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Turmeric and Curcumin: Absorption, Safety, Liver

Also known as curcumin, Curcuma longa, curcuminoids, turmeric with black pepper, Indian saffron, turmeric root

Short answer

Turmeric is a spice from a plant in the ginger family; curcumin is a main compound that gives it its yellow color [1]. Many supplements add piperine from black pepper or use special forms to raise absorption [1]. Liver damage has been reported with some of these high-absorption products. Turmeric supplements may be unsafe in pregnancy [1].

Last reviewed · 1 sources

What is Turmeric and Curcumin?

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a plant in the ginger family grown in Southeast Asia and India. Its rhizome, an underground stem, is used in cooking [1]. Curcumin is a major component and belongs to a group of compounds called curcuminoids [1]. Turmeric has been studied for knee osteoarthritis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and high cholesterol, but there is not enough evidence to say whether it helps any health purpose [1].

Forms of Turmeric and Curcumin you'll see on labels

  • Turmeric powder (spice)

    The ground rhizome used in cooking [1].

  • Curcumin or curcuminoid extracts

    Concentrated products. They vary in how much curcumin they actually contain [1].

  • Curcumin with piperine (black pepper)

    Adding piperine is one way to improve curcumin's bioavailability [1].

  • Enhanced-bioavailability formulations

    Modified to increase absorption. Liver damage has been reported in some people who used them [1].

  • Topical turmeric or curcumin

    Applied to the skin; it can cause hives or itching [1].

How Turmeric and Curcumin appears on a label

Labels may list turmeric, curcumin or curcuminoids in milligrams (mg). Products vary in how much curcumin they really contain, and many include other plant substances such as piperine from black pepper [1]. Claims such as 'enhanced absorption' or 'bioavailable' point to the type of formulation linked to liver damage reports [1].

When to take Turmeric and Curcumin

NCCIH does not name a best time of day, and it does not say whether to take turmeric with or without food.

What to keep apart from Turmeric and Curcumin

  • Black pepper (piperine)

    Piperine raises curcumin's bioavailability [1]. Liver damage has been reported with high-bioavailability curcumin products [1].

  • Any prescription medicine

    NCCIH advises talking with your health care provider before using any herbal product if you take medicine, because some herbs and medicines interact in harmful ways [1]. Ask your pharmacist.

Foods that contain Turmeric and Curcumin

  • Turmeric used as a cooking spice

Who should ask a doctor or pharmacist first

Pregnancy: turmeric supplements may be unsafe [1]. Breastfeeding: little is known about amounts larger than those in food [1]. If you notice signs of liver damage, such as fatigue, nausea, poor appetite, dark urine or yellow skin or eyes, stop turmeric or curcumin products right away and talk with your health care provider [1]. Anyone taking medicines should ask a doctor or pharmacist first [1].

Keep Turmeric and Curcumin in a routine that fits

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Turmeric and Curcumin: questions people ask

Regular oral turmeric or curcumin (not modified for better absorption) is likely safe in recommended amounts for up to 2 or 3 months [1]. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, stomach upset, diarrhea and constipation [1].

Liver damage has been reported in some people who took curcumin products made to be better absorbed [1]. Stop and see a provider if you notice fatigue, nausea, poor appetite, dark urine or jaundice [1].

Turmeric is the plant and spice. Curcumin is a major compound in it that gives the yellow color [1].

Piperine from black pepper is one way to improve how much curcumin the body absorbs [1].

Turmeric supplements during pregnancy may be unsafe [1]. Little is known about amounts above food levels while breastfeeding [1].

NCCIH says regular oral turmeric or curcumin is likely safe in recommended amounts for up to 2 or 3 months [1].

NCCIH advises talking with your health care provider before using any herbal product if you take medicine, because some herbs and medicines interact in harmful ways [1].

Sources

  1. Turmeric — NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)

Educational information, not medical advice. The amounts above are official reference values, not a recommendation for you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing supplements, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or have a health condition. Supin sells a subscription, not supplements. Last reviewed .

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