Curcumin and Diseases: What the Evidence Shows

Research on curcumin and cancer consists mainly of laboratory and animal data: there, curcumin affects pathways of cell growth and cell death [1, 2]. Whether it helps people with cancer is open; human studies are small [5, 6]. During cancer treatment, check with your oncologist first [4].

Important note

The evidence comes mainly from cell culture and animal experiments
Human studies are small and measure laboratory values, not survival
In models, curcumin can weaken the effect of some chemotherapy drugs
With cancer: take only after consulting the treating oncologist

What lies behind it

Curcumin is the yellow main pigment of the turmeric root and has been studied in cancer research for decades. In cell culture and animal models it affects transcription factors, inflammatory enzymes and cell-survival proteins, lowers cyclin D1 and cyclin E and raises p21, p27 and p53 [1]. The review by Shanmugam et al. describes that in such models curcumin can arrest the cell cycle and trigger apoptosis (programmed cell death) [2]. These are laboratory findings. They do not show that curcumin does anything for a person with cancer.

What the sources show

Cell culture and rodents: Reviews report that curcumin can make tumour cells more sensitive to various chemotherapy drugs and to radiation in the laboratory and in rodents; at the same time, it can protect healthy organs from treatment-related damage in these models [3].

Opposing finding: Curcumin inhibits the formation of reactive oxygen species and the JNK pathway, through which some chemotherapy drugs kill cells. In breast cancer cells it reduced apoptosis induced by camptothecin, mechlorethamine and doxorubicin by up to 70%; in mice with breast cancer xenografts, dietary curcumin inhibited the tumour regression caused by cyclophosphamide [4]. The authors consider further studies necessary to determine whether patients should avoid curcumin during chemotherapy [4].

Human studies: In a phase I trial, 15 patients with advanced colorectal cancer that no longer responded to standard therapies took 0.45 to 3.6 g of curcumin daily for up to four months. No dose-limiting toxicity occurred; curcumin and its metabolites were found in plasma only in the range of about 10 nmol/L. At 3.6 g daily, ex vivo inducible prostaglandin E2 production in blood samples was 62% (day 1) and 57% (day 29) lower [5]. That is a biomarker, not a treatment outcome.

In 26 people with MGUS (a precursor of multiple myeloma), on 4 g of curcumin daily the paraprotein fell by 12 to 30% in 5 of 10 people with baseline levels above 20 g/L; in 27% of all participants a urinary bone-turnover marker fell by more than 25% [6]. In a randomised cross-over study of 36 people (MGUS and smouldering myeloma, 4 g, then optionally 8 g), free light-chain values decreased; the authors write that curcumin "might" slow disease progression [7]. Both studies are small and examine laboratory values, not survival.

What this means in practice

The evidence is not sufficient to describe curcumin as effective against cancer. A review of clinical trials names promising effects in various inflammatory diseases, including cancer, and describes doses up to 12 g daily for 3 months as safe [8]; that is not proof of efficacy. Because of the opposing finding on chemotherapy [4]: if you are undergoing cancer treatment, discuss curcumin supplements with your oncologist beforehand. It does not replace conventional therapy.

Limits of the statement

Most findings come from cell culture and animal experiments with concentrations that are hardly reached in humans after oral intake (plasma levels in the nanomolar range [5]). The human studies are small, lack cancer endpoints such as survival and partly lack a control group. Under the EU health claims regulation, health-related statements may only be made with authorisation; statements about preventing or treating cancer are not permitted for foods. This answer does not replace medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

No, there is no evidence for that. Curcumin has mainly been studied preclinically; human studies are few and conflicting. In randomized trials curcumin did not improve overall or progression-free survival, and according to the authors the evidence is not strong enough to support therapeutic use (de Waure et al., 2023) DOI. If you have cancer, treatment belongs in medical hands.

In cell culture and an animal model, curcumin inhibited apoptosis of breast cancer cells induced by chemotherapy drugs (camptothecin, mechlorethamine, doxorubicin) and reduced tumour regression under cyclophosphamide. The authors say more studies are needed to determine whether breast cancer patients on chemotherapy should avoid curcumin (Somasundaram et al., 2002) PMID 12097302. The study provides no human data. Always discuss any use during cancer treatment with your care team.

A systematic review of 7 randomized trials (2016–2022) examined curcumin in prostate, colorectal and breast cancer, multiple myeloma and oral leukoplakia. Results on response were partly positive, but there was no improvement in overall or progression-free survival; according to the authors the clinical evidence is not strong enough to support therapeutic use (de Waure et al., 2023) DOI. Talk to your care team.

What lies behind it

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which inflammatory processes also play a role. In experiments with human cartilage cells, curcumin protected them from the degrading effects of interleukin-1β. That is a cell experiment, not proof of an effect in people [7].

What the sources show

An umbrella analysis of 11 meta-analyses found lower scores with curcumin for pain (VAS) and for WOMAC total, function, pain and stiffness [1]. A network meta-analysis of 23 studies with 2,175 patients with knee osteoarthritis found, versus placebo, a reduction of 1.63 points in VAS pain and 18.85 points in total WOMAC. Compared with NSAIDs, curcumin was associated with fewer adverse reactions (OR 0.51) [2]. An earlier meta-analysis of 8 trials also saw better scores than placebo at about 1,000 mg curcumin per day, but noted that the number, size and methodological quality of the studies were not sufficient for definitive conclusions [3].

Single trials with an active comparator: in 367 people with knee osteoarthritis, a Curcuma domestica extract (1,500 mg daily, 4 weeks) was not inferior to ibuprofen (1,200 mg daily) for total WOMAC, pain and function [5]. In an open-label study of 139 people, a curcumin product was similar to diclofenac for pain (VAS) and KOOS after 28 days, with fewer adverse effects (13% vs. 38%); the lack of blinding limits its weight [6].

In 2017 EFSA assessed an application on curcumin and normal joint function. No conclusions could be drawn from 15 human studies in osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, and a cause-and-effect relationship was not established [4].

What this means in practice

The studies mostly concern knee osteoarthritis, standardized extracts or special products, and periods of weeks to months. Nothing follows for the spice in kitchen amounts. Study doses are not recommendations. If you have osteoarthritis pain, discuss treatment and medication with your doctor and do not change prescribed medicines on your own.

Limits of this statement

Meta-analyses are only as good as the studies they include; these are partly small, short and open-label, and the products differ. The sources used here do not show an effect on disease course or cartilage in people.

Frequently asked questions

No, there is no evidence that curcumin cures osteoarthritis. Studies looked at symptoms: an umbrella analysis of 11 meta-analyses found lower pain and WOMAC scores with curcumin in knee osteoarthritis (Bideshki et al., 2024) DOI, and a network meta-analysis of 2,175 patients also found lower pain scores than with placebo (Zhao et al., 2023) DOI. EFSA found no cause-and-effect relationship established between curcumin and normal joint function (EFSA, 2017) DOI. If you have joint complaints, talk to your doctor.

No fixed dose for joint complaints has been established. In a meta-analysis of 8 randomized trials, the amount was about 1,000 mg curcumin per day; the authors consider the number, sample size and quality of the studies insufficient for definitive conclusions (Daily et al., 2016) DOI. Curcumin is poorly absorbed (Jäger et al., 2014) DOI. EFSA found no established cause-and-effect relationship for joint function (EFSA, 2017) DOI.

This is not generally established; the studies lasted weeks to months. After 12 weeks of 2,000 mg Longvida curcumin per day, endothelial function improved in healthy adults while arterial stiffness did not change (Santos-Parker et al., 2017) DOI. With 80 mg curcumin (Longvida) daily, fatigue was lower after 4 weeks and working memory better after 12 weeks (Cox et al., 2020) DOI. In an uncontrolled 3-month study of knee osteoarthritis patients, patient-rated disease activity decreased (Henrotin et al., 2014) DOI.

What lies behind it

Turmeric is traditionally seen as a digestive spice. Research covers three areas: the gall bladder, functional gut complaints and chronic inflammatory bowel disease. The studies mostly use extracts or supplements, not spice powder.

What the sources show

Gall bladder: in a double-blind crossover study of 12 healthy volunteers, gall-bladder volume on ultrasound fell by 29.3% 2 hours after 20 mg curcumin (11.8% after 0.5 hours), significantly more than with placebo [1]. This shows contraction of the gall bladder, not a benefit for symptoms.

Functional dyspepsia: a randomized double-blind trial in 206 participants compared curcumin, omeprazole and both together over 28 days (the combination group took 2 capsules of 250 mg curcumin four times daily). Symptom scores (SODA) improved in all groups with no significant difference between them; no serious adverse events occurred [2].

Irritable bowel syndrome: a meta-analysis of 3 studies with 326 patients found a favourable but statistically non-significant trend (standardized difference −0.466; 95% CI −1.113 to 0.182). The authors describe the evidence base as limited and heterogeneous [5].

Ulcerative colitis: a meta-analysis of 6 randomized trials with 349 patients found that curcumin added to mesalamine was associated with more clinical and endoscopic remission (OR 5.18 and 5.69), with very wide confidence intervals. This is an add-on under medical supervision, not an alternative to treatment [3].

Safety: the European Medicines Agency does not recommend the herbal powder in gallstones and other bile duct disease [4].

What this means in practice

Turmeric as a spice is common in cooking. The study results come from extracts and supplements and cannot be transferred to kitchen amounts. With gallstones, bile duct problems or diagnosed bowel disease, discuss supplements with your doctor first. Persistent stomach or gut complaints should be medically examined.

Limits of this statement

The gall-bladder study is small and involved healthy people after a single dose. The studies on complaints and bowel disease are heterogeneous. The sources used here give no reliable statement on gut flora.

Frequently asked questions

That turmeric helps against heartburn has not been shown. A systematic review on digestive disorders (including dyspepsia, reflux disease and peptic ulcers) found inconsistent effects outside irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease and considered efficacy unclear because of high risk of bias (Thavorn et al., 2024) DOI. The EMA monograph lists only feelings of fullness, slow digestion and flatulence as traditional use (EMA/HMPC/329755/2017, 2018).

Curcumin can make the gallbladder contract: in a study of 12 healthy volunteers, gallbladder volume fell by about 29% within 2 hours after 20 mg curcumin (Rasyid & Lelo, 1999) DOI. Because of possible stimulation of bile secretion, the EMA does not recommend turmeric in bile duct obstruction, biliary disease and gallstones (EMA/HMPC/329755/2017, 2018). If you have gallstones, speak to your doctor before taking it.

There is no general dosing recommendation for digestion. The EMA monograph for traditional use in digestive complaints (fullness, slow digestion, flatulence) lists for adults 0.5–1 g turmeric powder 2–3 times daily or 100–200 mg dry extract (DER 5.5–6.5:1) twice daily; if symptoms last longer than 2 weeks, medical advice should be sought (EMA/HMPC/329755/2017, 2018). Use under 18 years is not recommended.

What lies behind it

In the lab, curcumin influences inflammatory and immune cells [3] and shows activity against some viruses in cell experiments [4]. The question is whether this translates into fewer cold symptoms in people.

What the sources show

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 99 healthy Japanese adults, participants took 150 mg per day of a highly bioavailable curcumin product (Theracurmin formulations) or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the cumulative number of days with cold symptoms; it was significantly lower in both curcumin groups than with placebo. No adverse effects were observed [1]. This is a single study in one population; confirmation is still needed.

On viruses: in cell experiments, curcumin inhibited plaque formation of enveloped viruses, including influenza virus, but not of the non-enveloped enterovirus 71. The authors describe disruption of the viral envelope as the mechanism (liposome model) [2]. A review summarizes antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal findings on curcumin and sees it as a candidate for further research [4]. These are laboratory findings; they do not show whether such concentrations are reached in the body.

On inflammation: a meta-analysis of 32 randomized trials in people with an inflammatory background found lower serum IL-1 and TNF-α with curcumin, but not IL-6 and IL-8 [5]. A review describes effects of curcumin on various immune cells such as T cells and macrophages in animal and human studies [3]. Both concern lab values, not colds.

What this means in practice

There is one small study with fewer cold days using a specific, well-absorbed product. Whether turmeric as a spice or other products act similarly has not been shown. Curcumin does not replace medical care for fever, breathlessness, or severe symptoms or symptoms lasting longer than a week.

Limits of this statement

The study is single, limited to healthy Japanese adults and uses a special product. The virus findings come from cell experiments. The sources do not say whether curcumin prevents or shortens colds.

Frequently asked questions

No, there is no evidence that curcumin cures colds, and we found no human studies of curcumin in colds. Nano-curcumin has been studied in COVID-19: in a randomized trial of 60 outpatients, some symptoms resolved faster with curcumin (Ahmadi et al., 2021) DOI. This cannot be transferred to colds or to ordinary turmeric powder.

There is no dose for colds because we found no human studies of curcumin in colds. Nano-curcumin has been tested in outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19: 60 people received 4 × 40 mg curcuminoids per day for 2 weeks, and some symptoms resolved faster (Ahmadi et al., 2021) DOI. That is a different illness and a special formulation.

Yes. If you have a fever or symptoms that do not improve, you should seek medical advice. Turmeric does not replace medical treatment.

What lies behind it

The lining of blood vessels (endothelium) uses nitric oxide (NO) to control how far arteries widen. A common test is flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the upper-arm artery, and most curcumin studies use it. It says something about vessel function but is not a measure of blood flow to individual organs.

What the sources show

In a randomized trial of 39 healthy men and women (45–74 years), FMD rose by 36% after 12 weeks of 2,000 mg curcumin per day (Longvida preparation), while it did not change with placebo. The authors attribute this to more available NO and less oxidative stress; stiffness of large arteries did not change [1]. In 32 postmenopausal women, 8 weeks of curcumin raised FMD about as much as aerobic exercise training [5]. In 59 healthy adults, 200 mg daily for 8 weeks increased FMD by 3.0 percentage points versus placebo; 50 mg gave no clear result [6].

A meta-analysis of 10 studies found an FMD increase of 1.49 percentage points (95% CI 0.16–2.82). Pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, endothelin-1 and the adhesion molecule sICAM-1 did not change [2].

On clotting: in laboratory experiments with human platelets, curcumin inhibited aggregation, most strongly with the triggers PAF and arachidonic acid (IC50 about 20–25 µM). This is a cell experiment and not proof of an effect in the body [4]. In a small interaction study, a curcumin preparation (Meriva) changed neither bleeding time in people taking aspirin, ticlopidine or clopidogrel nor INR in people taking warfarin or dabigatran after 10 days, in stably treated patients [7]. A case report, by contrast, describes a large hematoma in a 74-year-old with many conditions and medicines one week after starting 1 g curcumin daily; a causal link is not shown [3].

What this means in practice

The studies show changes in a vessel measurement, mostly in healthy people using well-absorbed preparations. It does not follow that turmeric as a spice noticeably changes circulation. If you take anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs, or are facing surgery, discuss curcumin supplements with your doctor first.

Limits of this statement

The studies are small and short, use different preparations and doses, and measure surrogate outcomes. The sources used here say nothing about circulatory disorders in disease. This is not advice and does not replace a medical check of circulation problems.

Frequently asked questions

We found no studies on this. The available data concern arteries, not veins: in a study of 39 healthy adults (45–74 years), flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery rose by 36% with 2,000 mg of curcumin daily for 12 weeks (Santos-Parker et al., 2017) DOI. Nothing can be derived from this for varicose veins. If you have vein problems, talk to your doctor.

There is no specific recommendation. Studies on vascular function used very different doses: 2,000 mg of Longvida curcumin daily for 12 weeks in healthy middle-aged and older adults, during which flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery rose by 36% (Santos-Parker et al., 2017) DOI; and 200 mg of curcumin daily for 8 weeks in healthy adults (+3.0% FMD versus placebo) (Oliver et al., 2016) DOI. Absorption depends strongly on the formulation: up to 45.9-fold higher curcuminoid levels than with unformulated curcumin (Jäger et al., 2014) DOI.

This is not generally established; the studies lasted weeks to months. After 12 weeks of 2,000 mg Longvida curcumin per day, endothelial function improved in healthy adults while arterial stiffness did not change (Santos-Parker et al., 2017) DOI. With 80 mg curcumin (Longvida) daily, fatigue was lower after 4 weeks and working memory better after 12 weeks (Cox et al., 2020) DOI. In an uncontrolled 3-month study of knee osteoarthritis patients, patient-rated disease activity decreased (Henrotin et al., 2014) DOI.

What lies behind it

BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) is a protein linked to learning and memory; low levels are associated with cognitive decline in observations [1]. That is why researchers test whether curcumin affects it. A blood value is only a surrogate, however, and says nothing directly about concentration or memory.

What the sources show

A meta-analysis of 4 randomized trials with 139 participants found higher serum BDNF with curcumin (200–1,820 mg daily, 8–12 weeks; weighted difference 1,789 pg/mL; 95% CI 722–2,857). The studies were highly heterogeneous (I² = 83.5%) [1].

On cognition: a meta-analysis of 6 studies with 289 people found better memory scores in older adults (SMD 0.33; 95% CI 0.05–0.62). In people with Alzheimer disease there was instead a trend towards worse scores than with placebo. The authors point to the small number of studies [2]. An updated meta-analysis of 9 studies with 501 people saw an improvement in global cognitive function (SMD 0.82; 95% CI 0.19–1.45), significant only with duration of 24 weeks or more, age 60 or older, and participants from Asian countries [3].

In a randomized double-blind trial in 96 older adults, the curcumin group took 1,500 mg of a curcumin product daily for 12 months. On the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, only the placebo group declined at 6 months; for all other clinical and cognitive measures there were no differences between groups [4].

What this means in practice

The results come mostly from older people and from supplements at study doses; they cannot be transferred to spice amounts or to concentration in healthy young people. No dosing recommendation follows from them.

Limits of this statement

The studies are small, differ in length and use different products. Whether a higher blood BDNF level matters for the brain is unknown. If you have concentration or memory problems, have them medically assessed.

Frequently asked questions

The evidence is thin and inconsistent. In a 24-week study of 36 people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (2 or 4 g of curcumin daily), no clinical or biochemical benefit could be shown (Ringman et al., 2012) DOI. In a 12-month study of 96 older adults (1,500 mg daily), only one test differed, with no other differences from placebo (Rainey-Smith et al., 2016) DOI. Discuss supplements with your doctor if you have memory problems.

There is no specific recommendation. Studies on cognition used different doses with inconsistent results: 400 mg of Longvida (80 mg curcumin) daily for 12 weeks in healthy 50–80-year-olds, which showed better working memory than placebo (Cox et al., 2020) DOI; 2,000 mg daily for 12 weeks in healthy middle-aged and older adults, which left cognitive performance unchanged (Santos-Parker et al., 2018) DOI. Absorption differs greatly between formulations (Jäger et al., 2014) DOI.

This is not generally established; the studies lasted weeks to months. After 12 weeks of 2,000 mg Longvida curcumin per day, endothelial function improved in healthy adults while arterial stiffness did not change (Santos-Parker et al., 2017) DOI. With 80 mg curcumin (Longvida) daily, fatigue was lower after 4 weeks and working memory better after 12 weeks (Cox et al., 2020) DOI. In an uncontrolled 3-month study of knee osteoarthritis patients, patient-rated disease activity decreased (Henrotin et al., 2014) DOI.

What lies behind it

High blood pressure is persistently raised pressure in the arteries and a risk factor for cardiovascular disease [1]. Because curcumin can improve vessel function (flow-mediated dilation, FMD) in studies, blood pressure has been examined too. FMD and blood pressure are different measures, though.

What the sources show

A meta-analysis of 11 randomized trials with 734 participants found no significant effect of curcumin or turmeric on systolic (−0.69 mmHg; 95% CI −2.01 to 0.64) or diastolic blood pressure (+0.28 mmHg). In a subgroup analysis of studies lasting at least 12 weeks, systolic pressure fell by 1.24 mmHg (95% CI −2.26 to −0.22), diastolic did not. No favourable effect appeared by type of preparation or by participants’ health status. The authors say more studies are needed [1].

On vessel function: in a randomized trial of 39 healthy men and women (45–74 years), FMD rose by 36% after 12 weeks of 2,000 mg curcumin daily, with no change in arterial stiffness [3]. A meta-analysis of 10 studies found an FMD increase of 1.49 percentage points (95% CI 0.16–2.82) [2].

In a study of people with non-alcoholic fatty liver, a phytosomal curcumin (250 mg daily, 12 weeks) lowered blood pressure more than placebo. This is a single study in a specific patient group [4].

An umbrella review of 25 meta-analyses rates curcumin as possibly favourable for blood pressure, but judges the methodological quality of the meta-analyses as relatively poor overall and many conclusions as uncertain [5].

What this means in practice

The data do not suggest that curcumin lowers blood pressure to a relevant degree. A small fall in systolic pressure with long-term use is possible but uncertain. High blood pressure needs medical care; do not change prescribed medicines on your own, and discuss curcumin supplements with your doctor if you take medication.

Limits of this statement

The meta-analyses pool small, different studies. The subgroup results are exploratory. Studies in healthy people cannot be transferred to people with hypertension.

Frequently asked questions

A meta-analysis of 35 randomized trials found slightly lower average systolic (−2.02 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (−0.82 mmHg) with curcumin/turmeric (Dehzad et al., 2024) DOI. The effect is small and the authors see a need for further research. In high blood pressure, turmeric does not replace medical treatment.

Yes. Turmeric may increase the risk of bleeding in people taking warfarin or antiplatelet drugs (LactMed, 2025) PMID 30000906. Discuss regular use with your doctor or pharmacist beforehand.

No fixed dose has been established. In a randomized trial of 39 healthy adults (aged 45–74), 2,000 mg Longvida curcumin per day was given for 12 weeks; endothelial function improved (Santos-Parker et al., 2017) DOI. A meta-analysis of 35 trials found only small average changes in blood pressure (Dehzad et al., 2024) DOI. Curcumin is poorly absorbed (Jäger et al., 2014) DOI.

What lies behind it

Pain in inflammation is partly driven by messengers such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes. In laboratory experiments curcumin inhibits enzymes in these pathways, including cyclooxygenase-2 and lipoxygenase [3]. In experiments with cartilage cells it protected them from the degrading effects of interleukin-1β [5]. These are cell and animal experiments; they show mechanisms, not pain relief in people.

What the sources show

A meta-analysis of 8 randomized trials in arthritis found lower pain scores on the visual analogue scale (difference −2.04 points) and lower WOMAC scores (−15.36) with turmeric or curcumin extracts than with placebo. Against pain medicines, 5 studies found no significant difference in pain score. The extracts corresponded to about 1,000 mg curcumin per day. The authors stress that the number and quality of studies are not sufficient for definitive conclusions [1].

In a study of 367 people with knee osteoarthritis, participants received either 1,500 mg Curcuma domestica extract or 1,200 mg ibuprofen per day for 4 weeks. The extract was not inferior to ibuprofen for total WOMAC, pain and function, and abdominal pain was reported more often with ibuprofen [6]. In an open-label study of 139 patients with knee osteoarthritis, a curcumin product (BCM-95, 3 × 500 mg daily) was similar to diclofenac (2 × 50 mg) for pain and KOOS score after 28 days, with fewer adverse effects (13% vs. 38%). Because the study was not blinded, it is of limited weight [7].

On absorption: unformulated curcumin dissolves poorly, is barely absorbed from the gut and is cleared quickly. In a study in healthy volunteers, absorption of a formulation with a hydrophilic carrier was almost 46-fold higher than that of standard curcumin [4]. Many studies therefore use extracts or special formulations.

For context, in 2017 EFSA assessed an application on curcumin and normal joint function. No conclusions could be drawn from 15 human studies in osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, and a cause-and-effect relationship was not established [2].

What this means in practice

The studies involved people with knee osteoarthritis and standardized extracts over weeks. They do not show whether the spice in kitchen amounts affects pain. The doses named are study doses, not recommendations. Persistent or severe pain should be medically assessed.

Limits of this statement

The studies are mostly short (4 weeks), partly open-label, and the products differ. The sources used here say nothing about other types of pain.

Frequently asked questions

There are no reliable data for headaches in general; mainly migraine has been studied. A meta-analysis of 4 randomized trials with 170 migraine patients found lower symptom severity with curcumin than with placebo (Hedges’ g −0.75) (Zhu et al., 2025) DOI. The data base is small; if you have frequent headaches, talk to your doctor.

No fixed dose has been established. In a meta-analysis of 8 randomized trials on arthritis symptoms, the amount was about 1,000 mg curcumin per day; the authors consider the number and quality of the studies insufficient for definitive conclusions (Daily et al., 2016) DOI. Curcumin is poorly absorbed (Jäger et al., 2014) DOI.

This is not generally established; the studies lasted weeks to months. After 12 weeks of 2,000 mg Longvida curcumin per day, endothelial function improved in healthy adults while arterial stiffness did not change (Santos-Parker et al., 2017) DOI. With 80 mg curcumin (Longvida) daily, fatigue was lower after 4 weeks and working memory better after 12 weeks (Cox et al., 2020) DOI. In an uncontrolled 3-month study of knee osteoarthritis patients, patient-rated disease activity decreased (Henrotin et al., 2014) DOI.

Diseases & Evidence

Does turmeric help with cancer?

What lies behind it

What the sources show

What this means in practice

Limits of the statement

Frequently asked questions

Can turmeric cure cancer?

What interactions are there with chemotherapy?

Which cancer types are being investigated?

Further reading

Sources

Does turmeric help with osteoarthritis?

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What the sources show

What this means in practice

Limits of this statement

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Can turmeric cure osteoarthritis?

How much for osteoarthritis effects?

When do effects occur?

Further reading

References

Is turmeric good for the stomach and gut?

What lies behind it

What the sources show

What this means in practice

Limits of this statement

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

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Further reading

References

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Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Can turmeric cure colds?

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References

Does turmeric improve blood circulation?

What lies behind it

What the sources show

What this means in practice

Limits of this statement

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

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When do effects occur?

Further reading

References

Does turmeric improve concentration?

What lies behind it

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Frequently asked questions

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Does turmeric help with high blood pressure?

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Frequently asked questions

Can turmeric lower high blood pressure?