Vitamins & Supplements · Antioxidant
Curcumin Supplements
Curcumin (from Curcuma longa) · also called Curcuminoids, turmeric extract, cúrcuma, curcumina
Curcumin is the yellow compound in turmeric, sold as capsules and tablets, often with black pepper to help absorption. The best-studied use is knee osteoarthritis pain, where results are modestly positive but low in quality; evidence for other uses is weak. Liver injury has been reported with some products, mainly absorption-boosted ones. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use, especially with liver problems, blood thinners or pregnancy.
General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made
About Curcumin Supplements
Curcumin supplements are extracts of turmeric root, sold in many forms. Evidence for any benefit is limited, and liver injury has been reported, especially with products made to be absorbed well.
What curcumin supplements are
Curcumin is the main yellow compound in turmeric, a plant in the ginger family. NCCIH says the health activities of turmeric are commonly attributed to curcuminoids, a group that includes curcumin. Supplements are sold as capsules, tablets and gummies, as extracts of the root.
Plain curcumin is poorly absorbed. A 2007 review says this is because of poor absorption, rapid breakdown and rapid removal. Makers add piperine from black pepper, or use liposomes, nanoparticles or phospholipid complexes, to raise blood levels. The spice and the whole herb have their own pages; supplement results should not be applied to them, or the reverse.
Where curcumin comes from in food
The food source is turmeric spice, a major ingredient of curry powder (MSK). No source we read gives the amount of curcumin per teaspoon of spice, so we do not give a figure. MSK says turmeric in food and tea is generally safe, and that supplements are stronger than the herb used in cooking.
What the research shows
NCCIH says many studies have looked at turmeric or curcumin for fatty liver, osteoarthritis and high cholesterol, but we do not know enough to conclude that it helps for any health purpose. The best-studied use is knee osteoarthritis pain: reviews lean positive, a 2025 overview rated them low in quality, and one 12-week trial found a small pain gain but no change in knee swelling or cartilage.
Fatty liver trials found small changes in some markers, with very high variation. Mouth sores from cancer treatment, rheumatoid arthritis and depression have small, short studies with positive results. Cholesterol, blood sugar and inflammation markers moved by small amounts in reviews that rate their evidence low or very low. Several trials were linked to the product makers or did not check the product contents.
Liver injury
NCCIH says highly bioavailable curcumin formulations may harm the liver. A US network found ten turmeric cases, with five people in hospital and one death from liver failure; most started 1 to 4 months after starting, and 7 of the 10 carried a gene variant (HLA-B*35:01). In Italy, all seven Tuscan cases involved products with high absorption. Most people recover when they stop, but not all.
If you notice fatigue, nausea, poor appetite, dark urine or yellow skin or eyes, NCCIH says to stop the product and talk with a health care provider right away. How often it happens is not known.
Medicines and other cautions
MSK advises against turmeric supplements with blood thinners such as warfarin (possible bleeding risk), and lists aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, indomethacin, some chemotherapy drugs and tacrolimus as other cautions. Many of these come from lab or animal studies or single cases, so the clinical size of the risk is unknown.
NCCIH says turmeric supplements may be unsafe in pregnancy. Case reports link turmeric to iron deficiency and to kidney damage from oxalate crystals; MSK says it may raise the risk of kidney stones. A talk with a doctor or pharmacist is a good idea before use.
Product quality
NCCIH says oral curcumin products vary in how much curcumin they contain and often have other plant substances such as piperine. The 2024 fatty liver review says the tested products were not independently checked, so adulteration could not be ruled out. A survey of turmeric spice in South Asia found lead chromate colouring in some samples; supplements were not tested.
At a glance
Traditional uses history, not proof
- Turmeric root in Indian, Chinese and other traditional medicine for joint pain, digestion and skin
- Today sold as supplements for joints, mood, cholesterol and general health
Studied for research
- Knee osteoarthritis pain, low certainty
- Knee swelling and cartilage, evidence against
- Fatty liver measures, low certainty
- Mouth sores from cancer treatment, low certainty
- Rheumatoid arthritis, low certainty
- Depression scores, low certainty
- Cholesterol, blood sugar and inflammation markers, low certainty
Main compounds
- Curcumin
- Other curcuminoids
- Piperine (often added from black pepper)
Common forms
- Plain curcumin or turmeric extract capsules
- Curcumin with piperine (black pepper)
- Liposomal, nanoparticle and phospholipid forms
- Mouthwash and gel (studied for mouth sores)
Research links: 2021 review: turmeric and curcumin for osteoarthritis (15 trials) · 2020 trial: turmeric extract for knee osteoarthritis pain and swelling · 2025 critical review of reviews of curcumin for knee osteoarthritis · 2023 US liver injury network: ten turmeric cases · NCCIH: Turmeric, usefulness and safety · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library
What it is and its history
- Accepted scientific name
- Curcumin and the curcuminoids of turmeric (Curcuma longa) sold as supplements
- Synonyms
- Curcuma domestica (synonym of the source plant, per NCCIH)
- Common names
- Curcumin (English); Curcuminoids (English); Turmeric extract (English); Turmeric supplement (English); Cúrcuma (Spanish); Curcumina (Spanish)
- Family or group
- Polyphenol (plant compound). NCCIH says curcumin is a major component of turmeric that gives the spice its yellow colour, and that the health activities of turmeric are commonly attributed to curcuminoids, which include curcumin.
- Harvest and processing
- Supplements are made from extracts of the rhizome (underground stem). How a given product is made was not researched.
- Look-alikes and adulterants
- Name: Turmeric spice; Note: The cooking spice contains curcumin as one part. Results from supplements should not be applied to the spice, or the reverse. See the Spices turmeric page.; Name: Turmeric as a herb (whole root, tea); Note: Covered on the Herbs & Botanicals turmeric page.; Name: Piperine (black pepper); Note: Often added to curcumin products to improve absorption.
- Sustainability and conservation
- Not assessed.
Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof
| Tradition or era | Documented use | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional medicine (Chinese, Indian, Islamic, Thai) | NCCIH says turmeric has been used in Chinese, Indian (for example Ayurvedic), Islamic and Thai traditional medicine for conditions such as indigestion, the common cold, skin infections, arthritis, abdominal pain and liver disease, and in some Indian religious ceremonies. | s-nccih-turmeric |
| Today | NCCIH says oral turmeric is promoted as a dietary supplement for conditions including osteoarthritis, depression, allergies, itching and high cholesterol. | s-nccih-turmeric |
Traditional use shows how it was used. It does not show that it works or is safe today.
What is inside, and how it may work
What it 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 PubChem 969516 | diarylheptanoid (polyphenol) | Rhizome Varies by product (NCCIH); no typical figure was read. | The most studied compound. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in lab studies; poorly absorbed on its own. 3 25 | Lab and human |
| Curcuminoids | group of related compounds | Rhizome Not read from a source. | NCCIH says the health effects of turmeric are commonly attributed to curcuminoids, a group including curcumin. 25 | Human data |
| Piperine PubChem 638024 | alkaloid from black pepper | Black pepper fruit Not read. | Added to curcumin products. A review says it interferes with glucuronidation, one way the body clears curcumin. A 2024 review found it did not improve liver enzymes in NAFLD trials. Three of seven products tested in a liver injury series contained it. 3 4 11 | Review and case series |
Mechanisms, receptors and pathways
| Target or pathway | Gene or receptor | What was found | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absorption and clearance | Not specified in the abstract (glucuronidation is a liver and gut breakdown route) | A 2007 review says plain curcumin has poor absorption, rapid metabolism and rapid elimination, giving low blood levels. Makers use piperine, liposomes, nanoparticles and phospholipid complexes to raise levels. 3 | Review of lab and human work |
| Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity | Not specified | In lab studies curcumin neutralises reactive molecules and has anti-inflammatory effects. In people, a 66-trial review found lower CRP, TNF-alpha and IL-6 on average, but a knee trial found no change in these markers. 3 7 21 | Lab and human |
| Iron binding in the gut | Not applicable | A case report says turmeric binds ferric iron in the gut and causes iron deficiency in mice; the person in the report developed iron deficiency anaemia. A cell study found a branded form raised iron uptake instead. The picture is unclear. 19 10 | Animal, cell and one case |
| Immune-linked liver injury | HLA-B*35:01 | In a US series, 7 of 10 people with turmeric liver injury carried HLA-B*35:01 (allele frequency 0.450 against 0.056 to 0.069 in population controls). This suggests an immune-linked susceptibility in some people. 11 | Human data |
Absorption, metabolism and elimination
- Absorption
- Poorly absorbed in plain form. Forms with piperine, liposomes, nanoparticles or phospholipids are designed to raise blood levels (2007 review).
- Distribution
- Not read.
- Metabolism
- Rapid metabolism; piperine interferes with glucuronidation (2007 review).
- Elimination
- Rapid systemic elimination (2007 review).
- Bioavailability
- NCCIH says more research is needed to understand the impact of bioavailability on curcumin's effects. Higher absorption is also the feature linked to liver injury reports.
Isolated compounds versus whole extracts
Turmeric spice, turmeric herb and curcumin supplements are different. The spice has curcumin as one part, and no source read gives an amount per serving. NCCIH says the health activities of turmeric are commonly attributed to curcuminoids. MSK says it is generally safe to use turmeric in food and tea, and that supplements are stronger than the herb used in cooking. All trials above are of supplements, so they do not show that turmeric in curries has the same effect. This page gives no amounts to take.
Nutritional composition
Curcumin is not a nutrient. The main food source is turmeric spice, a major ingredient of curry powder (MSK). No source read gave the amount of curcumin per teaspoon of spice, so no figure is stated.
8 low certainty1 not enough evidence1 evidence against
What was looked at
The 10 benefits and uses checked for Curcumin Supplements, each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.
- Knee osteoarthritis pain and stiffnessLow certainty
- Knee swelling, cartilage and inflammation markersEvidence against
- Fatty liver (NAFLD) measuresLow certainty
- Mouth sores from cancer treatment (oral mucositis)Low certainty
- Rheumatoid arthritisLow certainty
- Low mood and depressionLow certainty
- Cholesterol and blood fatsLow certainty
- Blood sugar in type 2 diabetesLow certainty
- Blood markers of inflammation and oxidative stressLow certainty
- Other uses (allergies, itching, memory, cancer support and more)Not enough evidence
Lab markers tracked in the studies
Knee pain score (VAS)AST (liver enzyme)ALT (liver enzyme)C-reactive protein (CRP)LDL cholesterolDAS28 (rheumatoid arthritis activity)Hamilton depression score
What is Curcumin Supplements good for?
The main studied uses and how strong the human evidence is for each. Most results are for supplements, not for turmeric in food, and most come from small or short trials.
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.
Knee osteoarthritis pain and stiffness
Low certaintyTurmeric extract and curcumin capsules have been tested most for painful knee osteoarthritis. Reviews report lower pain and stiffness scores than placebo, and one 12-week trial found a small pain gain. NCCIH calls the early evidence positive but says better studies are needed.
5 studiesStudied products differ: plain curcumin or turmeric root extract, som…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A 2021 review of 15 trials (1,621 people) found lower pain, function and stiffness scores than placebo. Versus NSAID pain medicines the effect was similar with fewer side effects. A 12-week Tasmanian trial of 70 people with knee osteoarthritis found pain 9.1 mm lower on a 100 mm scale than placebo. A 2025 review of seven earlier reviews found them to be of extremely low methodological quality.
Results
Curcumin and turmeric extract may ease knee pain a little. The quality of the evidence is low and the reviews overlap heavily.
Effect sizes as reported
Trial: pain -9.1 mm (95% CI -17.8 to -0.4) on a 100 mm scale, a small gain. Reviews: lower scores, numbers not in the abstracts.
Why this rating
Several trials and reviews lean positive, but a 2025 overview rated most outcomes low or extremely low quality, and the one trial read is small, short and linked to the extract maker.
Form and dose studied
Studied products differ: plain curcumin or turmeric root extract, some with piperine (black pepper), and absorption-boosting forms such as liposomal, nanoparticle or phospholipid products. Trials rarely compare forms, so results from one product should not be applied to another or to the cooking spice.
Who was studied
Adults with knee osteoarthritis. Not studied in healthy people for prevention.
Limits
Small trials, short length (12 weeks in the trial read), overlapping reviews, industry-linked extract in the trial. Product content was not independently tested in most trials.
Why researchers looked
The trial authors say current drug treatments for osteoarthritis are suboptimal.
Traditional use
Turmeric root has a long use in Indian (Ayurvedic) and other traditional medicine for joint pain and swelling (NCCIH).
Proposed mechanism Lab
In the lab, curcumin has anti-inflammatory effects (NCCIH, 2007 review). How it might ease joint pain in people is unclear.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
See the Safety tab for liver injury reports, mostly with absorption-boosted products.
Knee swelling, cartilage and inflammation markers
Evidence againstThe same Tasmanian trial that found a small pain gain found no change in knee swelling on MRI or in cartilage, and a follow-up found no change in blood inflammation markers. So pain may ease without the joint itself changing.
2 studiesStudied products differ: plain curcumin or turmeric root extract, som…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
In the 12-week trial (70 people), swelling volume on MRI and cartilage measures did not change compared with placebo. In the follow-up analysis, hsCRP, IL-6 and TNF-alpha did not differ between groups, and MMP-3 (a cartilage enzyme) fell slightly more with placebo.
Results
This trial found no sign that turmeric extract changes the joint structure or inflammation markers.
Effect sizes as reported
Swelling volume difference +3.2 mL (95% CI -0.3 to 6.8), not significant. MMP-3 difference 1.03 ng/ml in favour of placebo.
Why this rating
One small randomised trial and its secondary analysis found no effect. A bigger trial could change this.
Form and dose studied
Studied products differ: plain curcumin or turmeric root extract, some with piperine (black pepper), and absorption-boosting forms such as liposomal, nanoparticle or phospholipid products. Trials rarely compare forms, so results from one product should not be applied to another or to the cooking spice.
Who was studied
People with knee osteoarthritis and visible knee swelling on ultrasound.
Limits
Only 70 people; only 12 had the contrast MRI. Industry-supplied extract.
Why researchers looked
Researchers wanted to know whether curcumin changes the joint itself or only the pain.
Proposed mechanism Human data
No effect was seen, so no working mechanism is supported by this trial.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
No safety signal in this trial; side effects were similar in both groups.
Fatty liver (NAFLD) measures
Low certaintyIn people with fatty liver disease, reviews of trials report lower AST, blood sugar, blood fats and body weight with curcumin. ALT did not change. Results vary a lot between trials, and no one checked what was in most of the products.
3 studiesStudied products differ: plain curcumin or turmeric root extract, som…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A 2024 review of 15 trials (835 people) found AST lower but ALT unchanged. A 2024 review of 21 trials (1,191 people) found lower fasting glucose, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglycerides, cholesterol, weight and BMI, but no change in HbA1c, HDL, blood pressure or CRP. NCCIH says early research suggests some measures may improve but it is unclear which.
Results
Some blood and weight markers moved a little in fatty liver trials. This does not show that liver disease itself improved.
Effect sizes as reported
AST lower, ALT no change. Weight -0.81 kg (95% CI -1.28 to -0.35); BMI -0.35; LDL -8.01 (-15.79 to -0.24); I-squared up to 96%.
Why this rating
Many trials, but very high heterogeneity, short length, and the review authors warn that the tested products were not independently checked for contents or adulteration.
Form and dose studied
Studied products differ: plain curcumin or turmeric root extract, some with piperine (black pepper), and absorption-boosting forms such as liposomal, nanoparticle or phospholipid products. Trials rarely compare forms, so results from one product should not be applied to another or to the cooking spice.
Who was studied
Adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Limits
Lab markers, not liver scarring or outcomes. Product contents not checked. This sits next to reports of liver injury from turmeric supplements.
Why researchers looked
Fatty liver is common, so curcumin was tested for liver enzymes and metabolic markers.
Proposed mechanism Lab
Proposed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects are lab ideas, not shown in people here.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Liver injury has been reported with turmeric supplements; anyone with a liver condition should talk with a doctor before use (see Safety tab).
Mouth sores from cancer treatment (oral mucositis)
Low certaintyIn six small trials of people having chemotherapy or radiotherapy, curcumin capsules, mouthwash or gel was linked to milder mouth sores and less mouth pain than placebo. A curcumin mouthwash during radiotherapy showed the clearest drop in how many people got sores.
3 studiesCapsules, mouthwash, gel and nanocurcumin were all included; the revi…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A 2025 review of six randomised trials (159 people) found lower WHO mucositis scores and pain than placebo. Incidence fell 6% overall and 37% with mouthwash in radiotherapy alone. NCCIH says early research suggests oral or mouthwash forms might help.
Results
Early results are positive but come from very few small trials.
Effect sizes as reported
Incidence -6% overall; -37% with curcumin mouthwash in radiotherapy only.
Why this rating
Six small trials, 159 people, mixed products and delivery forms.
Form and dose studied
Capsules, mouthwash, gel and nanocurcumin were all included; the review did not compare them head to head in the abstract.
Who was studied
People having chemotherapy or radiotherapy for cancer.
Limits
Very small total number of people. Whether curcumin affects cancer treatment is a separate question (see Safety tab).
Why researchers looked
Mouth sores (oral mucositis) are a painful side effect of cancer treatment.
Proposed mechanism Lab
Anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects are described for turmeric in the review, not shown here.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Cancer patients should ask their cancer care team first. MSK notes that turmeric stopped some chemotherapy drugs from working in lab experiments.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Low certaintySix small studies in rheumatoid arthritis found lower disease-activity scores and fewer tender and swollen joints with curcumin than with control treatment. The authors call for larger trials.
1 studiesStudied products differ: plain curcumin or turmeric root extract, som…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A 2023 review of six publications (539 people) found ESR, DAS28, tender joint count and swollen joint count lower with curcumin than control.
Results
Early positive results, in a few small studies.
Effect sizes as reported
DAS28 MD -1.20 (95% CI -1.85 to -0.55); tender joints MD -6.33 (-10.86 to -1.81); swollen joints MD -5.33 (-9.90 to -0.76).
Why this rating
Six small studies; the abstract does not describe the blinding or the products.
Form and dose studied
Studied products differ: plain curcumin or turmeric root extract, some with piperine (black pepper), and absorption-boosting forms such as liposomal, nanoparticle or phospholipid products. Trials rarely compare forms, so results from one product should not be applied to another or to the cooking spice.
Who was studied
Adults with rheumatoid arthritis.
Limits
Few people; the review cannot say whether curcumin changes joint damage over time.
Why researchers looked
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease, and curcumin is known for lab anti-inflammatory effects.
Proposed mechanism Lab
Lab anti-inflammatory activity is the reason it is studied; this is not shown as the cause here.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
People with this condition take immune-acting medicines; ask a doctor or pharmacist before adding a supplement.
Low mood and depression
Low certaintySix short trials (4 to 8 weeks, 377 people) found depression scores fell a little more with curcumin than with placebo. The authors call for larger and longer trials.
1 studiesStudied products differ: plain curcumin or turmeric root extract, som…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A 2017 review of six trials in depressed people found a pooled standardised difference of -0.344 on the Hamilton depression scale, with a few trials also showing less anxiety. No adverse events were reported in the trials.
Results
A small average benefit in short trials. It is not a treatment on its own.
Effect sizes as reported
SMD -0.344 (95% CI -0.558 to -0.129).
Why this rating
Few, short trials; one was open-label and one single-blinded; no long-term data.
Form and dose studied
Studied products differ: plain curcumin or turmeric root extract, some with piperine (black pepper), and absorption-boosting forms such as liposomal, nanoparticle or phospholipid products. Trials rarely compare forms, so results from one product should not be applied to another or to the cooking spice.
Who was studied
Adults with depression.
Limits
Only 4 to 8 weeks of follow-up. Do not stop or change depression treatment without a doctor.
Why researchers looked
Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that researchers thought might help mood.
Proposed mechanism Lab
Proposed effects on inflammation and the brain are lab-based ideas.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Anyone with depression should stay under a doctor's care.
Cholesterol and blood fats
Low certaintyA 2023 review of 64 trials found average drops in total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides and a small rise in HDL with turmeric or curcumin, but the changes were small and the authors rate the evidence low or very low. NCCIH says evidence is not enough to conclude benefit.
2 studiesStudied products differ: plain curcumin or turmeric root extract, som…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A 2023 GRADE-rated review of 64 trials: total cholesterol -3.99 mg/dL, triglycerides -6.69, LDL -4.89, HDL +1.80. Apolipoproteins did not change. The trials did not fully address product potency or purity.
Results
Very small average changes in blood fat numbers. These are lab markers, not fewer heart problems.
Effect sizes as reported
LDL -4.89 mg/dL (95% CI -5.92 to -3.87); triglycerides -6.69 (-7.93 to -5.45).
Why this rating
The authors themselves rate the evidence low and very low, and heterogeneity was significant.
Form and dose studied
Studied products differ: plain curcumin or turmeric root extract, some with piperine (black pepper), and absorption-boosting forms such as liposomal, nanoparticle or phospholipid products. Trials rarely compare forms, so results from one product should not be applied to another or to the cooking spice.
Who was studied
Adults in many different groups (the abstract does not list them).
Limits
Tiny changes; product contents were not checked; no outcomes such as heart attacks.
Why researchers looked
High cholesterol is a common concern, and turmeric is studied for lipid markers.
Proposed mechanism Lab
No mechanism is established in the sources read.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Not a replacement for cholesterol medicines.
Blood sugar in type 2 diabetes
Low certaintyA 2021 review in people with uncomplicated type 2 diabetes found lower HbA1c, insulin resistance (HOMA) and LDL with curcumin. The overall pooled difference was not significant and the authors ask for more studies of safety and efficacy.
1 studiesStudied products differ: plain curcumin or turmeric root extract, som…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
The 2021 meta-analysis found HbA1c (p = 0.008), HOMA (p < 0.001) and LDL (p = 0.021) lower in treated people. The abstract gives no number of trials or people.
Results
Some blood sugar markers moved, in a review with few details in the abstract.
Effect sizes as reported
HbA1c p = 0.008; HOMA p < 0.001; LDL p = 0.021 (effect sizes not in the abstract).
Why this rating
The abstract gives no trial counts or effect sizes, and says the overall pooled difference was not significant.
Form and dose studied
Studied products differ: plain curcumin or turmeric root extract, some with piperine (black pepper), and absorption-boosting forms such as liposomal, nanoparticle or phospholipid products. Trials rarely compare forms, so results from one product should not be applied to another or to the cooking spice.
Who was studied
Adults with uncomplicated type 2 diabetes.
Limits
Lab markers only.
Why researchers looked
Researchers tested curcumin on blood sugar and blood fats in type 2 diabetes.
Proposed mechanism Lab
Antioxidant activity is proposed in the review; the sources read do not show how it would work in diabetes.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
People with diabetes should ask their doctor or pharmacist before using supplements.
Blood markers of inflammation and oxidative stress
Low certaintyA 2023 review of 66 trials found lower CRP, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and MDA and higher antioxidant capacity with curcumin or turmeric. These are lab markers. One knee trial found no change in the same markers.
3 studiesStudied products differ: plain curcumin or turmeric root extract, som…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A 2023 review of 66 trials: CRP -0.58 mg/L, TNF-alpha -3.48 pg/ml, IL-6 -1.31 pg/ml, MDA -0.33 umol/L; IL-1 beta unchanged. A 2007 review notes that plain curcumin reaches only low levels in blood.
Results
Marker numbers move a little on average. This does not show that supplements prevent or treat any disease.
Effect sizes as reported
CRP -0.58 mg/L (95% CI -0.74 to -0.41); TNF-alpha -3.48 pg/ml (-4.38 to -2.58).
Why this rating
Lab markers only; the people studied varied; the 2020 knee trial found no difference in the same markers (see knee swelling).
Form and dose studied
Studied products differ: plain curcumin or turmeric root extract, some with piperine (black pepper), and absorption-boosting forms such as liposomal, nanoparticle or phospholipid products. Trials rarely compare forms, so results from one product should not be applied to another or to the cooking spice.
Who was studied
Adults in many groups.
Limits
Marker changes are not health outcomes. NCCIH says there is not enough evidence to conclude benefit for any health purpose.
Why researchers looked
Curcumin is described as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, so trials measured blood markers.
Proposed mechanism Lab
Lab and animal work describes curcumin neutralising reactive molecules. Whether this explains the marker changes in people is unknown.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Not a sign that extra supplements are needed.
Other uses (allergies, itching, memory, cancer support and more)
Not enough evidenceCurcumin and turmeric have been tried for many other things. NCCIH says the research is not enough to say whether it helps. Memorial Sloan Kettering lists mixed small studies, including no benefit in Alzheimer's disease.
2 studiesStudied products differ: plain curcumin or turmeric root extract, som…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
NCCIH says oral turmeric is promoted for allergies, itching and depression, and that there is not enough evidence to conclude it helps for health purposes. MSK reports curcumin did not help patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Results
There is not enough evidence to say that it helps.
Effect sizes as reported
No effect sizes are given.
Why this rating
NCCIH and MSK describe small, mixed or preliminary studies.
Form and dose studied
Studied products differ: plain curcumin or turmeric root extract, some with piperine (black pepper), and absorption-boosting forms such as liposomal, nanoparticle or phospholipid products. Trials rarely compare forms, so results from one product should not be applied to another or to the cooking spice.
Who was studied
Various.
Limits
These pages summarise many studies without giving detail on each.
Why researchers looked
Many people try turmeric supplements for general health.
Traditional use
Used for centuries in traditional medicine (NCCIH, MSK).
Proposed mechanism Lab
No mechanism is established for these uses.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Same cautions as elsewhere on the Safety tab.
Connections to the rest of health
How Curcumin Supplements 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
A. Wellness goals
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joint Support | Low certainty | Knee osteoarthritis pain and stiffness: Turmeric extract and curcumin capsules have been tested most for painful knee osteoarthritis. Reviews report lower pain and stiffness scores than placebo, and one 12-week trial found a small pain gain. NCCIH calls the early evidence positive but says better studies are needed. Rheumatoid arthritis: Six small studies in rheumatoid arthritis found lower disease-activity scores and fewer tender and swollen joints with curcumin than with control treatment. The authors call for larger trials. | 23 20 5 25 24 14 | |
| Healthy Aging | Low certainty | Knee osteoarthritis pain and stiffness: Turmeric extract and curcumin capsules have been tested most for painful knee osteoarthritis. Reviews report lower pain and stiffness scores than placebo, and one 12-week trial found a small pain gain. NCCIH calls the early evidence positive but says better studies are needed. Fatty liver (NAFLD) measures: In people with fatty liver disease, reviews of trials report lower AST, blood sugar, blood fats and body weight with curcumin. ALT did not change. Results vary a lot between trials, and no one checked what was in most of the products. | 23 20 5 25 24 4 8 | |
| Joint Support | Evidence against | Knee swelling, cartilage and inflammation markers: The same Tasmanian trial that found a small pain gain found no change in knee swelling on MRI or in cartilage, and a follow-up found no change in blood inflammation markers. So pain may ease without the joint itself changing. | 20 21 | |
| Metabolic Health | Low certainty | Fatty liver (NAFLD) measures: In people with fatty liver disease, reviews of trials report lower AST, blood sugar, blood fats and body weight with curcumin. ALT did not change. Results vary a lot between trials, and no one checked what was in most of the products. | 4 8 25 | |
| Preventive Wellness | Low certainty | Mouth sores from cancer treatment (oral mucositis): In six small trials of people having chemotherapy or radiotherapy, curcumin capsules, mouthwash or gel was linked to milder mouth sores and less mouth pain than placebo. A curcumin mouthwash during radiotherapy showed the clearest drop in how many people got sores. | 2 25 24 | |
| Mood Balance | Low certainty | Low mood and depression: Six short trials (4 to 8 weeks, 377 people) found depression scores fell a little more with curcumin than with placebo. The authors call for larger and longer trials. | 16 | |
| Cholesterol Balance | Low certainty | Cholesterol and blood fats: A 2023 review of 64 trials found average drops in total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides and a small rise in HDL with turmeric or curcumin, but the changes were small and the authors rate the evidence low or very low. NCCIH says evidence is not enough to conclude benefit. | 6 25 | |
| Heart Health | Low certainty | Cholesterol and blood fats: A 2023 review of 64 trials found average drops in total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides and a small rise in HDL with turmeric or curcumin, but the changes were small and the authors rate the evidence low or very low. NCCIH says evidence is not enough to conclude benefit. | 6 25 | |
| Blood Sugar Balance | Low certainty | Blood sugar in type 2 diabetes: A 2021 review in people with uncomplicated type 2 diabetes found lower HbA1c, insulin resistance (HOMA) and LDL with curcumin. The overall pooled difference was not significant and the authors ask for more studies of safety and efficacy. | 1 | |
| Metabolic Health | Low certainty | Blood sugar in type 2 diabetes: A 2021 review in people with uncomplicated type 2 diabetes found lower HbA1c, insulin resistance (HOMA) and LDL with curcumin. The overall pooled difference was not significant and the authors ask for more studies of safety and efficacy. | 1 | |
| Healthy Aging | Low certainty | Blood markers of inflammation and oxidative stress: A 2023 review of 66 trials found lower CRP, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and MDA and higher antioxidant capacity with curcumin or turmeric. These are lab markers. One knee trial found no change in the same markers. | 7 3 25 | |
| Preventive Wellness | Low certainty | Blood markers of inflammation and oxidative stress: A 2023 review of 66 trials found lower CRP, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and MDA and higher antioxidant capacity with curcumin or turmeric. These are lab markers. One knee trial found no change in the same markers. | 7 3 25 | |
| Preventive Wellness | Not enough evidence | Other uses (allergies, itching, memory, cancer support and more): Curcumin and turmeric have been tried for many other things. NCCIH says the research is not enough to say whether it helps. Memorial Sloan Kettering lists mixed small studies, including no benefit in Alzheimer's disease. | 25 24 |
B. Body systems
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Musculoskeletal System | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Knee osteoarthritis pain and stiffness Studied for: Knee swelling, cartilage and inflammation markers | 23 20 5 25 24 21 14 |
| Hepatic System | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Fatty liver (NAFLD) measures | 4 8 25 |
| Metabolic System | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Fatty liver (NAFLD) measures | 4 8 25 |
| Digestive System | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Mouth sores from cancer treatment (oral mucositis) | 2 25 24 |
| Immune System | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Rheumatoid arthritis Studied for: Blood markers of inflammation and oxidative stress | 14 7 3 25 |
| Nervous System | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Low mood and depression | 16 |
| Cardiovascular System | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Cholesterol and blood fats | 6 25 |
| Endocrine System | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Blood sugar in type 2 diabetes | 1 |
| Whole Body | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Blood markers of inflammation and oxidative stress Studied for: Other uses (allergies, itching, memory, cancer support and more) | 7 3 25 24 |
C. Body parts and organs
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liver | Adverse effect or risk | Case series | Liver injury has been reported, mostly 1 to 4 months after starting; most recover after stopping. Liver injury has been reported with turmeric and curcumin supplements, mostly absorption-boosted products. Preparation or compound: Absorption-boosted curcumin and turmeric supplements, some with piperine |
25 11 15 17 |
E. Health conditions
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knee osteoarthritis | Preliminary | Reviews report lower pain and stiffness; a trial found no change in knee swelling. Preparation or compound: Turmeric extract |
23 20 |
I. Biomarkers
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knee pain score (VAS) | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lower. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 20 |
| AST (liver enzyme) | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lower in NAFLD trials (but liver injury cases also show raised enzymes). A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 4 |
| ALT (liver enzyme) | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: no clear change. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 4 |
| C-reactive protein (CRP) | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lower in a 66-trial review, no change in the knee trial and a fatty liver review. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 7 8 |
| LDL cholesterol | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lower. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 6 |
| DAS28 (rheumatoid arthritis activity) | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lower. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 14 |
| Hamilton depression score | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lower. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 16 |
J. Genes, receptors and enzymes
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HLA-B*35:01 | Preliminary mechanism | Human | Carried by 7 of 10 people in a US turmeric liver injury series. | 11 |
K. Biological pathways
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | Preliminary mechanism | Case report | A case report links turmeric capsules to iron deficiency anaemia. | 19 |
L. Active compounds
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curcumin | Biological association | Lab and human | The most studied compound. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in lab studies; poorly absorbed on its own. Preparation or compound: Rhizome |
3 25 |
| Curcuminoids | Biological association | Human | NCCIH says the health effects of turmeric are commonly attributed to curcuminoids, a group including curcumin. Preparation or compound: Rhizome |
25 |
| Piperine | Biological association | Review and case series | Added to curcumin products. A review says it interferes with glucuronidation, one way the body clears curcumin. A 2024 review found it did not improve liver enzymes in NAFLD trials. Three of seven products tested in a liver injury series contained it. Preparation or compound: Black pepper fruit |
3 4 11 |
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 26, 2026).
Evidence at a glance: what the research found for 10 outcomes
Each outcome below is one thing researchers measured. Certainty is how far the evidence can be trusted, not how well it works. The full studies are on the next tab.
The evidence
The research centre for Curcumin Supplements. 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 started from our existing curcumin summary, read the NCCIH and Memorial Sloan Kettering turmeric pages, and re-read PubMed abstracts for reviews, trials and case reports. Only abstracts were read for studies. LiverTox was blocked and is marked unread.
Study library: every study we checked 25
| Study | Design | People | Product, dose, length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altobelli 2021 Potential Therapeutic Effects of Curcumin on Glycemic and Lipid Profile in Uncomplicated Type 2 Diabetes-A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients · PMID 33514002 · DOI |
Systematic review meta analysis |
Randomised trials in people with uncomplicated type 2 diabetes (the abstract gives no counts) | Curcumin supplements Capsules or tablets Varied Varied · vs Untreated or placebo |
Overall the pooled difference was not significant, but HbA1c, HOMA and LDL were significantly lower in treated people. The authors say the effect on sugar metabolism looks sturdier than on fats and call for more studies of safety and efficacy. HbA1c p = 0.008; HOMA p < 0.001; LDL p = 0.021 (Cohen d intervals not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: HbA1c, HOMA (insulin resistance), LDL, other blood sugar and fat markers Limitations: The abstract gives no numbers of trials or people. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no conflict of interest. Read: abstract |
| Amatto 2025 Efficacy of different pharmaceutical forms of Curcuma longa or curcumin in reducing oral mucositis severity and incidence in cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol · PMID 40242451 · DOI |
Systematic review meta analysis |
159 Six randomised trials in cancer patients having chemotherapy or radiotherapy (mean age about 50) |
Curcuma longa extract, curcumin or nanocurcumin Capsules, mouthwash or gel Varied Varied · vs Placebo |
Mouth sore grade and mouth pain were lower than with placebo. Overall incidence fell by 6%, and by 37% in people using a curcumin mouthwash during radiotherapy alone. WHO mucositis scores and pain lower; incidence -6% overall, -37% with mouthwash in radiotherapy only (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Oral mucositis (mouth sore) grade, pain, incidence Limitations: Only 6 small trials (159 people), with mixed product forms. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no commercial or financial relationships. Read: abstract |
| Anand 2007 Bioavailability of curcumin: problems and promises. Mol Pharm · PMID 17999464 · DOI |
Narrative review |
Review of laboratory and early human studies of curcumin absorption | Curcumin and absorption-boosting forms Various |
Plain curcumin reaches low levels in the blood because of poor absorption, rapid breakdown and rapid removal. Approaches to raise levels include adding piperine (which slows one breakdown pathway, glucuronidation), liposomes, nanoparticles and phospholipid complexes. No numbers used (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Why plain curcumin is poorly absorbed and how makers try to fix it Limitations: A 2007 narrative review; newer products were not covered. It pre-dates the liver injury reports. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no conflicts. 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 |
Systematic review meta analysis |
835 15 randomised trials in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) |
Curcumin supplements, some with piperine Capsules or tablets Varied (the review links longer, higher relative amounts to smaller gains) Varied · vs Placebo or control |
Curcumin did not change ALT but did lower AST. Both results varied a lot between trials. Adding piperine did not help liver enzymes. ALT: no significant effect. AST: lower (numbers not in the abstract) (Not given in the abstract; heterogeneity high (p < 0.01)) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Liver enzymes ALT and AST Limitations: High heterogeneity. Liver enzymes are lab markers, not proof of less liver disease. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no conflicts. Read: abstract |
| Chen 2025 A critical review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of curcumin for knee osteoarthritis. Front Pharmacol · PMID 41560742 · DOI |
Overview of systematic reviews |
7 Seven systematic reviews and meta-analyses of curcumin for knee osteoarthritis |
Curcumin (various products) Various · vs Various |
The reviews pointed to possible benefit and safety advantages, but they were of extremely low methodological quality, and four had a high risk of bias. Of 48 outcomes, evidence quality was mostly low: 5 medium, 6 low and 37 extremely low. 5 of 48 outcomes rated medium quality; 37 extremely low (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Quality of the reviews and the evidence behind 48 outcomes Limitations: It judges the reviews, not new trials. Many reviews use the same trials. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no commercial or financial relationships. 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 |
Systematic review meta analysis |
64 randomised trials in adults; the abstract gives no total number of people | Curcumin or turmeric supplements Capsules or tablets Varied (dose-response analysis) Varied · vs Placebo or control |
Small average gains: lower total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL, and slightly higher HDL. Apolipoproteins did not change. The authors rate the evidence low or very low and say to treat findings with caution. Total cholesterol -3.99 mg/dL; triglycerides -6.69; LDL -4.89; HDL +1.80 (Total cholesterol -5.33 to -2.65; triglycerides -7.93 to -5.45; LDL -5.92 to -3.87; HDL 1.43 to 2.17) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Total, LDL and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoproteins Limitations: Significant heterogeneity; the trials did not fully address potency, purity or diet. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no competing interests. 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 |
Systematic review meta analysis |
66 randomised trials in adults; the abstract gives no total number of people | Curcumin or turmeric supplements Capsules or tablets Varied (dose-response analysis) Varied · vs Placebo or control |
Average CRP, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and MDA were lower, and total antioxidant capacity and SOD higher. IL-1 beta did not change significantly. CRP -0.58 mg/L; TNF-alpha -3.48 pg/ml; IL-6 -1.31 pg/ml; MDA -0.33 umol/L (CRP -0.74 to -0.41; TNF-alpha -4.38 to -2.58; IL-6 -1.58 to -0.67; MDA -0.53 to -0.12) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: CRP, TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1 beta, total antioxidant capacity, MDA, SOD Limitations: Lab markers only. The abstract does not say whether GRADE ratings were low. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no competing interests. Read: abstract |
| Ebrahimzadeh 2024 Curcumin effects on glycaemic indices, lipid profile, blood pressure, inflammatory markers and anthropometric measurements of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Complement Ther Med · PMID 38232906 · DOI |
Systematic review meta analysis |
1191 21 randomised trials in adults with NAFLD |
Curcumin supplements Capsules or tablets 50 to 3000 mg a day across trials 8 to 12 weeks typical · vs Placebo or control |
Fasting glucose, HOMA-IR, triglycerides, total and LDL cholesterol, weight and BMI were lower. HbA1c, insulin, HDL, blood pressure, CRP and TNF-alpha did not change. The authors warn the trials did not check what was in the products, so adulteration or contamination could not be ruled out. Weight -0.81 kg; BMI -0.35; fasting glucose -2.83; triglycerides -10.31; LDL -8.01 (units as in the paper) (Weight -1.28 to -0.35; fasting glucose -4.61 to -1.06; LDL -15.79 to -0.24; heterogeneity up to 96%) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Blood sugar, blood fats, weight, blood pressure, inflammation markers Limitations: Very high heterogeneity; product content was not independently tested in most trials. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no competing interests. Read: abstract |
| Forsyth 2024 Evidence of turmeric adulteration with lead chromate across South Asia. Sci Total Environ · PMID 39053552 · DOI |
Laboratory survey n/a (food samples) |
356 356 turmeric root and powder samples from 23 South Asian cities (Dec 2020 to Mar 2021) |
Turmeric (spice, dried root and powder) tested for lead and chromium Dried root and powder |
Fourteen percent of samples (51) had lead above 2 ug/g. Samples at or above 18 ug/g had lead and chromium near 1 to 1, which points to lead chromate colouring. Some places exceeded 1000 ug/g. These are cooking-spice samples, not supplements. 14% with lead above 2 ug/g; some above 1000 ug/g (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Lead and chromium; sign of lead chromate colouring Limitations: It tests the spice in markets in four countries, not supplement capsules. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no competing interests. Read: abstract |
| Gámez-Fernández 2025 Co-administration of curcumin forms with supplemental iron: a study of effects on iron absorption and intestinal cellular health. Food Funct · PMID 40613696 · DOI |
Laboratory study human cell lines |
Human intestinal Caco-2 cells in a dish | Plain curcumin versus a branded formulated curcumin with added iron Cell model · vs Iron alone |
The formulated curcumin raised ferritin in the cells by 160.5% over iron alone. The authors suggest it limits iron oxidation. This is a cell study, with the opposite direction to the iron-loss case report, so the effect in people is unknown. Ferritin +160.5% with formulated curcumin (cells) (p < 0.0001) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Iron uptake (ferritin), gut-barrier leak Limitations: Cells, not people. A branded product was tested, and the abstract does not state who funded it. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no competing interests. 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 Ten people in the US Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (2004 to 2022) with liver injury linked to turmeric |
Turmeric products (7 tested; 3 also contained piperine) Supplements Latency 1 to 4 months |
Median age 56; 8 women. Injury was mostly hepatocellular. Five people were hospitalised and one died of acute liver failure. Turmeric was confirmed in all 7 tested products. Seven of ten carried HLA-B*35:01 (allele frequency 0.450 against 0.056 to 0.069 in population controls). 10 cases; 5 hospitalised; 1 death; 7 of 10 carried HLA-B*35:01 (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Type and severity of liver injury, HLA genes Limitations: A case series cannot give how often it happens; cases rose since 2011. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no conflicts. Read: abstract |
| Haloub 2024 An Unusual Case of Dietary-Induced Liver Injury during Pregnancy: A Case Report of Probable Liver Injury due to High-Dose Turmeric Intake and Literature Review. Case Reports Hepatol · PMID 38352658 · DOI |
Case report |
1 A pregnant woman with itching at 23 weeks 4 days |
High-dose turmeric intake |
Liver tests were abnormal; she was diagnosed with dietary-induced liver injury and improved on a strict diet. The authors say small amounts in pregnancy are safe, but large amounts might injure the liver. One case (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Liver tests during pregnancy Limitations: A single case; the abstract does not give the product or amount. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no conflicts. Read: abstract |
| Koo 2025 Drug-Induced Liver Injury Secondary to Turmeric Supplement Containing Piperine: A Case Report. Cureus · PMID 41281037 · DOI |
Case report |
1 A 35-year-old man with jaundice, fatigue and itching |
Turmeric (curcumin) supplement containing piperine Supplement |
Other causes were ruled out. Liver tests returned to normal after he stopped the supplement and he recovered fully. One case (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Drug-induced liver injury Limitations: A single case. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no financial relationships. Read: abstract |
| Kou 2023 Effect of curcumin on rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Immunol · PMID 37325651 · DOI |
Systematic review meta analysis |
539 Six publications in people with rheumatoid arthritis |
Curcumin Capsules or tablets Varied Varied · vs Control |
Compared with controls, ESR, DAS28, and tender and swollen joint counts were lower with curcumin. The authors ask for large trials. DAS28 MD -1.20; swollen joints MD -5.33; tender joints MD -6.33; ESR MD -29.47 (DAS28 -1.85 to -0.55; swollen joints -9.90 to -0.76; tender joints -10.86 to -1.81) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: ESR, CRP, DAS28 disease score, tender and swollen joints, pain Limitations: Few small trials; the abstract does not say how many were blinded. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no commercial or financial relationships. 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 |
Case series and systematic review |
30 Seven acute hepatitis cases in Tuscany (Italian Phytovigilance system) plus 23 cases from published reports |
Curcuma longa dietary supplements Supplements |
In all seven Tuscan cases the products were high-bioavailability, high-curcuminoid formulations. Liver tests improved on stopping in most. Among the 23 published cases, most people also took another medicine and 16 got better on stopping. The authors conclude there is an association between Curcuma longa and liver injury. 7 Tuscan cases; 23 published cases; 16 of 23 improved after stopping (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Link between turmeric supplements and acute liver injury (RUCAM and WHO-UMC causality scoring) Limitations: Case reports; other medicines were often involved in the published cases. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no conflicts. Read: abstract |
| Ng 2017 Clinical Use of Curcumin in Depression: A Meta-Analysis. J Am Med Dir Assoc · PMID 28236605 · DOI |
Systematic review meta analysis |
377 Six trials in people with depression comparing curcumin with placebo |
Curcumin Capsules Varied 4 to 8 weeks · vs Placebo |
Depression scores fell more with curcumin than with placebo. Three trials also reported less anxiety. No adverse events were reported in any trial. Most trials had a low risk of bias; one was open-label and one single-blinded. Pooled SMD -0.344 on the Hamilton scale (-0.558 to -0.129; P = .002) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Depression scores (Hamilton scale), anxiety, adverse events Limitations: Few, short (4 to 8 weeks) trials; no long-term safety data. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no conflicts. Read: abstract |
| Papke 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 Eleven people (10 women) with liver injury attributed to turmeric supplements, found by pathology archive review |
Over-the-counter turmeric supplements Supplements |
Six were without symptoms but had abnormal liver tests, and five had malaise or jaundice. Most showed acute hepatitis on biopsy. All stopped the supplement, four also took steroids, and liver tests returned to normal in all. The authors rate the link probable in eight cases and possible in three. 11 cases; liver tests normalised in all after stopping (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Liver biopsy findings, symptoms, recovery Limitations: Retrospective case series from one centre. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no conflicts. 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 A 65-year-old woman who restarted a turmeric supplement containing black pepper extract |
Turmeric supplement with black pepper extract Supplement |
After an earlier suspected turmeric liver injury, she restarted the same product and developed jaundice. Liver enzymes worsened after stopping, a biopsy showed an autoimmune-like hepatitis, and steroids helped. The injury was more severe the second time. One case (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Liver injury on re-exposure Limitations: A single case; cannot show how common this is. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no conflicts. Read: abstract |
| Smith 2019 Iron Deficiency Anemia Due to High-dose Turmeric. Cureus · PMID 30899609 · DOI |
Case report |
1 A 66-year-old physician who used turmeric extract capsules for an arthritis flare |
Turmeric extract capsules (538 mg each) Capsules 6 capsules a day (self-chosen) |
His haemoglobin stayed low and iron tests showed iron deficiency, with no bleeding found on scopes. Two weeks after stopping turmeric, while he kept his usual iron supplement, his haemoglobin and iron tests returned to normal. The authors say turmeric may bind iron in the gut; animal work is cited. One case (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Iron levels and haemoglobin Limitations: A single case; a possible link, not proof. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no competing interests. Read: abstract |
| Wang 2020 Effectiveness of Curcuma longa Extract for the Treatment of Symptoms and Effusion-Synovitis of Knee Osteoarthritis : A Randomized Trial. Ann Intern Med · PMID 32926799 · DOI |
Randomised controlled trial |
70 Adults in Tasmania with painful knee osteoarthritis and fluid or swelling in the knee on ultrasound |
Curcuma longa extract (CL) Capsule of turmeric root extract 2 capsules a day 12 weeks · vs Matched placebo |
Knee pain was lower than placebo. Knee swelling on MRI and cartilage measures did not change. Side effects were similar in both groups. VAS pain -9.1 mm versus placebo; WOMAC pain -47.2 mm; swelling volume +3.2 mL (not significant) (VAS -17.8 to -0.4 mm (P = 0.039); WOMAC -81.2 to -13.2 mm; swelling -0.3 to 6.8 mL) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Knee pain (VAS), swelling volume on MRI, WOMAC pain, cartilage composition Limitations: Small, short and from a single centre. The pain gain is small. Funding and conflicts: Funded by the University of Tasmania and Natural Remedies Private Limited, the company that made the extract (industry link). Read: abstract |
| Wang 2023 Effect of Curcuma longa extract on serum inflammatory markers and MRI-based synovitis in knee osteoarthritis: secondary analyses from the CurKOA randomised trial. Phytomedicine · PMID 36610110 · DOI |
Randomised controlled trial |
70 Same 70 people as the Tasmania knee trial; a 12-person subgroup had a contrast MRI |
Curcuma longa extract (CL) Capsule of turmeric root extract As in the main trial 12 weeks · vs Matched placebo |
No difference between groups in hsCRP, IL-6 or TNF-alpha. MMP-3 fell in both groups, slightly more with placebo. The authors say CL is unlikely to have clinically significant effects on these markers. No between-group differences in hsCRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha (MMP-3 difference 1.03 ng/ml (0.19 to 1.88) in favour of placebo) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Blood inflammation markers (hsCRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha), MMP-3, synovitis on MRI Limitations: A pilot secondary analysis; only 12 people had MRI, and most had normal joint lining at the start. Funding and conflicts: Natural Remedies Pvt. Ltd. supplied the extract and placebo; authors say they were independent of the company. Read: abstract |
| Washington 2024 Oxalate nephropathy and chronic turmeric supplementation: a case report. J Bras Nefrol · PMID 38427579 · DOI |
Case report |
1 A 69-year-old man found to have kidney failure |
Chronic turmeric supplementation (with chronic antibiotics and diarrhoea) Supplement Chronic |
He was diagnosed with oxalate nephropathy in the setting of long-term turmeric supplements, plus long-term antibiotics and diarrhoea. The abstract does not say how his kidneys recovered. One case (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Kidney injury from oxalate crystals (oxalate nephropathy) Limitations: A single case with other contributing factors. Funding and conflicts: The abstract does not state a conflict of interest. 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 |
Systematic review meta analysis |
1621 15 randomised trials in people with osteoarthritis (the abstract does not say which joints) |
Curcuma longa extract and curcumin supplements Capsules or tablets (turmeric extract or curcumin) Varied between trials; the authors suggest more than 12 weeks of use Varied · vs Placebo, NSAID pain medicines, or NSAID plus curcumin |
Compared with placebo, pain, function and stiffness scores were lower with curcumin or turmeric extract. Against NSAIDs the effect was similar, with fewer side effects. Added to NSAIDs, scores were lower and side effects did not rise. Lower VAS and WOMAC scores versus placebo (numbers not in the abstract) (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Pain (VAS, WOMAC pain), function, stiffness, adverse events Limitations: Abstract gives no effect sizes or GRADE ratings. A later critical review found reviews like this to be of very low methodological quality. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no competing interests. Read: abstract |
| s-msk-turmeric Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Turmeric (About Herbs; last updated 9 June 2026) · Source |
Reference database n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-nccih-turmeric NCCIH (NIH): Turmeric: Usefulness and Safety (last updated April 2025) · Source |
Regulator or agency page n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text |
What we do not know yet
- No large, independent trial that tested the product contents was read for knee osteoarthritis.
- No head-to-head human trial compared plain curcumin with piperine or absorption-boosted forms.
- How often liver injury happens is not known.
- Safety in children was not found in the sources read.
- LiverTox and LactMed could not be opened; EFSA and FDA statements were not researched.
- No source gave the curcumin content of turmeric spice per serving.
How new research is added
New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and placed in a review queue before the page changes.
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".
Inflammatory 1
C-reactive protein (CRP)
Lower in a 66-trial review, no change in the knee trial and a fatty liver review in trials
A blood protein that rises with inflammation.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
To see whether curcumin lowers general inflammation.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A small average change that differs between groups of people.
Safety implication
No safety link.
Organ function 2
AST (liver enzyme)
Lower in NAFLD trials (but liver injury cases also show raised enzymes) in trials
An enzyme in blood that rises when liver cells are stressed or damaged.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
To see whether curcumin improves liver enzymes in fatty liver disease.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A lab marker; lower AST does not by itself mean less liver disease.
Safety implication
Raised liver enzymes are also how turmeric liver injury is found, so liver tests matter.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | AST lower with curcumin (numbers not in the abstract); high heterogeneity | 15 trials, 835 people with NAFLD | Curcumin supplements, some with piperine |
ALT (liver enzyme)
No clear change in trials
An enzyme in blood that rises with liver cell damage.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
To see whether curcumin lowers ALT in fatty liver disease.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
No clear effect on ALT.
Safety implication
ALT and AST are the tests used to spot turmeric liver injury.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Curcumin did not significantly affect ALT; high heterogeneity | 15 trials, 835 people with NAFLD | Curcumin supplements, some with piperine |
Other 4
Knee pain score (VAS)
Lower in trials
A 0 to 100 mm line on which people mark how much their knee hurts.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
To see whether turmeric extract eases knee pain compared with placebo.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A small gain that may not be big enough to notice for everyone.
Safety implication
Side effects were similar to placebo in this trial.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | -9.1 mm versus placebo (95% CI -17.8 to -0.4, P = 0.039) | 70 adults with knee osteoarthritis and knee swelling | Curcuma longa extract, 2 capsules a day for 12 weeks |
LDL cholesterol
Lower in trials
The cholesterol carried in LDL particles, often called bad cholesterol.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
To see whether curcumin lowers LDL.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A tiny change that is unlikely to replace standard care.
Safety implication
No safety link.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | LDL -4.89 mg/dL (95% CI -5.92 to -3.87); evidence low or very low | 64 trials in adults | Curcumin or turmeric supplements |
DAS28 (rheumatoid arthritis activity)
Lower in trials
A score that combines tender joints, swollen joints and blood tests; lower is milder disease.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
To see whether curcumin lowers rheumatoid arthritis disease activity.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Small trials; large trials are needed.
Safety implication
Ask a doctor before adding supplements to arthritis medicines.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | DAS28 MD -1.20 (95% CI -1.85 to -0.55) | Six publications, 539 people with rheumatoid arthritis | Curcumin |
Hamilton depression score
Lower in trials
A clinician-rated score of depression symptoms; lower means fewer symptoms.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
To see whether curcumin lowers depression scores.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A small average difference in short trials.
Safety implication
No adverse events were reported in the trials, but they were short.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Pooled SMD -0.344 (95% CI -0.558 to -0.129) | Six trials, 377 people with depression | Curcumin versus placebo, 4 to 8 weeks |
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 5
- Liver injury has been reported with turmeric and curcumin supplements. NCCIH says highly bioavailable curcumin products may harm the liver and that liver damage has been reported in some people who used them. A US network of liver centres found ten cases, with five people in hospital and one death from liver failure. Typical onset was 1 to 4 months after starting. In Italy, all seven cases in Tuscany involved products built to be absorbed well. Most people got better after stopping, but not all did. Liver injury is rare but can be serious. Regulator statement, case series and systematic review of case reports 25 11 15 17
- Products with black pepper (piperine) or special absorption forms are the ones linked to cases. Piperine is added to slow the way the body clears curcumin. Of seven products tested in the US series, three also contained piperine. Two case reports describe liver injury with a turmeric product that contained piperine, one of them a return of the illness, more severe, after the person restarted the same product. Plain turmeric spice in food is a different thing. Case series and case reports 11 18 13 3
- Possible bleeding risk and other interactions with medicines. Memorial Sloan Kettering says to avoid turmeric supplements with blood thinners such as warfarin, because of a possible bleeding risk, and lists chemotherapy drugs and tacrolimus as other cautions. The evidence behind many of these is lab, animal or a single case, not a large human study. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before combining. Reference summary of lab studies and case reports 24
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding. NCCIH says turmeric supplements may be unsafe in pregnancy and that little is known about amounts above food levels while breastfeeding. A 2024 case report described liver injury in a pregnant woman who took a large amount of turmeric. Regulator statement and case report 25 12
- Iron and kidney stones. A 2019 case report described iron deficiency anaemia in a man taking turmeric capsules, which cleared after he stopped. MSK says turmeric supplements may raise the risk of kidney stones, and a 2024 case report linked long-term turmeric supplements with kidney damage from oxalate crystals. Both are rare reports, not proof of cause. Case reports and reference summary 19 22 24
Side effects 5
| Effect | How often | Severity and recovery | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stomach and gut upset (nausea, vomiting, reflux, diarrhoea, constipation, belly pain) NCCIH lists nausea and vomiting, acid reflux, stomach upset, diarrhoea or constipation. MSK lists abdominal pain or discomfort. | No frequency was found in the sources read. | Usually mild Not stated in the sources read. | Regulator statements 25 24 |
| Skin rash, hives or itching MSK lists skin rash and hives, and case reports of allergic dermatitis and hives from curcumin powder. NCCIH says curcumin applied to the skin can cause hives or itching. | No frequency was found. | Mild to moderate Not stated. | Regulator statements and case reports 25 24 |
| Liver injury (hepatitis) Often found by routine liver tests before symptoms. See the Liver section. | Not known. The case series cannot show how often it happens. | From no symptoms to liver failure; one death in a US series of ten Liver tests returned to normal in all 11 cases in one series after stopping; four of them also got steroids. In another report the illness worsened after stopping and needed steroids. | Case series and case reports 11 15 17 18 |
| Iron deficiency The authors suggest turmeric binds iron in the gut; animal work is cited. | One case report; no frequency. | Anaemia in the report Haemoglobin and iron tests returned to normal two weeks after stopping turmeric in the report. | Case report 19 24 |
| Kidney stones and oxalate kidney damage The case also involved long-term antibiotics and diarrhoea. | No frequency; one case report and an MSK caution. | Kidney failure in the case report The case report abstract does not describe recovery; MSK says the condition stabilised after stopping. | Case report and reference summary 22 24 |
Liver
This is the main safety concern. NCCIH says highly bioavailable curcumin formulations may harm the liver and that liver damage has been reported. The US DILIN series of 10 cases found mostly hepatocellular injury, a latency of 1 to 4 months and a strong link with the gene variant HLA-B*35:01 (7 of 10 carried it). A pathology series of 11 cases found acute hepatitis in most; all recovered after stopping. In Tuscany, Italy, all 7 cases involved high-bioavailability, high-curcuminoid products, and 23 more cases were found in the literature. MSK also reports liver injury with products that had low curcumin content. Two recent case reports describe injury with piperine-containing turmeric products, one with autoimmune-like hepatitis on re-exposure. 25 11 15 17 18 13 24
How often. No frequency was found. The DILIN authors say cases appear to be rising in the US.
Monitoring. The sources read give no monitoring schedule. NCCIH says to stop the product and talk with a health care provider if there are symptoms of liver damage (fatigue, nausea, poor appetite, dark urine, jaundice). LiverTox could not be opened.
- . 10 US cases; 5 hospitalised; 1 death; 7 of 10 had HLA-B*35:01; 3 of 7 products tested also contained piperine. 11
- . 7 Tuscan cases with high-bioavailability products, plus 23 published cases; 16 of the 23 improved after stopping. 15
- . 11 biopsy-reviewed cases (10 women); probable in 8, possible in 3; liver tests normalised in all after stopping. 17
- . A woman had autoimmune-like hepatitis on restarting the same turmeric and black pepper supplement, worse than the first time. 18
- . A 35-year-old man recovered fully after stopping a turmeric supplement with piperine. 13
This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Curcumin Supplements supports liver health.
Medicines and supplements 7
| With | Why it matters | Importance | Evidence | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warfarin and other blood thinners, antiplatelets prescription | MSK says preclinical studies and a case report suggest turmeric can increase bleeding risk. | MSK advises not to take turmeric supplements with warfarin or other blood thinners. | Preclinical studies and a case report, as summarised by MSK Very low certainty 24 | Ask a doctor or pharmacist before combining. The underlying case report was not opened. |
| Aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen (paracetamol), indomethacin over-the-counter and prescription | MSK says turmeric may lessen their effects. Its professional section cites only lab cell studies for aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen. | Clinical relevance is not known. | Reference summary of lab data Very low certainty 24 | Ask a pharmacist. |
| Chemotherapy (camptothecin, mechlorethamine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, paclitaxel) prescription | In lab breast cancer cell and animal studies, turmeric reduced the effect of several chemotherapy drugs. In a study of 60 breast cancer patients on paclitaxel, concurrent turmeric produced only small, clinically irrelevant changes. One lung cancer patient on paclitaxel had liver toxicity while taking turmeric and a contaminated supplement. | MSK advises talking with providers and lists these drugs as cautions. Clinical relevance is unknown for most. | Lab and animal studies, one study of 60 patients, one case report (MSK) Very low certainty 24 | People having cancer treatment should ask their cancer care team before using turmeric supplements. |
| Tacrolimus (transplant medicine) prescription | Turmeric raised tacrolimus levels in mice; one liver-transplant patient had kidney toxicity while taking a large amount of turmeric, MSK reports. | MSK says curcumin supplements may increase side effects of tacrolimus. | Animal study and one case report (MSK) Very low certainty 24 | Ask the transplant team. |
| Medicines broken down by liver enzymes (CYP3A4, 2D6, 1A2 and others) prescription | Curcumin affects these enzymes in lab studies. MSK says short-term use in healthy volunteers did not produce a clinically relevant interaction, so data conflict. | Not known for most medicines. | Lab studies and one human study (MSK) Very low certainty 24 | Ask a pharmacist. |
| Iron supplements and low iron stores supplement | A case report suggests turmeric may bind iron in the gut and lower absorption. A separate cell study found a branded formulated curcumin raised iron uptake in gut cells, the opposite direction. | Unknown in people; mixed signals. | One case report and one cell study Very low certainty 19 10 | People who are short of iron should ask a doctor before using turmeric supplements. |
| Other medicines and supplements that affect the liver prescription and supplement | In the 23 published cases of turmeric liver injury, most people were also taking at least one other medicine, so the cause could not be separated. | Added liver risk is possible but not shown. | Systematic review of case reports Very low certainty 15 | Tell your doctor about every supplement when liver tests are abnormal. |
Who should check first 8
| Situation | Advice | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Liver disease, or symptoms of liver trouble | NCCIH says to stop turmeric or curcumin products immediately and talk with a health care provider if fatigue, nausea, poor appetite, dark urine or jaundice appear. People with liver conditions should talk with a doctor before use. | Regulator statement 25 |
| Pregnancy | NCCIH says turmeric supplements may be unsafe in pregnancy. A case report described liver injury after high-dose turmeric in pregnancy. | Regulator statement and case report 25 12 |
| Breastfeeding | NCCIH says little is known about whether it is safe to use turmeric in amounts greater than those commonly found in food while breastfeeding. LactMed could not be opened. | Regulator statement 25 |
| Children | No source read gave safety information on curcumin supplements in children. Do not give them to children without a doctor's advice. | No data found |
| Cancer treatment | MSK says to talk with providers about turmeric if getting chemotherapy, because turmeric blocked some chemotherapy drugs in lab experiments. | Reference summary of lab studies 24 |
| Taking blood thinners | MSK says not to take turmeric supplements with warfarin or other blood thinners because of possible bleeding risk. | Reference summary 24 |
| Family history of kidney stones, or past kidney stones | MSK says to talk with providers; turmeric supplements may raise the risk of kidney stones. | Reference summary 24 |
| Allergy to turmeric or curcumin | MSK lists rash and hives as possible side effects, and case reports of allergic skin reactions to curcumin. | Reference summary and case reports 24 |
Overdose, product quality and regulators
Summary. Curcumin from food is not known to be a problem. The concern is concentrated supplements, especially those made to be absorbed well, which have been linked to liver injury. MSK says a death occurred after an intravenous (into the vein) curcumin solution, which is not a supplement route.
Animal. Not reviewed.
High dose or long term signals. NCCIH says conventionally formulated oral turmeric or curcumin (not modified to boost absorption) is likely safe in the recommended amounts for up to 2 or 3 months. That is a regulator statement, not advice. Liver cases mostly began 1 to 4 months after starting (US series).
Overdose response. No overdose information was found in the sources read.
Genotoxicity. Not researched.
NCCIH says oral curcumin products vary in how much curcumin they contain and often have substances from other plants such as piperine. The fatty liver review authors warn that the tested products were not independently checked for adulteration or contamination. A large survey found lead chromate colouring in some turmeric spice in South Asia; supplements were not tested.
Content varies between products. NCCIH says oral curcumin products vary in how much curcumin they contain and often contain other plant substances, such as piperine. 25
Trials did not test product contents. The 2024 fatty liver review says most trials did not independently check the product, so adulteration with drugs or other herbs could not be ruled out. 8
Lead chromate in turmeric spice. In 356 turmeric samples from 23 South Asian cities, 14% had lead above 2 ug/g, and some were above 1000 ug/g, consistent with lead chromate colouring. This was spice, not supplements. No test of supplement capsules was read. 9
A contaminated supplement in a case. MSK reports a lung cancer patient with liver toxicity who was taking turmeric and a contaminated chlorella supplement. 24
| Body | Action | Date |
|---|---|---|
| NCCIH, US National Institutes of Health (United States) | Says many studies exist but there is not enough to conclude turmeric or curcumin helps any health purpose. Says highly bioavailable curcumin formulations may harm the liver; stop and see a provider if liver symptoms appear. Says conventionally formulated oral turmeric or curcumin is likely safe in the recommended amounts for up to 2 or 3 months, that its use in pregnancy may be unsafe, and that little is known about breastfeeding. Notes that dietary supplements are not approved by the FDA before sale. source | 2025-04 |
| Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (About Herbs) (United States) | Lists side effects (belly pain, rash, hives), advises against turmeric supplements with blood thinners, aspirin/ibuprofen/acetaminophen, indomethacin, some chemotherapy drugs and tacrolimus, and advises caution with kidney stones. source | 2026-06-09 |
When to get medical help
- Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools, severe tiredness, nausea or loss of appetite after starting turmeric or curcumin: stop the product and get medical advice straight away (NCCIH).
- Swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, or widespread hives after a turmeric product: get emergency help.
- Unusual bruising, nosebleeds that do not stop, black stools or blood in urine while on a blood thinner: get medical help straight away.
- Severe pain in the side or back, blood in urine, or very little urine: seek medical help (possible kidney stone or kidney problem).
Stop using the product 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 a curcumin supplement?
Is curcumin the same as turmeric?
Does curcumin help knee osteoarthritis?
Reviews report lower pain and stiffness than placebo, and one 12-week trial found a small gain in pain. A 2025 overview found those reviews to be of low quality. The same trial found no change in knee swelling or cartilage. NCCIH calls the evidence positive but says better studies are needed.
Does curcumin help fatty liver?
Can curcumin supplements harm the liver?
Why is black pepper added?
Does curcumin help with depression?
Six short trials (377 people, 4 to 8 weeks) found a small average fall in depression scores compared with placebo. Longer trials are needed. It is not a replacement for treatment.
Does curcumin lower cholesterol or blood sugar?
Does curcumin interact with medicines?
MSK advises not to take turmeric supplements with blood thinners such as warfarin, and lists aspirin, ibuprofen, some chemotherapy drugs and tacrolimus as cautions. Much of this comes from lab studies or single cases. Ask a pharmacist.
Is curcumin safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Is curcumin safe for children?
We found no safety information on curcumin supplements in children. Do not give them to children without a doctor's advice.
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Editorial transparency
- Written by
- AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against the sources listed.
- Medical review
- None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
- First published
- 2026-10-26
- Last substantive update
- 2026-10-26
- How we research
- We started from our existing curcumin summary, read the NCCIH and Memorial Sloan Kettering turmeric pages, and re-read PubMed abstracts for reviews, trials and case reports. Only abstracts were read for studies. LiverTox was blocked and is marked unread.
- 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. Some trials used extracts supplied by the product makers; this is flagged where we found it.
Sources 25
Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.
- Altobelli E, Angeletti PM, Marziliano C, Mastrodomenico M, Giuliani AR, Petrocelli R. Potential Therapeutic Effects of Curcumin on Glycemic and Lipid Profile in Uncomplicated Type 2 Diabetes-A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial.. Nutrients. 2021. PMID 33514002. DOI 10.3390/nu13020404. (abstract)
- Amatto PPG, Chaves L, França SC, Carvalho JCT, Carmona F, Pereira AMS. Efficacy of different pharmaceutical forms of Curcuma longa or curcumin in reducing oral mucositis severity and incidence in cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. Front Pharmacol. 2025. PMID 40242451. DOI 10.3389/fphar.2025.1560729. (abstract)
- Anand P, Kunnumakkara AB, Newman RA, Aggarwal BB. Bioavailability of curcumin: problems and promises.. Mol Pharm. 2007. PMID 17999464. DOI 10.1021/mp700113r. (abstract)
- Aragón-Vela J, Sánchez-Oliver AJ, Huertas JR, Casuso RA. Does curcumin improve liver enzymes levels in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease? A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression.. Phytother Res. 2024. PMID 38965866. DOI 10.1002/ptr.8274. (abstract)
- Chen J, Zhou Q, Yu W, Cao D, Li Y, Chen J, et al.. A critical review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of curcumin for knee osteoarthritis.. Front Pharmacol. 2025. PMID 41560742. DOI 10.3389/fphar.2025.1664319. (abstract)
- Dehzad MJ, Ghalandari H, Amini MR, Askarpour M. 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. 2023. PMID 37230418. DOI 10.1016/j.ctim.2023.102955. (abstract)
- Dehzad MJ, Ghalandari H, Nouri M, Askarpour M. 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. 2023. PMID 36804260. DOI 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156144. (abstract)
- Ebrahimzadeh A, Mohseni S, Safargar M, Mohtashamian A, Niknam S, Bakhoda M, et al.. Curcumin effects on glycaemic indices, lipid profile, blood pressure, inflammatory markers and anthropometric measurements of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.. Complement Ther Med. 2024. PMID 38232906. DOI 10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103025. (abstract)
- Forsyth JE, Mistree D, Nash E, Angrish M, Luby SP. Evidence of turmeric adulteration with lead chromate across South Asia.. Sci Total Environ. 2024. PMID 39053552. DOI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175003. (abstract)
- Gámez-Fernández MM, Tiekou Lorinczova H, Chan SHY, Somavarapu S, Patel VB, Deb SK, et al.. Co-administration of curcumin forms with supplemental iron: a study of effects on iron absorption and intestinal cellular health.. Food Funct. 2025. PMID 40613696. DOI 10.1039/d5fo00658a. (abstract)
- Halegoua-DeMarzio D, Navarro V, Ahmad J, Avula B, Barnhart H, Barritt AS, et al.. Liver Injury Associated with Turmeric-A Growing Problem: Ten Cases from the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network [DILIN].. Am J Med. 2023. PMID 36252717. DOI 10.1016/j.amjmed.2022.09.026. (abstract)
- Haloub K, McNamara E, Yahya RH. An Unusual Case of Dietary-Induced Liver Injury during Pregnancy: A Case Report of Probable Liver Injury due to High-Dose Turmeric Intake and Literature Review.. Case Reports Hepatol. 2024. PMID 38352658. DOI 10.1155/2024/6677960. (abstract)
- Koo N, Kambhampati H, Herman M. Drug-Induced Liver Injury Secondary to Turmeric Supplement Containing Piperine: A Case Report.. Cureus. 2025. PMID 41281037. DOI 10.7759/cureus.95076. (abstract)
- Kou H, Huang L, Jin M, He Q, Zhang R, Ma J. Effect of curcumin on rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. Front Immunol. 2023. PMID 37325651. DOI 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1121655. (abstract)
- Lombardi N, Crescioli G, Maggini V, Ippoliti I, Menniti-Ippolito F, Gallo E, et al.. 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. 2021. PMID 32656820. DOI 10.1111/bcp.14460. (abstract)
- Ng QX, Koh SSH, Chan HW, Ho CYX. Clinical Use of Curcumin in Depression: A Meta-Analysis.. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2017. PMID 28236605. DOI 10.1016/j.jamda.2016.12.071. (abstract)
- Papke DJ, Viveiros K, Zota V, Gill RM, González IA, Misdraji J, et al.. Turmeric supplement-associated hepatitis: a clinicopathological series of 11 cases highlighting pan-lobular and zone 3 injury.. Histopathology. 2025. PMID 39381846. DOI 10.1111/his.15333. (abstract)
- Patel AA, Dargan KK, Formaker P, Romberg C. Recurrent Drug-Induced Autoimmune-like Hepatitis due to Turmeric Supplementation.. J Investig Med High Impact Case Rep. 2026. PMID 42160492. DOI 10.1177/23247096261452814. (abstract)
- Smith TJ, Ashar BH. Iron Deficiency Anemia Due to High-dose Turmeric.. Cureus. 2019. PMID 30899609. DOI 10.7759/cureus.3858. (abstract)
- Wang Z, Jones G, Winzenberg T, Cai G, Laslett LL, Aitken D, et al.. Effectiveness of Curcuma longa Extract for the Treatment of Symptoms and Effusion-Synovitis of Knee Osteoarthritis : A Randomized Trial.. Ann Intern Med. 2020. PMID 32926799. DOI 10.7326/M20-0990. (abstract)
- Wang Z, Winzenberg T, Singh A, Aitken D, Blizzard L, Boesen M, et al.. Effect of Curcuma longa extract on serum inflammatory markers and MRI-based synovitis in knee osteoarthritis: secondary analyses from the CurKOA randomised trial.. Phytomedicine. 2023. PMID 36610110. DOI 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154616. (abstract)
- Washington O, Robinson E, Simh D, Magoo H, Verma A, Rennke H, et al.. Oxalate nephropathy and chronic turmeric supplementation: a case report.. J Bras Nefrol. 2024. PMID 38427579. DOI 10.1590/2175-8239-JBN-2023-0079en. (abstract)
- Zeng L, Yu G, Hao W, Yang K, Chen H. The efficacy and safety of Curcuma longa extract and curcumin supplements on osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. Biosci Rep. 2021. PMID 34017975. DOI 10.1042/BSR20210817. (abstract)
- . Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Turmeric (About Herbs; last updated 9 June 2026). . . (full-text)
- . NCCIH (NIH): Turmeric: Usefulness and Safety (last updated April 2025). . . (full-text)
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
- Turmeric and fish oil can both affect blood thinners; gallbladder and pregnancy cautions apply: ask a pharmacist first
Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before you start any supplement, especially if you take medicines. See the Safety tab for interactions.
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