Turmeric 

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb turmeric—common 

names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. 

Turmeric, a shrub related to ginger, is grown throughout India, other parts of 

Asia, and Africa. Known for its warm, bitter taste and golden color, turmeric is 

commonly used in fabric dyes and foods such as curry powders, mustards, and 

cheeses. It should not be confused with Javanese turmeric. 

Common Names—turmeric, turmeric root, Indian saffron 

Latin Name—Curcuma longa 

What It Is Used For 

•	 In traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric has been 

used to aid digestion and liver function, relieve arthritis pain, and regulate 

menstruation. 

•	 Turmeric has also been applied directly to the skin for eczema and 

wound healing. 

•	 Today, turmeric is used for conditions such as heartburn, stomach ulcers, 

and gallstones. It is also used to reduce inflammation, as well as to prevent 

and treat cancer. 

How It Is Used 

Turmeric’s finger-like underground stems (rhizomes) are dried and taken by 

mouth as a powder or in capsules, teas, or liquid extracts. Turmeric can also be 

made into a paste and used on the skin. 

What the Science Says 

•	 There is little reliable evidence to support the use of turmeric for any health 

condition because few clinical trials have been conducted. 

•	 Preliminary findings from animal and laboratory studies suggest that a chemical 

found in turmeric—called curcumin—may have anti-inflammatory and 

anticancer properties, but these findings have not been confirmed in people. 

•	 NCCAM-funded investigators are studying the active chemicals in turmeric 

and their effects—particularly anti-inflammatory effects—in people to better 

understand how turmeric might be used for health purposes. 

Side Effects and Cautions 

•	 Turmeric is considered safe for most adults. 

•	 High doses or long-term use of turmeric may cause indigestion. 
 

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•	 In animals, high doses of turmeric have caused liver problems. No cases of liver problems 

have been reported in people. 

•	 People with gallbladder disease should avoid using turmeric as a dietary supplement, as it 

may worsen the condition. 

•	 Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you 

use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure 

coordinated and safe care. 

Sources 

Turmeric. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on 

December 27, 2006. 

Turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) and curcumin. Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at 

http://www.naturalstandard.com on December 28, 2006. 

Turmeric root. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. 

Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:379-384. 

For More Information 

Visit the NCCAM Web site at nccam.nih.gov and view: 

•	 What’s in the Bottle? An Introduction to Dietary Supplements at nccam.nih.gov/health/bottle/ 

•	 Herbal Supplements: Consider Safety, Too at nccam.nih.gov/health/supplement-safety/ 

NCCAM Clearinghouse 

Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226 

TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615 

E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov 

CAM on PubMed 

Web site: nccam.nih.gov/camonpubmed/ 

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements 

Web site: www.ods.od.nih.gov 

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged. 

NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for 

the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to 

discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of 

any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM. 

National Institutes of Health 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

D367 

Created March 2007 

Updated June 2008 

*D367*