Turmeric Extract

Turmeric extract is a source of curcuminoids, a group of compounds that includes curcumin, the major component that gives turmeric its yellow colour; the possible health effects of turmeric are commonly attributed to them. It is made from the rhizome (underground stem) of turmeric, Curcuma longa, and used in dietary supplements.

Absorption

Curcumin products vary in how much curcumin they actually contain, and they often contain substances from other plants, such as piperine from black pepper; combining curcumin with piperine is one way to improve how well the body absorbs it.

Research

Many studies have looked at turmeric or curcumin for fatty liver disease, osteoarthritis and high cholesterol, but it is not known whether they are beneficial for any health purpose. For osteoarthritis, in particular knee pain and stiffness, the first evidence is positive, but higher-quality studies are needed.

For the dried rhizome itself, a 1999 monograph of the World Health Organization (WHO) is more positive about one application: it names the treatment of acid, flatulent or sluggish indigestion (dyspepsia) as its main use supported by clinical data.

Safety

Ordinary turmeric or curcumin products are likely safe in the recommended amounts for up to 2 or 3 months. Formulations made to be better absorbed may harm the liver: liver damage has been reported in some people who took them. Signs of liver damage include tiredness, nausea, poor appetite, dark urine and jaundice. Anyone who notices them should stop turmeric or curcumin products at once and see a doctor.

Turmeric supplements may be unsafe in pregnancy, and little is known about the safety of amounts larger than those in food while breastfeeding. As a medicine, turmeric should not be used when the bile ducts are blocked, and with gallstones only after consulting a doctor.

Products containing it

• Curcumin with oleuropein capsules (D 210)