Turmeric: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
Indian Saffron
Scientific name(s)
Curcuma longa
Family or group:
Plants, Super Food
Active ingredients:
Curcumin
Sesquiterpenes
Curcuminoids
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Depression ✪✪✪✪✪
Analysis of data from six clinical studies shows that daily intake of curcumin with an antidepressant moderately improves depression symptoms compared to placebo in patients with major depressive disorder. The effect of curcumin appears to be more significant in middle-aged patients than in older patients, and when taken at a dose of 1g per day for at least 6 weeks, compared to lower doses and shorter periods. Turmeric has been used at 500 mg twice a day, alone or with fluoxetine, for 6-8 weeks. More recently the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) and the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) Taskforce indicate that curcumin extract at doses of 500 to 1000 mg per day is provisionally recommended as monotherapy or adjunct treatment in cases of mild to moderate depression.
Posologie
Oral: rhizome, root
1 g
8 - weeks
Adults
standardized extract
Efficacy and safety of curcumin in major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled trial.
The Role of Curcumin Administration in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: Mini Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials.
The efficacy and acceptability of curcumin for the treatment of depression or depressive symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Chronic Supplementation of Curcumin Enhances the Efficacy of Antidepressants in Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study.
Osteoarthritis ✪✪✪✪✪
Curcumin supplementation has led to a notable and consistent reduction in osteoarthritis symptoms in various studies. Among the symptoms of osteoarthritis, turmeric appears to be more effective for pain reduction and improved functionality, but less effective for stiffness improvement. In most clinical studies, 500 mg of turmeric extract was used orally for 1 to 3 months per day. In some studies, lower doses of turmeric extract at 90 mg twice a day for 8 weeks have been used. The dosage greatly depends on the formulation used. A meta-analysis of recent clinical research shows that benefits are limited to bio-optimized forms of curcuminoids, and benefits related to pure extracts remain very limited.
Posologie
Oral: rhizome, root
180 - 500 mg
3 - months
Seniors
standardized extract
Safety and efficacy of Curcuma longa extract in the treatment of painful knee osteoarthritis: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.
Efficacy and safety of curcuminoids alone in alleviating pain and dysfunction for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Short-term effects of highly-bioavailable curcumin for treating knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled prospective study.
Efficacy and safety of Curcuma domestica extracts in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Product-evaluation registry of Meriva®, a curcumin-phosphatidylcholine complex, for the complementary management of osteoarthritis.
Efficacy and safety of Meriva®, a curcumin-phosphatidylcholine complex, during extended administration in osteoarthritis patients.
Efficacy and safety of curcumin and its combination with boswellic acid in osteoarthritis: a comparative, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Efficacy and safety of Curcuma domestica extracts compared with ibuprofen in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a multicenter study.
Hepatic Steatosis ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research shows that daily intake of curcumin reduces the severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Indeed, curcumin lowers liver enzyme levels and reduces the severity of steatosis in 75% to 78.9% of patients, compared to 4.7% to 27.5% of patients receiving a placebo. Curcumin also reduces additional fat deposits in the liver. Curcumin also reduces body mass index (BMI), blood glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides in adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, compared to placebo. A dose of 70 mg of curcumin per day for 8 weeks has been used.
Posologie
Oral: rhizome, root
70 mg
8 - weeks
Adults
standardized extract
Efficacy and Safety of Phytosomal Curcumin in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Treatment of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease with Curcumin: A Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial.
Does turmeric/curcumin supplementation improve serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Curcumin and Piperine Combination for the Treatment of Patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Digestion Disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
Turmeric is indicated for dyspeptic disorders: bloating, difficult digestion... Some clinical research shows that taking 500 mg of turmeric orally four times a day for 7 days can relieve dyspepsia symptoms in 64% more patients compared to placebo. Other studies have shown that for patients suffering from functional dyspepsia, curcumin seems as effective as omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor.
Posologie
Oral: rhizome, root
2 g
7 - days
Adults
standardized extract
Randomized double blind study of Curcuma domestica Val. for dyspepsia.
Effect of Curcumin on Severity of Functional Dyspepsia: a Triple Blinded Clinical Trial
Curcuma longa Linn versus omeprazole in treatment of functional dyspepsia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Curcumin and proton pump inhibitors for functional dyspepsia: a randomised, double blind controlled trial
Arthritis ✪✪✪✪✪
Compared to conventional anti-inflammatories, curcumin (1,200 mg per day) has proven to be as effective as phenylbutazone in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. As for turmeric, doses of 2 g per day for 6 weeks produced effects comparable to ibuprofen (800 mg per day) on people with osteoarthritis. Good results have also been obtained with curcumin (200 mg per day for 8 months) coupled with phosphatidylcholine to improve its absorption by the body.
Posologie
Oral: rhizome, root
200 - 2000 mg
8 - months
Adults
standardized extract
Efficacy and Safety of Curcuma Domestica Extracts in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis
Preliminary Study on Antirheumatic Activity of Curcumin (Diferuloyl Methane)
Efficacy and Safety of Meriva®, a Curcumin-Phosphatidylcholine Complex, During Extended Administration in Osteoarthritis Patients
Dyslipidemia ✪✪✪✪✪
A clinical trial showed that taking 0.7 g of turmeric extract twice daily for 3 months reduced total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides compared to a placebo group in individuals aged 15 to 45 years. However, the results of other clinical studies show inconsistent and contradictory results. Indeed, an analysis of data from 7 clinical studies shows that taking turmeric, curcumin, or curcuminoids moderately reduces LDL cholesterol and triglycerides but does not improve total cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol compared to placebo. Another analysis of data from 20 clinical studies shows that taking turmeric or curcuminoids reduces triglycerides and increases HDL cholesterol compared to placebo; however, there is no significant effect on LDL or total cholesterol. Yet another more recent meta-analysis of ten clinical trials shows that daily intake of 2400 mg of curcumin or curcuminoids from turmeric for 12 weeks does not significantly improve triglyceride levels, LDL, HDL, or total cholesterol. Overall, most research shows that turmeric or curcuminoids may reduce triglycerides, but the effects on other lipid parameters are inconclusive. This disparity in results might be attributable to the different formulations studied or the initial cholesterol levels of the patients included in the research.
Posologie
Oral route: rhizome, root
1.4 g
3 - months
Adults
standardized extract
Efficacy and safety of turmeric and curcumin in lowering blood lipid levels in patients with cardiovascular risk factors: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Effect of turmeric (Curcuma longa) on overweight hyperlipidemic subjects: Double blind study.
Curcumin and blood lipid levels: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials
The Role of Curcumin Administration in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: Mini Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials.
Oxidative stress ✪✪✪✪✪
Curcumin might play a significant antioxidant role by reducing signs of oxidative stress and increasing the body's native antioxidant activity. Additionally, turmeric has shown its effectiveness in countering inflammatory phenomena, its interest in fighting aging factors, and its potential as a neuroprotector.
Posologie
Oral route: rhizome, root
1.5 g
Adults
standardized extract
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
Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials of 4 Weeks or Longer Suggest That Curcumin May Afford Some Protection Against Oxidative Stress
Rheumatoid arthritis ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research has shown that turmeric can reduce certain symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including pain, morning stiffness, walking time, and joint swelling compared to baseline values. Turmeric has been used at doses of 250 to 500 mg twice a day for 8 weeks to 3 months.
Posologie
Oral route: rhizome, root
500 - 1200 mg
3 - months
Adults
standardized extract
Type 2 diabetes ✪✪✪✪✪
Overall, studies tend to show that turmeric and its components used for at least 8 weeks improve glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), but not significantly insulin resistance, compared to a placebo or conventional treatment. A meta-analysis of low-to-moderate quality clinical research on various patient populations shows that taking turmeric extracts, curcumin, or curcuminoids reduces fasting blood glucose and modestly improves HbA1c in patients with type 2 diabetes, compared to a placebo. The studies evaluated in this meta-analysis are heterogeneous and provided curcuminoids at doses ranging from 46 to 1500 mg per day for 1 to 9 months.
Posologie
Oral route: rhizome, root
1.5 g
9 - months
Adults
standardized extract
The Effects of Curcumin on Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review
Turmeric and curcuminoids ameliorate disorders of glycometabolism among subjects with metabolic diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Potential Therapeutic Effects of Curcumin on Glycemic and Lipid Profile in Uncomplicated Type 2 Diabetes-A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial
The Effects of Nano-curcumin on Metabolic Status in Patients With Diabetes on Hemodialysis, a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-controlled Trial
Curcumin extract for prevention of type 2 diabetes.
Effect of Curcumin on Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials
Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases ✪✪✪✪✪
Turmeric is indicated for gastrointestinal inflammations based on long traditional use. Some clinical studies show that taking curcumin at a minimum of 1 g per day for two months can reduce stools, diarrhea, and abdominal pain in patients with Crohn's disease. A recent meta-analysis of small clinical studies in patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis shows that adding oral curcumin 0.5 to 3 g per day to standard treatment for 1 to 6 months can improve clinical remission rates compared to placebo.
Posologie
Oral route: rhizome, root
1 - 3 g
3 - months
Adults
standardized extract
Irritable bowel syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
Turmeric extract is promising in the symptomatic treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to several studies. In this study, 207 volunteers with irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed according to Rome II criteria were randomly given 72 mg or 144 mg of turmeric per day or a placebo for 8 weeks. The group receiving the lowest dose (72 mg/day) experienced a significant 53% decrease in irritable bowel symptoms, while the highest treatment (144 mg/day) resulted in a 60% decrease compared to placebo. Another study in adults with IBS with a Rome III diagnosis showed that taking two capsules per day containing 42 mg of curcumin and 25 mg of fennel essential oil, for 30 days improves abdominal pain and quality of life compared to placebo. A systematic review of studies addressing the treatment of IBS with turmeric or curcumin indicates that they may help address digestive disorders, particularly irritable bowel syndrome.
Posologie
Oral route: rhizome, root
72 - 500 mg
8 - weeks
Adults
standardized extract
Synergies
Curcumin and Fennel Essential Oil Improve Symptoms and Quality of Life in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Turmeric extract may improve irritable bowel syndrome symptomology in otherwise healthy adults: a pilot study.
Premenstrual syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
A clinical study showed that taking 100 mg of curcumin twice a day for 7 days before menstruation and 3 days after menstruation, for 3 consecutive cycles, results in a clinically significant improvement in physical, behavioral, and mood symptoms, compared to placebo. However, other studies have not found significant improvements.
Posologie
Oral route: rhizome, root
200 mg
3 - months
Women
standardized extract
Metabolic syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research in patients with metabolic syndrome shows that taking turmeric in the form of curcumin extract at 1.9 to 2.4 g per day for 2 to 3 months decreases low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol compared to placebo. However, taking turmeric does not appear to affect weight, blood pressure, glucose, triglycerides, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in these patients.
Posologie
Oral route: rhizome, root
1.9 - 2.4 g
3 - months
Adults
standardized extract
Gastric ulcer ✪✪✪✪✪
In vitro and animal studies indicate that turmeric has protective effects on the gastric mucosa and that it may destroy or inhibit the Helicobacter pylori bacterium, responsible for most gastric and duodenal ulcers. Clinically, studies are rare and their results still inconclusive. However, in one study conducted without a placebo, the healing rate was 75% with doses of 3 g of turmeric per day for 12 weeks. It is recommended to use turmeric as an adjunct treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection.
Posologie
Oral route: rhizome, root
3 g
12 - weeks
Adults
standardized extract
Comparative Antiulcer Effect of Bisdemethoxycurcumin and Curcumin in a Gastric Ulcer Model System
Curcuma Longa Linn. In the Treatment of Gastric Ulcer Comparison to Liquid Antacid: A Controlled Clinical Trial
Antimicrobial Activity of Curcumin Against Helicobacter Pylori Isolates From India and During Infections in Mice
Phase II Clinical Trial on Effect of the Long Turmeric (Curcuma Longa Linn) on Healing of Peptic Ulcer
Cognitive decline ✪✪✪✪✪
In a 6-month double-blind controlled trial conducted in people aged 50 and over with memory decline, 1 or 4 g of curcumin per day (vs. placebo) were examined. According to MMSE (Mini Mental State Examination) measurements, a 1.3-point increase in the rating scale in the placebo group (indicating cognitive decline) seems to have been mitigated in the groups taking curcumin, although the decline was not reversed. A more recent meta-analysis of three small clinical trials shows that curcumin modestly improves cognition in older adults.
Posologie
Oral route: rhizome, root
1 - 4 g
6 - months
Seniors
standardized extract
Curcumin intervention for cognitive function in different types of people: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Six-month randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, pilot clinical trial of curcumin in patients with Alzheimer disease.
Properties
Anti-inflammatory
Many compounds of turmeric have anti-inflammatory effects mainly via volatile compounds like germacrone (sesquiterpene isolated from volatile oils). These beneficial effects are shown both in vitro and in vivo, in response to acute or chronic inflammations. During acute infections, the most frequently invoked mechanism is the one involving prostaglandins, whose secretion is significantly decreased. The active compounds of turmeric also inhibit, during inflammations, trypsin, and hyaluronidase, which are essential for the development of certain inflammations, especially joint ones. In chronic inflammation, a number of anti-inflammatory properties have been proposed following studies conducted in animals and humans: inhibition of phospholipases, lipo-oxygenases, leukotrienes, thromboxanes, prostaglandins, collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase… as well as an action on the generation of nitric oxide (NO). Regarding NO, curcuminoids inhibit the transformation of NO into peroxynitrite and nitrite, thus avoiding the deleterious effects of these metabolites at the vascular and cellular DNA level. Furthermore, curcuminoids inhibit platelet aggregation and slow down the production of platelet thromboxane.
Usages associés
Antibacterial
Turmeric possesses antimicrobial properties. Indeed, turmeric or its curcuminoid constituents appear to have activity against certain bacteria, including E. coli, Yersinia enterocolitica, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Helicobacter pylori, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Usages associés
Antioxidant
Curcuminoids are electron donors, thus ensuring the neutralization of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Curcuminoids notably exert protection against lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, curcuminoids have an indirect action on ROS which operates at various levels: - Activation of protein kinase C and regulation of intracellular calcium, resulting in inhibition of ROS production. - Inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase, preventing the incorporation of ROS into polyunsaturated fatty acids. - Inhibition of the conversion of xanthine dehydrogenase/xanthine oxidase, thereby inhibiting the production of the superoxide ion. - Modulation of superoxide dismutase expression, associated with the regulation of oxidative stress at the cardiac and renal level.
Usages associés
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
Antidepressant
In humans, the antidepressant effects of curcumin were linked to a decrease in inflammatory cytokine levels and an increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF, a protein that acts on certain neurons of the central and peripheral nervous system. BDNF is involved in the survival of existing neurons and encourages the growth and differentiation of new neurons and synapses). The antidepressant effect of curcumin is also due to the decrease in cortisol levels and the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. On the other hand, in vitro and animal studies suggest that the antidepressant effects of turmeric extract come from its ability to inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and possibly MAO B, resulting in an increase in serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels. Curcumin, a component of turmeric, also seems to increase the activity of adenylate cyclase and the concentration of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), which has been associated with antidepressant effects.
Usages associés
Cardiovascular
Turmeric slows down the process behind atherosclerosis in the arterial system by decreasing in vivo aortic lipid deposits and blood levels of peroxidized lipids. In vitro, turmeric can protect against myocardial infarction by reducing inflammatory cytokines and extracellular matrix proteases. Other cardiovascular effects induced by turmeric in vitro include blood pressure reduction, vaso-relaxation, antithrombotic effect, and improvement of endothelial function. On the other hand, curcumin may have antithrombotic effects. Research suggests it could inhibit platelet aggregation, the platelet-activating factor, and arachidonic acid, possibly by interfering with thromboxane synthesis.
Hepatoprotective
In cases of hepatic aggression, curcumin has a major protective role by activating antioxidant enzymatic systems in the liver: superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and transferase. Moreover, curcumin limits iron-induced oxidation.
Usages associés
Analgesic
It has been demonstrated that turmeric and its constituents, administered orally, alleviate pain, but the exact mechanism of action is not yet clear.
Digestive Effect
With daily administration, turmeric induces at the stomach level: - An increase in gastrin secretion. - Inhibition of ulcer formation induced by different stress factors: alcohol, indomethacin, etc. At the gallbladder level: - A choleretic, cholagogue, and preventive action of gallstone formation. At the pancreas level: - An increase in the activity of pancreatic lipases and amylases, trypsin, and chymotrypsin. At the gastrointestinal tract level: - An antispasmodic action.
Usages associés
Antiparasitic
Animal models have shown that curcumin can have activity against the protozoans Leishmania amazonensis, Toxoplasma gondii, Schistosomiasis mansoni, Giardia lamblia, and Plasmodium. In vitro evidence suggests that curcumin has antiparasitic activity against Cryptosporidium parvum.
Hypolipidemic
Through its antioxidant action, turmeric reduces lipid peroxidation induced by chemical molecules (carbon tetrachloride, paraquat, and cyclophosphamide). In humans, ingestion of an alcoholic extract of turmeric for 30 days: - lowers LDL cholesterol (Low Density Lipoprotein) levels by 62% and ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) by 83%. - increases HDL cholesterol (High Density Lipoprotein) levels by 72% and ApoA by 25%.
Usages associés
Hypoglycemic
It has been found that curcumin can increase insulin sensitivity and secretion in insulin-resistant individuals. However, several clinical studies have shown that the decrease in blood glucose is weak and inconsistent overall. The decrease in blood glucose is probably significant in subjects with type 2 diabetes.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 1500 mg - 3000 mg
The dosage largely depends on the formulation used. Due to its low bioavailability, multiple approaches have been developed over the years. Three generations of formulations can be identified: 1. First Generation: these formulations use adjuvants like piperine to enhance absorption and reduce the metabolism of curcumin. However, there is a possibility of interactions with other medications and side effects associated with piperine. Examples: curcumin-piperine, BCM-95, Cureit. 2. Second Generation: these formulations use emulsifiers (liposomes, nanoparticles...) to increase the solubility and absorption of curcumin. Examples: BioCurc, Cavacurcumin, CurcuWIN, Hydrocurc, Meriva, Nanocurcumin, Novasol, Theracurmin, Turmipure Gold. 3. Third Generation: This generation focuses on the availability of free forms (non-conjugated) of curcumin, improving bioavailability and cellular permeability, without using artificial emulsifiers. Examples: Longvida, CurQfen. Third-generation formulations are potentially safer due to the absence of emulsifiers. They have demonstrated superior absorption, better blood-brain barrier permeability, better cell uptake, and better tissue distribution. Compared to pure curcumin, they have over 100 times superior bioavailability.
Interactions
Médicaments
Antiplatelet/Anticoagulant: moderate interaction
In vitro, turmeric has antiplatelet effects. However, human research results are contradictory. Effectively, an increase in the INR (International Normalized Ratio, which describes the effectiveness of an anticoagulant treatment from the vitamin K antagonist family) has been noted. Moreover, another study showed that a full dietary supplement containing broccoli powder, turmeric powder, whole pomegranate fruit powder, and green tea extract over 6 months does not affect INR in patients taking warfarin. Similarly, the combination of 500 mg of curcumin with 100 mg of aspirin does not appear to increase antiplatelet effects.
Anticancer drugs: moderate interaction
Research results are contradictory. Indeed, one study showed that curcumin in vitro inhibits up to 71% the apoptosis of breast cancer cells induced by camptothecin, and up to 65% the apoptosis of breast cancer cells induced by doxorubicin. However, other in vitro research shows that curcumin can increase the cytotoxic effects of camptothecin and doxorubicin. This discrepancy may be related to the dose of curcumin administered and the exposure time. In humans, the effect of curcumin on the cytotoxicity of camptothecin and doxorubicin is unknown. Furthermore, using an in vivo breast cancer model in women, it was discovered that dietary curcumin supplementation significantly inhibited tumor regression induced by cyclophosphamide. However, further research has shown that curcumin can increase the cytotoxicity of cyclophosphamide.
Antidiabetic: low interaction
Some animal research suggests that curcumin may lower blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c in diabetic patients. On the other hand, pharmacokinetic research has shown that taking 475 mg of curcumin per day for 10 days followed by 5 mg of glyburide resulted in a 12% increase in blood glyburide concentration 2 hours after dosing, but the maximum blood concentration did not change. Additionally, the combination of curcumin and glyburide slightly reduced postprandial blood glucose over a maximum duration of 24h compared to glyburide alone. Antidiabetics include: sulfonylureas (AMARYL, DAONIL, DIAMICRON, etc.), glinides (NOVONORM, REPAGLINIDE), alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (such as acarbose), and drugs that work via incretins (DPP-4 inhibitors and GLP-1 analogs), insulin, and others.
Cytochrome P450 Substrate: moderate interaction
In vitro and in animals, turmeric inhibits cytochrome P450 3A4. Literature reports a case of a patient who underwent a transplant and was taking tacrolimus (an immunosuppressive treatment used orally and injectable mainly in organ transplants), who experienced acute nephrotoxicity with an increased tacrolimus level at 29 mg/l (even though she had levels within the therapeutic range), following the intake of turmeric powder with 15 spoons or more per day. It was believed that turmeric increased the level of tacrolimus by inhibiting cytochrome P450 3A4. Theoretically, turmeric could increase the level of other drugs that are metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4. Drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 include calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, nicardipine, verapamil), anticancer drugs (etoposide, paclitaxel, vinblastine, vindesine), antifungal agents (ketoconazole, itraconazole), fentanyl (Sublimaze), lidocaine (Xylocaine), losartan (Cozaar), fexofenadine (Allegra), midazolam (Versed) and others.
Estrogens: mild interaction
In vitro research has shown that curcumin competitively displaces the binding of estrogen to its receptors. Thus, theoretically, the use of large amounts of curcumin could affect hormone replacement therapy.
P-glycoprotein substrates: mild interaction
In vitro and animal studies have shown that curcuminoids and other constituents of turmeric can inhibit the activity of P-glycoprotein (a protein that acts as a pump capable of expelling, using energy supplied by ATP, specific substrates that can be endogen molecules or exogenous xenobiotic substances), thus promoting the absorption of P-glycoprotein substrates. These substrates include certain chemotherapeutic agents (etoposide, paclitaxel, vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine), antifungal agents (ketoconazole, itraconazole), protease inhibitors (amprenavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir) and calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, verapamil), digoxin, corticosteroids, erythromycin, cisapride (Propulsid), fexofenadine (Allegra), cyclosporine, loperamide (Imodium), quinidine, etc.
Talinolol: moderate interaction
Preliminary human research shows that taking curcumin for 6 days before taking a single dose of 50 mg of talinolol may reduce the bioavailability of the latter.
Sulfasalazine: moderate interaction
Clinical evidence has shown that curcumin taken at therapeutic doses in humans can increase sulfasalazine blood levels by 3.2 times.
Norfloxacin: mild interaction
Animal research indicates that curcumin may increase blood levels of orally administered norfloxacin and its side effects. But this interaction has not been proven in humans.
Plantes ou autres actifs
Turmeric: mild interaction
In vitro and animal studies suggest that curcumin or turmeric can bind to iron and prevent its absorption. This does not appear to occur in humans when turmeric is used at doses commonly found in food. However, theoretically, high doses of curcumin or turmeric may decrease iron absorption.
Precautions
Breastfeeding women: avoid
Data is insufficient to assess the safety of turmeric during breastfeeding.
Gallstones: use with caution
Turmeric causes contraction of the gallbladder. Use with caution in patients with gallstones.
Bleeding disorder: use with caution
Turmeric may increase bleeding and bruising risk due to its antiplatelet effect. Use with caution in patients with bleeding disorders.
Iron deficiency: use with caution
The use of turmeric at commonly found food doses does not seem to reduce iron absorption. However, animal and in vitro studies show that high levels of curcumin may chelate iron and reduce its absorption. Use with caution in case of anemia due to iron deficiency.
Contraindications
Surgical intervention: prohibited
Turmeric may slow blood clotting. This effect can lead to increased bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking turmeric at least two weeks before surgery.
Pregnant women: prohibited
When used orally at medicinal doses during pregnancy, turmeric may trigger menstruation or stimulate the uterus, thereby jeopardizing the pregnancy.
