Turmeric 

© Steven Foster

This fact sheet provides basic information about turmeric—common 

names, what the science says, potential side effects and cautions, and 

resources for more information.

Common Names—turmeric, turmeric root, Indian saffron

Latin Name—Curcuma longa

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.

In traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric has 

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

regulate menstruation. Historically, turmeric has also been applied 

directly to the skin for eczema and wound healing. Today, traditional or 

folk uses of turmeric include heartburn, stomach ulcers, gallstones, 

inflammation, and cancer.

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 other laboratory studies 

suggest that a chemical found in turmeric—called curcumin—may 

have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant properties, but 

these findings have not been confirmed in people.

• NCCAM-funded investigators have studied the active chemicals in 

turmeric and their effects—particularly anti-inflammatory effects—

in human cells to better understand how turmeric might be used for 

health purposes. NCCAM is also funding basic research studies on 

the potential role of turmeric in preventing acute respiratory 

distress syndrome, liver cancer, and post-menopausal osteoporosis.
Side Effects and Cautions 

• Turmeric is considered safe for most adults.

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

• 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 all your health care providers about any complementary health practices you use. Give 

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

coordinated and safe care. For tips about talking with your health care providers about 

complementary and alternative medicine, see NCCAM’s Time to Talk campaign at 

nccam.nih.gov/timetotalk/. 

Sources

Turmeric. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturaldatabase.com on July 22, 2009.

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

www.naturalstandard.com on July 22, 2009.

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 Using Dietary Supplements Wisely

(nccam.nih.gov/health/supplements/wiseuse.htm).

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

PubMed®

Web site: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements

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

NIH National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus

Turmeric Listing: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/662.html

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 April 2012