Research
Turmeric
55 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.
Studies
Sorted by quality and recency
Turmeric: A Comprehensive Review of Its Botany, Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Mechanisms as a Functional Food.
This systematic review summarizes turmeric's botanical traits, traditional uses, phytochemical components, and biological activities, focusing on curcumin's role in modulating antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor pathways. It highlights turmeric's potential in cancer chemoprevention and discusses challenges like curcumin's low bioavailability.
Effectiveness and safety of turmeric for the treatment of COVID-19: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 RCTs with 1407 participants assessing turmeric in COVID-19 patients. Turmeric, particularly nano-curcumin, significantly reduced all-cause mortality, need for intubation, and clinical deterioration, while improving symptom resolution. Adverse events were mostly mild and comparable to placebo.
Weighing up the potential of "superfoods" compounds of green tea or turmeric as adjuncts in comparison to established therapeutical approaches for periodontal disease.
Meta-analysis of 19 studies with 814 patients assessing the use of green tea and turmeric as adjuncts in periodontal disease treatment. Green tea extract showed improved outcomes in periodontitis treatment, but not in gingivitis, compared to controls. Turmeric showed no benefits. Evidence strength was moderate to very low due to bias and inconsistency.
Effect of turmeric products on knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Systematic review and network meta-analysis of RCTs assessing turmeric products for knee osteoarthritis. All turmeric preparations significantly reduced WOMAC pain, with bioavailability-enhanced curcuminoid preparations showing a 30% reduction in WOMAC pain compared to placebo.
A systematic review of the efficacy and safety of turmeric in the treatment of digestive disorders.
Systematic review of 26 studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of turmeric in treating digestive disorders such as IBD and IBS. Turmeric is considered safe with possible efficacy in IBD or IBS, but effects were inconsistent for other conditions. High risk of bias and methodological limitations were noted.
Systematic review and network meta-analysis of efficacy and safety of interventions for preventing anti-tuberculosis drug induced liver injury.
Systematic review and network meta-analysis of 14 RCTs with 3423 patients assessing herbs/alternative medicines for preventing anti-TB drug induced liver injury. Turmeric plus Tinospora cordifolia and N-acetyl cysteine significantly reduced the incidence of liver injury compared with placebo. Poly-herbal product reduced alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin levels.
In vivo efficacy of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy: A systematic review of animal models.
Systematic review of 30 pre-clinical trials evaluating turmeric derivatives for treating peripheral neuropathies in animal models. Turmeric derivatives showed significant improvement in nerve injuries caused by diabetic, sciatic, vincristine, cisplatin, and alcohol-induced neuropathy, particularly in functional recovery.
Effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) supplementation on glucose metabolism in diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome: An umbrella review and updated meta-analysis.
This umbrella review and updated meta-analysis evaluated the effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) supplementation on glycemic and metabolic parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and metabolic syndrome. The study found significant reductions in fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1C levels with turmeric supplementation across various preparation forms.
Safety and Efficacy of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Extract and Curcumin Supplements in Musculoskeletal Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the safety and efficacy of turmeric extract and curcumin supplements in musculoskeletal health. Analyzing 21 RCTs, the study found turmeric extract and curcumin to be effective adjuvants for managing musculoskeletal health, with a low incidence of adverse effects. The water-dispersible turmeric extract, WDTE60N, at 250 mg per day, was noted as particularly effective.
Fast pain relief in exercise-induced acute musculoskeletal pain by turmeric-boswellia formulation: A randomized placebo-controlled double-blinded multicentre study.
RCT of 232 participants with exercise-induced acute musculoskeletal pain comparing a turmeric-boswellia formulation (Rhuleave-K) to placebo. The formulation significantly reduced pain intensity and provided fast pain relief, with 97.85% improvement in pain intensity compared to 2.46% in placebo.
Efficacy and Safety of Turmeric Dietary Supplementation on Proteinuria in CKD: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of RCT.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs evaluating the effect of turmeric on proteinuria in chronic kidney disease patients. The meta-analysis included four trials and found that turmeric/curcumin supplementation significantly improves urinary protein excretion in these patients.
Turmeric and curcuminiods ameliorate disorders of glycometabolism among subjects with metabolic diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 RCTs examining the effects of turmeric and curcuminoids on glucose metabolism in people with metabolic diseases. Results showed significant reductions in fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, and fasting serum insulin after more than 8 weeks of intervention.
Efficacy and Safety of Turmeric Extracts for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 RCTs involving 1810 adults with knee osteoarthritis, assessing turmeric extracts. Turmeric significantly reduced knee pain and improved physical function compared to placebo, with similar effects to NSAIDs. Turmeric had fewer adverse events than NSAIDs and similar rates to placebo.
Turmeric in the management of oral submucous fibrosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized evidence on the use of turmeric/curcumin in managing oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). It included 11 studies with 428 patients, finding turmeric effective in reducing OSMF signs and symptoms, including improved mouth opening, tongue protrusion, burning sensation, and cheek flexibility. However, the review highlights the need for more robust RCTs with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up.
Interventions for itch in people with advanced chronic kidney disease.
Meta-analysis of 92 RCTs with 4466 participants on interventions for uraemic itch in CKD patients. Gabapentinoids and kappa-opioid agonists showed significant itch reduction. Turmeric, zinc sulfate, and topical capsaicin also reduced itch, but evidence is less certain due to smaller study sizes.
Acute liver injury following turmeric use in Tuscany: An analysis of the Italian Phytovigilance database and systematic review of case reports
The paper analyzes cases of acute non-infectious cholestatic hepatitis in Italy following consumption of Curcuma longa-containing dietary supplements. It describes the Tuscan cases and compares them with similar cases of hepatotoxicity in the literature through a systematic review.
Long-term safety and efficacy of a highly purified plant-based nutraceutical for improving clinical parameters of liver function in healthy participants: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
RCT of a plant-based nutraceutical containing turmeric, dandelion, milk thistle, and ginger in 130 healthy adults. The nutraceutical significantly improved liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT) compared to placebo over 180 days, with no adverse events reported.
A Triple-blind randomized controlled trial on the effects of turmeric versus ginger on inflammatory biomarkers in patients with COVID-19.
Triple-blind RCT comparing turmeric and ginger on inflammatory markers in 144 COVID-19 outpatients. Both turmeric and ginger significantly reduced CRP and ESR compared to placebo, with no significant difference between the two substances.
The effect of turmeric-Boswellia formulation (Rhuleave-K) in posture-related low back soreness and discomfort: A randomized double blinded placebo controlled trial.
This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of Rhuleave-K, a turmeric-Boswellia formulation, in managing posture-related low back soreness and discomfort in 52 human participants over 15 days. The Rhuleave-K group showed a significant reduction in pain intensity and disability index compared to placebo, indicating its potential as a safe and effective short-term management option for lower back discomfort.
Clinical effect of acupoint application with turmeric blistering moxibustion plaster on post-stroke hemiplegic shoulder pain.
RCT of 82 patients with post-stroke hemiplegic shoulder pain comparing acupoint application with turmeric blistering moxibustion plaster to routine treatment. The turmeric group showed reduced shoulder pain, improved range of motion, and enhanced upper limb motor function after 4 weeks.
A Novel Herbal Paste Formulation of Turmeric, Tulsi, and Honey for the Treatment of Oral Submucous Fibrosis
RCT conducted on 80 oral submucous fibrosis patients to evaluate the efficacy of a novel herbal paste formulation containing turmeric, tulsi, and honey. The study found a statistically significant improvement in mouth opening, tongue protrusion, burning sensation, blanching of the mucous membrane, and reduction in palpable fibrous bands in the treatment group compared to controls.
Therapeutic effects of turmeric topical cream in vitiligo: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled pilot study
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study evaluating the therapeutic effects of turmeric topical cream in vitiligo. Turmeric is studied for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cell proliferation properties as a treatment for skin depigmentation.
Turmeric supplementation with piperine is more effective than turmeric alone in attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation in hemodialysis patients: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial.
This randomized, double-blind clinical trial in hemodialysis patients compared turmeric supplementation with and without piperine over 12 weeks. The turmeric/piperine group showed a reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) and ferritin levels, indicating superior effects in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation compared to turmeric alone.
Bioavailable turmeric extract for knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, non-inferiority trial versus paracetamol.
Randomized, non-inferiority trial comparing bioavailable turmeric extract (BCM-95) to paracetamol in 144 knee osteoarthritis patients over 6 weeks. Turmeric was as effective as paracetamol in reducing WOMAC scores and more effective in reducing CRP and TNF-α levels, with fewer adverse events.
The effect of turmeric on lipid profile, malondialdehyde, liver echogenicity and enzymes among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized double blind clinical trial
Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of 64 NAFLD patients receiving turmeric (2 gr/day) or placebo for 8 weeks. The turmeric group showed significant reductions in liver enzymes (AST, ALT, GGT), triglycerides, LDL, HDL, and MDA compared to baseline, while the placebo group did not show significant changes.
A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Effect of Bio-Enhanced Turmeric Formulation on Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis
This randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effect of a bio-enhanced turmeric formulation on radiation-induced oral mucositis in 60 oral cancer patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy. The study found that the turmeric formulation significantly reduced the incidence of severe oral mucositis, oral pain, dysphagia, and dermatitis compared to placebo.
Cost-Effectiveness of Passion Fruit Albedo versus Turmeric in the Glycemic and Lipaemic Control of People with Type 2 Diabetes: Randomized Clinical Trial.
RCT comparing the cost-effectiveness of yellow passion fruit albedo and turmeric with piperine in glycemic and lipid control in type 2 diabetes patients over 120 days. Turmeric showed greater reductions in serum triglyceride levels and HOMA-IR, while both interventions reduced HbA1c similarly.
Efficacy of high-dissolution turmeric-sesame formulation for pain relief in adult subjects with acute musculoskeletal pain compared to acetaminophen: A randomized controlled study.
RCT comparing a high-dissolution turmeric-sesame formulation to acetaminophen for acute musculoskeletal pain relief in 88 subjects. The treatment provided pain relief comparable to acetaminophen, with significant improvement in pain condition by day 3 and 7. The treatment was significantly better in reducing the unpleasantness and emotional aspects of pain.
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials on the Effects of Turmeric and Curcuminoids on Blood Lipids in Adults with Metabolic Diseases.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs evaluating the effects of turmeric and curcuminoids on blood lipids in adults with metabolic diseases. The analysis showed that turmeric and curcuminoids could lower blood triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol, and increase HDL cholesterol, indicating a positive effect on blood lipid modulation.
Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence.
Systematic review of clinical studies examining the effects of turmeric/curcumin on skin health. Out of 18 studies, 10 noted statistically significant improvement in skin disease severity with turmeric/curcumin treatment. Evidence suggests potential therapeutic benefits for skin health, though further studies are needed.
Efficacy of turmeric in the treatment of digestive disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol aims to evaluate the therapeutic and adverse effects of turmeric and its compounds on digestive disorders, including dyspepsia, peptic ulcer, irritable bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. The study will include both randomized and non-randomized controlled trials to assess efficacy and safety compared to placebo or other interventions.
Bioenhancer Assessment of Black Pepper with Turmeric on Self-Reported Pain Ratings in Adults: A Randomized, Cross-Over, Clinical Trial.
A randomized, crossover clinical trial tested the effectiveness of turmeric with and without black pepper on self-reported pain ratings in adults with chronic pain. Pain ratings were reduced from baseline to week 3, but no statistically significant differences were found between groups or varying amounts of turmeric.
A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial to evaluate the effect of a turmeric formulation on muscle soreness and function recovery in moderately active adults.
A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial evaluated the effect of a turmeric formulation on muscle soreness and function recovery in 44 moderately active adults. The turmeric formulation significantly improved muscle soreness recovery and attenuated muscular function loss in male participants, suggesting benefits for recovery and performance after exercise.
Effects of a Functional Food Mixture on Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: Preliminary Results Highlighting the Modulation of Uremic Toxins Derived From Microbiota and Antioxidant Markers.
RCT evaluating the impact of a mixture of turmeric and propolis on redox balance markers and microbiota-derived uremic toxins in hemodialysis patients. The intervention significantly increased antioxidant capacity and showed a tendency to reduce indole-3-acetic acid plasma levels.
A Multi-ingredient Supplement Reduced Markers of Muscle Damage after a Rugby Match in Collegiate Male Players.
This study investigated the effect of a multi-ingredient supplement (MIS) containing turmeric, chicken meat, apple, and ancient peat extracts on muscle damage markers in collegiate male rugby players. The MIS trial showed significantly lower plasma creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase concentrations 24 hours post-match compared to placebo, indicating reduced muscle damage.
Effect of Turmeric Supplementation on Blood Pressure and Serum Levels of Sirtuin 1 and Adiponectin in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effects of turmeric supplementation on serum adiponectin and sirtuin 1 levels, blood pressure, and BMI in 46 patients with NAFLD. The turmeric group showed significant increases in serum SIRT1 levels and reductions in weight, BMI, and systolic blood pressure compared to the placebo group after 12 weeks.
Downregulated hs-CRP and MAD, upregulated GSH and TAC, and improved metabolic status following combined exercise and turmeric supplementation: a clinical trial in middle-aged women with hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetes
This randomized single-blinded, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effects of aerobic training and turmeric supplementation on metabolic status and oxidative stress biomarkers in 42 middle-aged women with hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetes. Significant improvements in metabolic status, oxidative stress biomarkers, and hs-CRP were observed in the AT+TS, TS, and AT groups compared to control, with the combination of AT+TS showing the most effective results.
Pharmacokinetics of a Single Dose of Turmeric Curcuminoids Depends on Formulation: Results of a Human Crossover Study.
Randomized crossover trial assessing the pharmacokinetics of different turmeric formulations in 30 healthy adults. The micellar preparation delivered higher levels of total curcuminoids compared to other formulations, with significant absorption differences noted for the dried colloidal suspension.
Effects of turmeric extract supplementation on inflammation and muscle damage after a half-marathon race: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effects of Curcuma longa L. extract on inflammation and muscle damage after a half-marathon race in 28 healthy men. The CLE group showed a greater increase in interleukin-10 and lower myoglobin concentration compared to the placebo group, indicating reduced inflammation and muscle damage.
Turmeric and chicory seed have beneficial effects on obesity markers and lipid profile in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial with 92 NAFLD patients evaluating turmeric and chicory seed supplementation. Significant decreases in BMI and waist circumference were observed in chicory and combination groups. Turmeric and combination groups showed increased HDL-C and reduced TG/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratios, suggesting benefits for NAFLD risk factors.
Effect of turmeric on glycemic status, lipid profile, hs‐CRP, and total antioxidant capacity in hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetes mellitus patients
Double-blind RCT of 80 hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetic patients comparing 2,100 mg turmeric supplementation to placebo for 8 weeks. The turmeric group showed significant decreases in body weight, triglycerides, and LDL-c compared with baseline and placebo. No significant effects on glycemic status, hs-CRP, or total antioxidant capacity were observed.
Comparative evaluation of turmeric gel with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate gel for treatment of plaque induced gingivitis: A randomized controlled clinical trial
RCT comparing turmeric gel to 2% chlorhexidine gel for treatment of plaque-induced gingivitis in 60 patients over 21 days. Both groups showed comparable reductions in plaque and gingival index, with turmeric gel having better acceptance due to pleasant odor and no teeth staining.
Influence of red pepper spice and turmeric on inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers in overweight females: a metabolomics approach.
RCT using a crossover design tested 4-week supplementation with red pepper spice (1 g/d) or turmeric (2.8 g/d) in 62 overweight/obese females with systemic inflammation. Measures of inflammation and oxidative stress did not differ from placebo, and no significant shift in global metabolic profile was observed.
The Effects of a Phytochemical Supplement Blend on Markers of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage: A Randomised Controlled Trial.
RCT of 24 healthy participants testing a phytochemical blend (calcium fructoborate, turmeric, pomegranate) vs placebo over 9 days. The blend improved pressure pain threshold, perceived sleep quality, and recovery post-exercise, but showed no significant effects on neuromuscular function, inflammation, oxidative stress, or muscle damage.
Extraction, Isolation, and Component Analysis of Turmeric-Derived Exosome-like Nanoparticles
The study isolated and characterized turmeric-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (TELNs) using differential centrifugation and multi-omics analysis. TELNs were found to contain proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and small-molecule compounds, including curcumin and its analogs, with potential applications in biological fields.
Metabolomics-based profiling for quality assessment and revealing the impact of drying of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)
The study used metabolomics-based profiling to assess the quality and impact of drying on turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). It identified 161 metabolites and highlighted curcuminoids, terpecurcumins, and organic acids as markers for drying, providing insights into the metabolome of turmeric in both fresh and dried forms.
A Placebo-Controlled Double-Blinded Randomized Pilot Study of Combination Phytotherapy in Biochemically Recurrent Prostate Cancer.
A placebo-controlled double-blinded randomized pilot study assessed the feasibility of a phytotherapeutic intervention containing turmeric, resveratrol, green tea, and broccoli sprouts on PSA doubling time in 22 men with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer. The study found no statistical difference between groups on clinical outcomes, but suggested feasibility for a fully powered study.
Oral administration of turmeric-derived exosome-like nanovesicles with anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving bioactions for murine colitis therapy
The study investigates turmeric-derived nanoparticles (TDNPs 2) for their anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving effects in murine models of colitis. TDNPs 2 showed excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, ameliorating colitis and promoting resolution by regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and antioxidant genes.
A Novel Potent Sleep-promoting Effect of Turmeric: Turmeric Increases Non-rapid Eye Movement Sleep in Mice Via H1 -receptor Blockade.
The study investigated the sleep-promoting effects of turmeric in mice, finding that turmeric extract reduced sleep latency and increased non-rapid eye movement sleep duration via H1 receptor blockade. These effects were not observed in H1 receptor knockout mice.
Crude Turmeric Extract Improves the Suppressive Effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG on Allergic Inflammation in a Murine Model of House Dust Mite-Induced Asthma
The study investigated the effects of turmeric powder (TP) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) on allergic inflammation in a murine model of house dust mite-induced asthma. The combination of TP and LGG (synbiotic) was more effective in reducing airway hyperresponsiveness, eosinophilia, and Th2 cytokines compared to either treatment alone.
Effect of nori, a combination of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and gotu kola (Centella Asiatica) on blood pressure, modulation of ACE, eNOS and iNOS gene expression in hypertensive rats
The study examined the antihypertensive effect of a nori supplement containing turmeric and gotu kola on hypertensive rats over 28 days. Results showed a decrease in blood pressure, heart rate, and arterial stiffness, attributed to increased NO availability and changes in gene expression.
Autoimmune Hepatitis Associated With Turmeric Consumption
Case report of a 55-year-old woman with chronic turmeric consumption initially diagnosed with acute autoimmune hepatitis. After discontinuing turmeric, her liver function returned to normal, highlighting potential adverse effects of turmeric.
Efficacy of turmeric (Curcuma longa), containing a known level of curcumin, and a hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate to ameliorate the adverse effects of aflatoxin in broiler chicks.
A 3-week feeding study in broiler chicks evaluated turmeric powder containing curcumin and a hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate to counteract aflatoxin B1 effects. Turmeric improved weight gain and ameliorated adverse effects on serum chemistry and antioxidant functions, demonstrating protective action against aflatoxin-induced damage.
Turmeric Induced Liver Injury: A Report of Two Cases
Case report of two instances of severe hepatitis induced by turmeric supplementation. Highlights the potential risks associated with this commonly used herbal supplement.
Effects of turmeric on Alzheimer's disease with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia
Case report of three Alzheimer's Disease patients with severe Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) treated with turmeric. Patients showed remarkable improvement in behavioral symptoms and caregiver burden, with one patient improving in MMSE score. No adverse reactions were observed.