Plant Part Used
Root/Rhizome
Introduction
The rhizome and root of turmeric has been used for centuries in the Indian medical practice of Ayurveda. Indian practitioners have used turmeric as a tonic for the stomach and liver and as purifier of the blood. Modern research has focused on turmeric’s potential use as an anti-inflammatory.
Interactions and Depletions
Interactions
Dosage Info
Dosage Range
100-300mg (standardized extract), 3 times a day with meals.
Tea: 2 to 3 cups taken between meals using 1 gm herb per cup. (1)
Tincture: 10 to 15 drops, 2 to 3 times daily at a ratio of 1:10. (2)
Most Common Dosage
300mg (standardized extract), 3 times a day with meals.
Tea: 2 cups taken between meals using 1 gm herb per cup.
Tincture: 10 drops, 2 times daily at a ratio of 1:10.
Standardization
[span class=doc]Standardization represents the complete body of information and controls that serve to enhance the batch to batch consistency of a botanical product, including but not limited to the presence of a marker compound at a defined level or within a defined range.[/span]
The most current available medical and scientific literature indicates that this dietary supplement should be standardized to 95% curcuminoids per dose.
Reported Uses
Research suggests that turmeric may have unique anti-inflammatory properties. Scientists think the active components in turmeric, called curcuminoids, may inhibit inflammation in a manner similar to that of conventional drugs like ibuprofen, aspirin and more recently the new Cox-2 inhibitors. (3) , (4) Reseachers add that turmeric may offer fewer side effects than these conventional counterparts.
Turmeric may also be an antioxidant. The active curcuminoids are thought to play a role in limiting damage to the body from free radical oxidation. (5) , (6) , (7)
Further research has suggested that turmeric may be an anti-cancer agent. More specifically, it has been studied for its ability to prevent the growth of tumors in breast cancer patients (8) and the growth of pancreatic cancer cells. (9) Turmeric may also support colon health during colon cancer treatment. (10)
Other studied applications for turmeric include use in treating HIV and use as cholesterol-lowering agent. (11) , (12) Studies have found that it can help lower LDL (the so-called “bad” cholesterol) levels while boosting HDL (the “good” cholesterol) levels. (13)
Toxicities & Precautions
Introduction
[span class=alert]Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects.[/span]
General
This dietary supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines. (14)
If you are planning to have any type of surgery or dental work, stop using this dietary supplement for at least 14 days prior to the procedure.
Health Conditions
If you have a biliary obstruction (15) or a bleeding disorder, such as a peptic ulcer, talk to your doctor before taking this dietary supplement. (16)
Side Effects
Side effects are possible with any dietary supplement. This dietary supplement may cause a upset stomach. (17) Tell your doctor if these side effects become severe or do not go away.
Pregnancy/ Breast Feeding
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects related to fetal development during pregnancy or to infants who are breast-fed. Yet little is known about the use of this dietary supplement while pregnant or breast-feeding. Therefore, it is recommended that you inform your healthcare practitioner of any dietary supplements you are using while pregnant or breast-feeding.
Age Limitations
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Since young children may have undiagnosed allergies or medical conditions, this dietary supplement should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless recommended by a physician.
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References
- PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 2000:776.
- PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 2000:776.
- View Abstract: Ammon HP, et al. Mechanism of Anti-inflammatory Actions of Curcumin and Boswellic Acids. J Ethnopharmacol. 1993;38:113.
- View Abstract: Srivastava V, et al. Effect of Curcumin on Platelet Aggregation and Vascular Prostacyclin Synthesis. Arzneim Forsch/Drug Res. 1986;36:715-17.
- View Abstract: Reddy AC, et al. Effect of Dietary Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Iron-induced Lipid Peroxidation in the Rat Liver. Food Chem Toxicol. Mar1994;32(3):279-83.
- View Abstract: Subramanian M, et al. Diminution of Singlet Oxygen-induced DNA Damage by Curcumin and Related Antioxidants. Mutat Res. Dec1994;311(2):249-55.
- View Abstract: Ruby AJ, et al. Anti-tumour and Antioxidant Activity of Natural Curcuminoids. Cancer Lett. Jul1995;94(1):79-83.
- View Abstract: Mehta K, et al. Antiproliferative Effect of Curcumin (Diferuloylmethane) against Human Breast Tumor Cell Line. Anticancer Drugs. Jun1997;8(5):470-81.
- View Abstract: Hidaka H, Ishiko T, Furuhashi T, Kamohara H, Suzuki S, Miyazaki M, et al. Curcumin inhibits interleukin 8 production and enhances interleukin 8 receptor expression on the cell surface:impact on human pancreatic carcinoma cell growth by autocrine regulation. Cancer. Sep2002;95(6):1206-14.
- View Abstract: Kawamori T, et al. Chemopreventive Effect of Curcumin, A Naturally Occurring Anti-inflammatory Agent, During the Promotion/Progression Stages of Colon Cancer. Cancer Res. Feb1999;59(3):597-601.
- View Abstract: Mazumder A, et al. Inhibition of Human Immunodefficiency Virus Type-I Integrase by Curcumin. Biochem. Pharmacol. 1995;49(11):1165-70.
- View Abstract: Barthelemy S, et al. Curcumin and Curcumin Derivatives Inhibit Tat-mediated Transactivation of Type 1 Human Immunodeficiency Virus Long Terminal Repeat. Res Virol. Jan1998;149(1):43-52.
- View Abstract: Soni KB, et al. Effect of Oral Curcumin Administration on Serum Peroxides and Cholesterol Levels in Human Volunteers. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. Oct1992;36(4):273-75.
- Bhavani Shankar TN, et al. Toxicity Studies on Turmeric: Acute Toxicity Studies in Rats, Guinea Pigs and Monkeys. Ind J Exp Biol. 1980;18:73.
- Snow JM. Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae). Protocol Journal of Botanical Medicine. 1995;1(2):43-46.
- View Abstract: Heck AM, et al. Potential interactions between alternative therapies and warfarin. Am J Health Syst Pharm. Jul2000;57(13):1221-7.
- PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 2000:776.
