serious. Case series from the US, Italy and Spain describe jaundice, dark urine and itching 1 to 4 months after starting a turmeric or curcumin supplement. In 10 US cases, five people were hospitalised and one died of acute liver failure. Most people recovered after stopping. No study measured how often it happens, and Australia's regulator calls the risk rare. If you notice warning signs, stop the product and get medical care the same day.

^{76 111 141 210}

Is turmeric in food safe for the liver?

The liver reports involve concentrated or high-absorption supplements, not turmeric used as a spice. The Australian regulator says the risk does not appear related to typical dietary amounts. This does not apply to people with liver disease or gallstones who have been told to avoid it, so ask a clinician if that is you.

^{210 209 204}

Does black pepper make turmeric work better, and is that safe?

A 1998 study found 20 mg of piperine (the active part of black pepper) raised blood levels of 2 g of curcumin by about 2,000%. Two later crossover studies did not find a clear piperine benefit. Several liver injury cases involve products with piperine, and a review says it may contribute, but this is not proven. Piperine can also affect how some medicines are processed. Ask a pharmacist if you take a medicine with a narrow safety margin.

^{168 54 102 76 25}

Why is curcumin so poorly absorbed?

Curcumin does not dissolve well, is broken down quickly and is converted by the gut and liver into other forms. In one study, no curcumin was detected in blood after doses of 500 to 8,000 mg. Boosted forms raise blood levels, but higher blood levels have not been shown to bring better results.

^{106 183 8 93}

Is kitchen turmeric as good as a curcumin supplement?

They are different. Turmeric spice is only up to about 5% curcuminoids, so a normal meal gives a tiny amount. No placebo-controlled trial of cooking-level turmeric was found for the uses in this guide. In one meal study, turmeric powder gave more blood curcumin than purified curcumin powder, so food may help absorption. But that was a blood-level test, not a health result. Food turmeric is not shown to do what extract capsules were tested for.

^{3 130 107}

Does turmeric help arthritis and joint pain?

For knee osteoarthritis, pooled trials of concentrated extracts find less pain and stiffness than placebo over 4 to 12 weeks. One 367-person trial found an extract matched ibuprofen with fewer stomach complaints. The trials are small and of low quality, so confidence is low. For rheumatoid arthritis the evidence is very low, and it is not a replacement for arthritis medicine.

^{188 20 104 101}

Can turmeric lower blood sugar or cholesterol?

Pooled trials found lower fasting blood sugar (about 11 mg/dL) and HbA1c (about 0.54 points) in people with type 2 diabetes, rated moderate. Cholesterol changes are small and rated low. These are lab changes in short trials. Tell your prescriber if you take diabetes medicines, because blood sugar could drop further.

^{44 92 43 129}

Does turmeric help depression or memory?

Small trials, mostly adding curcumin to an antidepressant, found a small to moderate drop in depression scores, with low certainty. For memory the results are mixed. Curcumin has not been shown to treat or prevent Alzheimer's disease. It is not a replacement for treatment.

^{187 55 152 195}

Who should avoid turmeric supplements?

People with liver disease or a past turmeric liver injury, bile duct blockage or gallstones, and anyone with an allergy to turmeric should avoid concentrated supplements. The EU monograph also advises against supplement doses in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and under age 18. Take care if you form oxalate kidney stones, take blood thinners or diabetes medicines, or have surgery planned.

^{204 210 209 142 179}

Can turmeric spice contain lead?

Yes. Studies found turmeric powder adulterated with lead chromate, a toxic yellow pigment, in several South Asian countries, and a US paper found ground turmeric a source of lead exposure. A 2026 review of commercial samples found about one in five were adulterated. Enforcement in Bangladesh cut the practice. Choose sellers that publish lead testing and avoid bargain spice from uncontrolled sources.

^{56 58 57 61}

Does turmeric interact with medicines?

Lab studies show curcumin and piperine can affect liver enzymes and drug transporters, but clinical interaction studies are lacking. Tiny studies suggest an added blood sugar drop with diabetes medicine. A rat study raised warfarin levels without changing clotting. Tell your pharmacist and surgeon about any turmeric supplement.

^{10 25 17 129 108}

Editorial transparency

Written by: AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against PubMed records.
Medical review: None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
First published: 2026-10-24
Last substantive update: 2026-10-24
How we research: We searched PubMed, NIH NCCIH, the EU herbal monograph, the German BfR, GBIF and other regulator and database pages, opened each source and recorded the study design, people, product, dose and result as reported. Abstracts only for most studies; the EMA and BfR documents were read as PDFs. Some sources (the Australian TGA alert, Italian decrees, EFSA and FDA pages) could not be opened directly, and what we say about them is second-hand and marked as such. No study is cited that we could not verify.
How we rate evidence: See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
Independence: No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown. If one is added later it will be labelled and kept apart from the evidence.

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Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.

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