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Overview: Turmeric is a spice that comes from the underground stem (rhizome) of the plant Curcuma longa, a member of the ginger family. It is sold as an over-the-counter dietary supplement, most often as capsules, tablets, and powders. People often take turmeric for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and to help with joint pain from osteoarthritis. Turmeric is also used for digestive complaints, blood sugar, metabolic health, and many other conditions, but the benefits for most of these uses are not well defined. Turmeric is generally well tolerated. Its most common side effects are mild digestive symptoms. Liver problems have been reported very rarely. Before taking turmeric, tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have and any medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is turmeric used for?

Turmeric is a spice made from the rhizome (underground stem) of the plant Curcuma longa. Turmeric supplements are commonly used for the following reasons.

  • Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This is one of the better-studied effects of turmeric.
  • Joint pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis, such as osteoarthritis of the knee or hip. This is one of the more studied uses.
  • Digestive complaints (such as upset stomach), as well as blood sugar and metabolic health, including as part of an approach to type 2 diabetes. Some studies suggest possible benefits, but these uses are not well defined.

Turmeric is also used for many other purposes, such as skin conditions, mood, heart and cholesterol health, cancer, dental health, and general wellness. The benefits of turmeric for these and other uses are not well defined.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed turmeric for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does turmeric work (mechanism of action)?

Turmeric is a spice made from the rhizome (the thick underground stem) of the plant Curcuma longa, which belongs to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). The bright yellow-orange color of turmeric comes from a group of chemicals called curcuminoids. The three main curcuminoids are curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Curcumin is the most studied one and is thought to be most responsible for turmeric's effects. Turmeric has a long history of use as a food, tea, coloring agent, and traditional medicine.

Researchers believe curcumin works mainly by lowering inflammation and acting as an antioxidant. Lab studies show that curcumin can block signals causing inflammation and lower the production of inflammatory messengers. As an antioxidant, it helps protect cells from damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals. In clinical studies, turmeric and curcumin lowered blood markers of inflammation, including C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and improved measures of antioxidant activity. These effects are thought to explain why turmeric is used for conditions such as osteoarthritis.

Because curcumin is poorly absorbed by the body, only small amounts reach the bloodstream when turmeric is taken by mouth; the body quickly breaks curcumin down and clears it. To improve absorption, many products use special formulations (such as micelle, colloidal, or phytosome preparations) or add black pepper extract (piperine), which can slow how fast the body clears curcumin. Studies show that these formulations can raise the amount of curcumin that reaches the blood, sometimes by a large amount. Because absorption depends so much on the product, the effects of one turmeric product may differ from another.

For its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, turmeric is among the better-studied supplements. For many of its other uses, the evidence in people is limited, conflicting, or based mainly on lab research, so the benefits are not well defined.

Herbal products such as turmeric naturally contain many chemicals, such as curcuminoids. The amounts of each chemical in a specific turmeric product may vary. Different amounts of curcuminoids may change the effects of turmeric on the body. Some turmeric dietary supplements are made to contain a set amount of these substances, but others only contain curcuminoids.

How should I store turmeric?

You should store turmeric according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of turmeric?

The most common side effects of turmeric are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Upset stomach or stomach pain
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea or loose stools
  • Constipation
  • Gas

There may be other side effects of turmeric that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of turmeric?

While less common, the most serious side effects of turmeric are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Turmeric may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking turmeric and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Liver Problems. Liver problems have been rarely reported in people taking turmeric supplements. In most reported cases, liver injury developed after about one to four months of use and usually got better after the person stopped taking the product. Rare cases of severe liver injury have been reported. Stop taking turmeric and get medical help right away if you have symptoms of a liver problem, such as the following.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use turmeric?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take turmeric.

  • Curcuma longa
  • Curcumin
  • Curcuminoids
  • Turmeric 
  • Plants in the ginger (Zingiberaceae) family
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific turmeric products they stock.

What should I know about turmeric before using it?

Turmeric is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Turmeric is available in several forms. Common forms include capsules, tablets, softgels, and powders. Many products are standardized extracts that list an amount of curcuminoids. Some products add black pepper extract (piperine) or use special formulations to improve absorption. Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

If you use turmeric powder, read the label for the recommended dose, usually measured by scoop or weight in grams. Turmeric powder can also be added to food or drinks.

Turmeric used as a spice in food is generally considered safe. The amounts used in supplements are usually higher than the amounts used in food, and less is known about the long-term safety of high doses.

Keep turmeric out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as turmeric, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific turmeric product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year it was harvested, and the way the plant was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

The FDA has not tested turmeric products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using turmeric?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if turmeric is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Liver Problems. Liver injury has been reported very rarely in people taking turmeric or curcuminoid supplements. If you have a history of liver disease or liver problems, talk to your health care provider before taking turmeric.

Gallbladder Problems. Turmeric may increase the flow of bile and cause the gallbladder to contract. If you have gallstones or another gallbladder problem, talk to your health care provider before taking turmeric.

Diabetes or Blood Sugar Problems. Turmeric may lower blood sugar. If you have diabetes or take medicine to control your blood sugar, talk to your health care provider before taking turmeric, as your blood sugar may need to be watched more closely.

Bleeding or Upcoming Surgery. Turmeric may slow blood clotting. If you have a bleeding disorder, take a blood thinner, or are scheduled for surgery, talk to your health care provider before taking turmeric. You may need to stop taking it before a planned procedure.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Before taking turmeric, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Turmeric used in the small amounts found in food is generally considered safe. There is not enough reliable information to know if the larger amounts found in supplements could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Turmeric used in the small amounts found in food is generally considered safe. It is not known if turmeric passes into breast milk. There is not enough reliable information to know if the larger amounts found in supplements are safe to use while breastfeeding. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does turmeric interact with foods or drinks?

There are no well-established interactions between turmeric and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect turmeric.

Does turmeric interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using so they can watch for any potential interactions.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking turmeric.

  • A medicine for diabetes
  • A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
  • An antiplatelet medicine, such as aspirin/dipyridamole, cilostazol, clopidogrel (Plavix), or ticagrelor (Brilinta), which is a medicine used to prevent blood clots
  • A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which is in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever

Also let your health care provider know if you take turmeric products that contain black pepper extract (piperine) because piperine may change how the body handles some medicines.

The interactions between turmeric and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with turmeric is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking turmeric with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much turmeric?

If you or someone else has used too much turmeric, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Turmeric is available in many forms, such as capsules, tablets, softgels, and powders. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take turmeric safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.