Is turmeric safe in pregnancy

Turmeric during pregnancy: Benefits and risks

Turmeric is safe to consume during pregnancy in small amounts. Pregnant women should avoid using supplements or taking medicinal quantities of this spice, however.

Turmeric is a spice that people have used for thousands of years for both flavor and medicinal properties. Turmeric root has anti-inflammatory effects and is rich in antioxidants.

Read on to learn about the potential risks and benefits of turmeric during pregnancy and discover how to include turmeric in meals, drinks, and snacks.

Share on PinterestIt is probably safe to consume moderate amounts of turmeric during pregnancy.

Researchers have not carried out studies on the safety of turmeric consumption during pregnancy in humans.

However, fresh or dried turmeric is likely to be safe when pregnant women consume it in small amounts, e.g., the amounts typically found in meals, such as curries and other dishes.

Pregnant women should avoid taking medicinal quantities of turmeric. This includes capsules or supplements containing turmeric or curcumin, which is its key active ingredient.

Ground turmeric used in cooking contains lower amounts of curcumin than supplements.

Taking large amounts of curcumin during pregnancy may alter levels of the hormone estrogen in the body, which can cause uterine contractions or bleeding. These effects could be enough to trigger pregnancy loss or early labor.

Research on turmeric and curcumin

Although there are no research studies on the effect of turmeric on pregnant women, there are some on pregnant animals. A 2007 study indicates that rats born to females who consumed curcumin during pregnancy had a slightly lower body weight.

A later study in mice also links curcumin intake with a lower rate of implantation and a lower fetal weight. These findings indicate that the substance may harm the development of the embryo and hinder implantation.

However, research on non-pregnant female rats suggests that large amounts of turmeric or curcumin may benefit the female reproductive system in a variety of ways. One study indicates that curcumin may reduce ovarian cysts in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), for example.

Research also indicates that curcumin inhibits the growth of endometrial cells by reducing estrogen production in animals.

It is not possible to confirm whether the results would be the same in pregnant women because researchers have not done any studies with this cohort.

Therefore, it may be best for pregnant women to be cautious and limit the consumption of turmeric during pregnancy.

Numerous studies report on the benefits of curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties in non-pregnant people.

Because of the lack of information about curcumin and pregnancy, healthcare professionals advise that pregnant women do not consume medicinal amounts of turmeric. However, the small quantities found in meals and drinks may have some health benefits, including:

Prevention of preeclampsia and other adverse outcomes

Excessive inflammation may result in adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as restricted fetal growth and preeclampsia.

According to a 2017 study on pregnant mice, curcumin may inhibit inflammation. This may lead to:

reduced systolic blood pressure and proteinuria (symptoms of preeclampsia)
an increased number of live births
increased fetal weight
increased placental weight
decreased fetal resorption rate (the disintegration and assimilation of the fetus in the uterus)

Another test tube study also indicates that curcumin’s anti-inflammatory activity could potentially prevent preeclampsia.

These studies did not involve humans, so researchers cannot say whether curcumin will produce the same results in pregnant women.

Fetal brain development

Inflammation may affect the neurological development of the fetus. A 2018 study reports that high levels of inflammation during pregnancy has associations with lower functional memory scores in the infants at age 2.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), maternal inflammation in the early stages of pregnancy may also contribute to an increased risk of autism in some children.

Better oral health

During pregnancy, women often experience bleeding gums. Known as gingivitis, this inflammation and bleeding result from hormonal fluctuations. Research estimates that 30–100% of women have gingivitis during pregnancy.

While eating meals containing curcumin may reduce inflammation, it is also possible to use the compound topically to stop gingivitis and swelling.

In one study on non-pregnant people, researchers found that turmeric mouthwash has comparable antiplaque, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties to a standard antimicrobial mouthwash for gingivitis.

However, pregnant women who want to use a turmeric mouthwash should do so with caution. Always check that the product has a low turmeric content and speak to a doctor first.

Pregnant women can add turmeric to their meals and drinks for color and flavor. It is safe to use the powdered spice or fresh turmeric root in recommended amounts.

Try:

sprinkling turmeric on top of cooked eggs, grains, or vegetables
blending turmeric into smoothies or juices
making turmeric tea, using a teaspoon of turmeric and a squeeze of lemon in a cup of boiling water and sweetening with honey
stirring turmeric — along with a pinch of black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger — into warm milk to create golden milk
adding grated turmeric root to the pot when making vegetable soup or stew

Turmeric during pregnancy is likely safe when people consume it in the amounts typically present in foods and drinks.

Most experts agree that pregnant women should avoid consuming the medicinal quantities of curcumin that supplements contain. Although researchers cannot confirm the actual risks of pregnant women consuming large amounts of curcumin, there is the potential that it could trigger early labor or miscarriage.

Culinary amounts of turmeric may still provide several anti-inflammatory related benefits to pregnant women, especially when they consume the spice as part of a balanced diet.

Those who have concerns or questions about using turmeric when they are pregnant or breastfeeding should discuss them with their doctor.

Beneficial Combo or Cause for Concern?

You’re expecting! While learning that you’re pregnant is enough to make you smile for days, little did you know you’d be up at night with random worries — in addition to the heartburn.

Who would have thought you’d be searching the web at 3 a.m. wondering whether turmeric is safe during pregnancy?

Well, here’s what you need to know about consuming (or not consuming) this buzzworthy spice while pregnant.

Let’s start with understanding why turmeric is all the rage.

Turmeric — also called the “golden spice” for its vibrant yellow color — has a long history. In fact, its use dates back 4,000 years to the Vedic culture in India.

Over centuries, turmeric has traveled the globe for good reasons — and not just to make a killer curry dish for your out-of-the-blue breakfast craving.

You may have heard turmeric being touted as a supplement that can provide powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and even antimicrobial effects.

It’s been shown to block the body’s signals that promote the production of inflammatory processes, among other protective and healing effects.

Naturally, you might wonder if turmeric could also bring these health benefits to you and your baby.

In reality, evidence-based human studies of turmeric’s medicinal benefits are lacking. If you’ve read some conflicting information on this topic, put up your feet and read our review of what the science is saying.

Your body changes a lot during pregnancy. Some things — like that adorable baby bump — are welcome. Some — like heartburn — not so much.

Could turmeric supplements be the answer to a more blissful (and healthy) pregnancy? Unfortunately, it’s not that easy.

Relieving heartburn

If you experience heartburn during pregnancy, you’re likely searching for anything that brings relief as you’re propped up with pillows and feeling the burn.

In traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric has been used as an alternative therapy to treat heartburn and other digestive diseases.

While there are no human studies to show the effectiveness of turmeric in reducing heartburn, one 2010 study showed that pro-inflammatory factors and oxidative stress are involved in the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

With its proven anti-inflammatory effects, it’s possible that turmeric could help relieve GERD, but more studies on the safety and efficacy of turmeric during pregnancy are needed.

Soothing bleeding gums

Your flossing is impeccable. You brush two times every day. Now, all of a sudden, your gums are bleeding like mad. What gives?

It’s that pesky pregnancy hormone progesterone’s fault.

Peaking between the 2nd and 8th month of pregnancy, progesterone can make a pregnant woman more susceptible to developing pregnancy gingivitis.

Pregnancy gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. So, can a turmeric-based mouthwash stop it in its tracks?

According to this 2022 meta-analysis, the answer is yes. Turmeric mouthwash was equally as effective as the standard antimicrobial in the prevention of plaque and gingivitis.

But this study wasn’t conducted in pregnant test subjects, so the safety of using a turmeric mouthwash should be discussed with your doctor — and dentist, too.

Preventing preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a condition that only occurs in pregnancy — usually after the 20th week. Those with preeclampsia have very high blood pressure and may have high amounts of protein the urine. It can also impair function of other body organs like the kidney, liver and lungs.

Preeclampsia only affects up to 8 percent of pregnancies, and most people with preeclampsia deliver healthy babies and fully recover.

But in all transparency, this condition can be serious, leading to maternal and infant disability or death if not treated immediately.

What causes pregnant women to develop preeclampsia isn’t entirely known, but inflammation is thought to play a role.

One test-tube study comparing the plasma of women with preeclampsia to those without suggests that curcumin — the main compound in turmeric — may reduce inflammatory markers in pregnant women and help prevent preeclampsia.

While promising, more research is needed to recommend turmeric for preeclampsia prevention.

Boosting baby’s brain development

You want a baby genius, right? You’re eating blueberries every day, getting omega-3s, listening to classical music, and talking to your baby from day one.

Research points to something else that may affect your baby’s brain and neurological development: your body’s level of inflammation.

Studies have shown that babies of mothers with high levels of inflammation during pregnancy are at an increased risk for developing neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

A 2018 study showed a correlation between higher maternal inflammatory markers and lower functional memory scores at age 2.

You might think that consuming turmeric could reduce inflammation during pregnancy and therefore boost a baby’s brain power, but the word is still out whether the anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric could actually translate to optimizing baby’s brain development.

There are no studies showing that turmeric is harmful to human pregnancies — and there would be ethical concerns about conducting a clinical trial aimed to prove this.

In a 2007 animal study, the only adverse effect noted was a slightly lower body weight gain of the offspring of the animal moms that had curcumin during pregnancy.

But experts raise a few eyebrows with some suspected turmeric risks while pregnant, especially if taken in large doses as a supplement.

Studies done in humans — though not pregnant women — have shown that turmeric or curcumin may affect a woman’s reproductive system in several ways.

In one study, curcumin successfully reduced endometrial cell proliferation in endometriosis by reducing estradiol (estrogen) production.

This 2016 animal study further showed that curcumin could be a possible treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by reducing ovarian cysts.

Curcumin has also been researched in the treatment of breast cancer, showing some promising results.

While curcumin might hold health benefits for non-expecting women — especially those with endometriosis, PCOS, or breast cancer, as suggested by these studies — any altered hormone levels and uterine cell function could be harmful during pregnancy. We just don’t know.

A 2021 study found that two patients who were using curcumin supplements had reduced endometrial thickness, which disrupted the embryo transfer process. As this study only involved two patients, much more research is needed.

Be sure to to discuss turmeric supplementation with your doctor if you are planning to get pregnant naturally or via IVF treatments.

Can turmeric cause a miscarriage?

There’s no proven causal link, but most physicians recommend against turmeric and curcumin supplementation to avoid any potential (and unknown) risks to moms and baby.

You want to do everything possible to keep you and your baby safe. There’s an army around you (including us) who want to do the same.

So we advise following the recommendations of many experts: Avoid turmeric and curcumin as supplements. Also avoid consuming them in higher quantities than can be found in certain prepared dishes, drinks, or teas.

You don’t have to ward off all turmeric, though. Go out and enjoy your favorite Indian or Thai curry dish now and then. As a cooking ingredient, levels of turmeric are likely to be safe.

As a good measure, talk to your OB-GYN about turmeric and get their expert opinion on whether it’s safe for you.

Turmeric substitutes that are pregnancy-safe

Try these turmeric alternatives in moderation to safely keep the spice in your life and throughout your pregnancy. It is best to use these spices in your daily cooking and beverages as opposed to taking a supplement.

Supplements often have very high concentrated doses of a spice, which may not be safe during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor before taking herbal supplements.

curry powder
ginger powder
cumin seeds
yellow mustard seeds

Article resources

Al-Maweri SA, et al. (2022). Curcumin mouthwashes versus chlorhexidine in controlling plaque and gingivitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34013606/
Barcelos KA, et al. (2022). Antitumor properties of curcumin in breast cancer based on preclinical studies: A systematic review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35565294/
Ganiger S, et al. (2007). A two generation reproductive toxicity study with curcumin, turmeric yellow, in Wistar rats. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278691506002043
Ghaneifar Z, et al. (2020). The potential therapeutic effects of curcumin on pregnancy complications: Novel insights into reproductive medicine. https://iubmb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/iub.2399
Han VX, et al. (2021). Maternal acute and chronic inflammation in pregnancy is associated with common neurodevelopmental disorders: a systematic review. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-021-01198-w
Karrar SA & Hong PL. (2022). Preeclampsia. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34033373/
O’Connell AA, et al. (2021). Curcumin supplementation and endometrial lining: Examining the role and pathophysiology of use during frozen-thawed embryo transfer. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8754353/
Peng Y, et al. (2021). Anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin in the inflammatory diseases: Status, limitations and countermeasures. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8572027/
Prasad S, et al. (2011). Chapter 13: Turmeric, the golden spice. Herbal medicine: Biomolecular and clinical aspects. 2nd edition. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/
Rahardjo B, et al. (2014). Curcumin decreased level of proinflammatory cytokines in monocyte cultures exposed to preeclamptic plasma by affecting the transcription factors NF-κB and PPAR-γ. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214024714000586
Reddy PS, et al. (2016). Beneficial effect of curcumin in Letrozole induced polycystic ovary syndrome. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2305050016000154
Rieder F, et al. (2010). Inflammatory mediators in gastroesophageal reflux disease: impact on esophageal motility, fibrosis, and carcinogenesis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2867418/
Rudolph MD, et al. (2018). Maternal IL-6 during pregnancy can be estimated from newborn brain connectivity and predicts future working memory in offspring. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/29632361/
Zhang Y, et al. (2013). Curcumin inhibits endometriosis endometrial cells by reducing estradiol production. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3941414/

Turmeric during pregnancy: experts called unexpected benefits, but there are also nuances

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Scientists have proven the benefits of turmeric during pregnancy

Evgenia Frusevich

February 17, 2019, 18:20

Turmeric contains the following substances: starch, essential oil, curcumin and many other useful substances. This plant is used as a spice, dye, medicine. It has a lot of healing properties.

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Turmeric is called the queen of spices for a reason - it has many health benefits. But for pregnant women and mothers who are breastfeeding, there are nuances. Clutch reports.

Previously, it was believed that even small doses of turmeric for pregnant and lactating mothers are strictly prohibited, because this spice can cause uterine contractions, which in turn can even lead to miscarriage.

But recent studies have shown that in small doses, turmeric can provide many benefits - of course, if your doctor approves it.

Benefits of turmeric during pregnancy

Cleanses the liver and blood
Relieves joint inflammation and reduces pain
Improves bowel function, stimulates digestion, prevents constipation, promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria
Increases immunity
Helps maintain normal blood sugar levels
Turmeric & Sourdough Mask helps nourish skin and prevent stretch marks.

Benefits of turmeric during breastfeeding

Reduces the risk of mastitis
Reduces inflammation and pain in the nipples
Stimulates digestion

Improves brain function
Increases lactation, increases the amount of breast milk
Lowers blood cholesterol levels
Helps improve blood circulation.

And according to research from the Institute of Delhi (India), turmeric thins the blood and lowers heart pressure, which is very useful for hypertensive patients. It reduces excess blood sugar levels, has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, and helps with Alzheimer's disease.

Turmeric is very similar in its properties to ginger. She even has a second name - yellow ginger. Especially this plant is very useful for women, as it is used for cosmetic purposes to treat skin diseases. But its most important advantage is that turmeric is useful for weight loss.

Recall, a well-known Ukrainian nutritionist Oksana Skitalinskaya shared a list of products that will help prevent the development of cancerous tumors.

As the Znayu portal reported, the use of certain products will help strengthen the immune system and as a prevention of an unpleasant and dangerous disease.

Also Znayu wrote that general practitioner Victoria Agaltsova and general practitioner Elena Basova assure that beauties should also forget about diets during the cold season. According to experts, hot drinks dilate blood vessels. In addition, the heat quickly disappears when you go outside.

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What is turmeric
Benefit
Contraindications
Application
Expert commentary

The material was commented by Evgenia Maevskaya, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Assistant of the Department of Propaedeutics of Internal Diseases and Gastroenterology of the Moscow State Medical University named after. A.I. Evdokimova, gastroenterologist, nutritionist at GMS Clinic

This is how flowering turmeric looks like

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What is turmeric

Turmeric is a plant of the ginger family whose rhizomes and stems contain the yellow dye curcumin. In India, from the 600s BC. Turmeric was used to make curry powder. Another name for turmeric is turmeric. The spice is loved for its rich bitter taste, the color it gives to dishes, and its medicinal properties. Active compounds, curcuminoids, are responsible for the latter; their volume is 3% of the total weight of the root or stems [1].

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The benefits of turmeric

The benefits of turmeric have been confirmed by many studies. The plant has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, improves brain function, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Turmeric can be used in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease, helps with arthritis and depression, and also slows down the aging process in the body.

Turmeric is used to relieve pain and inflammation such as osteoarthritis. It should be borne in mind that curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream, it is better to eat it with fatty foods. The benefits of turmeric are enhanced with the right combination of spices. For example, the substance piperine contained in black pepper significantly improves the absorption of curcumin - by an average of 2000% [2].

The spice is recommended for hay fever, liver disease and itching. Some use turmeric for heartburn and to improve memory, but there is no conclusive scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of the seasoning in these cases [3]. Turmeric contains essential oils and many useful substances: vitamins C, K and B vitamins, iron, phosphorus, iodine and calcium. 100 g of spice contains 2–7% food minerals, 3–7% essential oils, 6–8% protein, 60–70% carbohydrates, and 3–7% fat [4].

Anti-inflammatory

Scientists believe that chronic inflammation is the main cause of many common diseases. This includes heart disease, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, and various degenerative conditions [5]. Curcumin has a strong anti-inflammatory effect.

Turmeric roots used to make powder

It has been compared to some pharmaceutical drugs, but unlike them, the substance has no serious side effects [6]. Curcumin blocks the NF-kB molecule, which penetrates into cell nuclei and initiates inflammation [7].

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Antioxidant properties

Oxidation of the body is considered one of the mechanisms that accelerate aging and provoke diseases. It involves free radicals that react with organic substances - proteins, fatty acids and DNA. Antioxidants such as turmeric protect the body from free radicals [8]. In addition, they increase the activity of their own antioxidant enzymes [9].

Improving brain function

It used to be that neurons lose their ability to divide and multiply over time. However, it is now known that they are able to form new bonds and increase in number. One of the main reasons for this process is brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a type of growth hormone. Many well-known diseases, including depression and Alzheimer's disease, are associated with a decrease in the level of this hormone [10]. Curcumin can be added to food to prevent these conditions. It increases the level of the brain hormone BDNF, which increases the growth of new neurons and fights various degenerative processes.

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Reducing the risk of heart disease

Heart disease occurs for many reasons, from genetic predisposition to lifestyle. But scientists are confident that curcumin can prevent health problems [11]. It improves the function of the endothelium lining the walls of blood vessels. Destruction of endothelial cells provokes the development of heart disease, pressure failures and deterioration of blood clotting [12].

Turmeric is good for the heart, blood vessels and brain

Research confirms that curcumin works like atorvastatin in lowering cholesterol [13]. Another experiment was conducted with 121 patients, all of whom underwent coronary bypass surgery. People were divided into two groups, the first was given a placebo, the second - 4 g of curcumin per day for several days before and after the operation. In the control group, according to scientists, the risk of a heart attack decreased by 65% [14].

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Reduce the risk of cancer

Turmeric can prevent cancer. Scientists have proven that the spice affects the growth, development and spread of tumors at the molecular level [15]. It reduces ontogeny — metastasis and the appearance of new blood vessels in tumors [16]. The effect of high doses on cancer treatment has not yet been studied, but doctors say that turmeric's antioxidants can be used as a preventive therapy to prevent the occurrence of cancer.

Prevention of Alzheimer's disease

The world's most common neurodegenerative disease and the leading cause of dementia. There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, so doctors advise focusing on preventing it. Inflammatory and oxidative processes play a role in the development of the disease, and curcumin reduces their influence [17]. In addition, a key feature of Alzheimer's disease is the accumulation of protein tangles called amyloid plaques. Studies have shown that curcumin helps clear these plaques [18].

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Arthritis relief

Curcumin supplements are recommended for patients with joint inflammation. One study involved patients with rheumatoid arthritis. They noted that turmeric was in many cases no less effective in relieving pain than a chemical anti-inflammatory drug [19].

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Fight depression

Studies have confirmed that curcumin has benefits in fighting depression. Scientists divided 60 people with this diagnosis into three groups [20]. Some patients took Prozac, others took 1 g of curcumin daily, and still others took both.

Six weeks later, doctors noted that the substance from the spice produced the same improvements as an antidepressant. The best results were recorded in the third group of patients [21]. Depression is associated with decreased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and shrinkage of the hippocampus, an area of the brain that plays a role in learning and memory. Curcumin increases BDNF levels, potentially reversing these processes.

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Slowing down aging

Turmeric helps fight age-related changes and chronic diseases. It is often used as an additive in vitamin complexes to maintain youth and beauty. Curcumin acts as an antioxidant, improves blood circulation and, accordingly, skin regeneration processes. The spice enhances collagen synthesis, promotes the healing of minor wounds and gets rid of acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Thanks to powerful antioxidants, turmeric evens out complexion [22].

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Contraindications in the use of turmeric

Like any natural product, turmeric can cause allergies. If the body reacts to known spices, then this seasoning should be used with extreme caution. Before constant use, you need to do a test on your hand: apply a pinch of turmeric with water or milk and look at the skin reaction for two days. Pregnant women should not eat turmeric frequently due to its blood-thinning effect. In addition, there is an assumption that eating hot spices in the last trimester can provoke contractions.

Turmeric should be excluded from the diet of people taking blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin) and anti-diabetic drugs - the spice reduces blood sugar levels. Adding a small amount of turmeric to food as a seasoning does not cause health problems.

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Use of turmeric at home

Seasoning emphasizes the taste of meat (especially chicken), omelettes and mashed soups, combined with rice, lentils and other cereals. Confectioners add it to baked goods in place of artificial colors for a beautiful yellow-orange color.

Be sure to pay attention to the expiration date. Despite the fact that spices can be stored for years, stale turmeric loses most of its beneficial properties and tastes bitter due to rancid essential oils in the composition. The spice is used in drinks: a teaspoon of turmeric can be added to milk with honey, fruit smoothies, tea or coffee. Turmeric is mixed with other spices, put in dressings, marinades and vegetable salads.

Turmeric enhances the flavor of meats, omelettes, soups and lentils

Spice shops sell fresh turmeric that looks like fine ginger. Roots can be grated and added to food. They give a richer taste and aroma compared to the powder. This option is the most useful, because this way you will surely know that the turmeric is fresh and without impurities.

Turmeric is actively used in cosmetology. To prepare a homemade mask, you can mix the spice with milk and honey. It is believed that with the help of turmeric you can whiten your teeth. But there are no reliable studies to support this information. Moreover, the effect can be just the opposite, since curcumin is a strong natural dye. Equally mythical are the assumptions that the spice helps increase breast size and get rid of cellulite. When taken orally, turmeric does reduce inflammation and improve the intestinal microflora, but this is unlikely to significantly affect the appearance.

Turmeric is added to food and drinks

Expert comment

Evgeniya Mayevskaya A.I. Evdokimova, gastroenterologist, nutritionist at the GMS Clinic

Herbaceous perennial plant turmeric from the ginger family really has a potential pleiotropy of action, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects due to the curcuminoids it contains (one of them is curcumin itself). There are scientific works demonstrating the ability of curcuminoids to normalize the protective / macrophage system of our body, in particular, to influence the activity of neutrophils (white blood cells, leukocytes), lymphocytes and natural killers (a type of lymphocyte involved in the functioning of innate immunity).

Currently, the possibility of increasing the level of serum immunoglobulins has been shown only in an animal cell. It is worth noting that this phenomenon has a positive effect on the immunity of animals, however, its effect has not yet been proven in humans. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory ability of curcuminoids has been known for a long time, there are many supporting data.

We now have the results of a systematic review on remission support in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, where immune system dysfunction plays an important role. These data allow us to conclude that the addition of turmeric to basic therapy helps to prolong this condition and, in general, reduce the activity of inflammation. In addition, the use of curcumin as a fungicidal agent that inhibits the growth of fungi, and in general its ability to modulate the intestinal microflora, is being studied.

Interesting effect of curcumin on the body in the context of the treatment of liver diseases. For example, during inflammation, a hepatoprotective effect is observed, which promotes recovery by suppressing anti-inflammatory cytokines, free radical oxidation products and normalizing the functioning of liver stellate cells.

It is worth noting that most of these data are obtained in the course of experimental studies on animals, it is impossible to extrapolate the results to the human body with 100% certainty. The opinion that turmeric cannot be used for hepatitis due to potential negative effects and can provoke autoimmune hepatitis is most likely due to the fact that:

turmeric, due to its low natural bioavailability, is often combined with various additives that can be harmful;
turmeric is a dietary supplement, the degree of purification of which is not controlled as tightly as drugs, and can be quite low;
interaction of turmeric with other dietary supplements is possible. Often, it is the simultaneous use of various substances that contributes to the occurrence of complications.

At the moment, studies do not provide a clear answer to the question of the connection of turmeric with hepatitis. There are only a few scientific works demonstrating the ability of curcumin to inhibit, that is, significantly reduce the activity of an important liver detoxifying enzyme, and, accordingly, potentially exhibit a toxic effect, but more research is needed to prove this. It can be assumed that the toxic effect depends on the dosage of the substance or its combination with others.

In the US, curcumin is recognized as safe as a dietary supplement and as a drug. The recommended dosage of the active ingredient - curcumin (not turmeric in powder) - starts from 3 mg / kg of body weight, maximum - up to 10 g per day. These data are provided in preclinical and clinical studies, but the follow-up period for all is very short and is limited to 16 weeks. When taking large doses of turmeric, negative reactions from the gastrointestinal tract, diarrhea and nausea, allergic manifestations and increased bleeding are possible when taken together with certain antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants.

There are no data on excretion of the active curcuminoids of turmeric from breast milk, nor data on safety in infants. To date, there is no evidence that turmeric can affect lactation. In India, for example, traditionally this plant is used to increase it. There is no need to eliminate the spice while breastfeeding, as it is known to be safe in dietary doses, but it should not be consumed in greater amounts either.

In 2019, more than 700 patients participated in a meta-analysis on the effect of curcumin on blood pressure levels. The study showed that only with long-term use (more than 12 weeks) was there a decrease in the level of systolic pressure. That is, there is a positive effect, but the data do not allow the use of turmeric as a monotherapy for the correction of pressure.

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