Turmeric
© Steven FosterParts Used & Where Grown
The vast majority of turmeric comes from India. Turmeric is one of the key ingredients in many curries, giving them color and flavor. The root and rhizome (underground stem) are used medicinally.
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Depression | Refer to label instructions |  [3 stars] In a few studies of patients with depression, supplementation with curcumin significantly improved depression. |
Osteoarthritis (Ashwagandha, Boswellia) | 1,000 mg daily boswellia resin herbal extract or two capsules, three times per day of Aticulin-F (formula containing 100 mg boswellia, 450 mg ashwagandha, 50 mg turmeric, and 50 mg zinc) | [3 stars] A combination of boswellia, ashwagandha, turmeric, and zinc effectively treated pain and stiffness in one study, without the stomach irritation that is a common side effect of NSAIDs. |
Indigestion, Heartburn, and Low Stomach Acidity | 500 mg four times per day, for indigestion |  [2 stars] In a double-blind trial, turmeric was found to relieve indigestion. |
Irritable Bowel Syndrome | Refer to label instructions | [2 stars] In a double-blind trial, treatment with a proprietary product containing turmeric and fennel improved symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. |
Osteoarthritis | Refer to label instructions | [2 stars] In a double-blind trial, supplementation with curcuminoids significantly improved pain and overall functioning in people with osteoarthritis of the knee. |
Rheumatoid Arthritis | 400 mg of curcumin three times daily | [2 stars] Turmeric’s active constituent, curcumin, is a potent anti-inflammatory compound that protects the body against free radical damage. |
Alzheimer’s Disease | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] In case reports, three patients with Alzheimer's disease showed improvements in symptoms such as irritability, agitation, anxiety, and apathy after supplementing with turmeric. |
Atherosclerosis | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Turmeric’s active compound curcumin has shown potent anti-platelet activity in preliminary studies. |
Bursitis | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Some doctors recommend using the anti-inflammatory herbs boswellia, turmeric, willow, and topical cayenne ointment for bursitis.
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Chronic Anterior Uveitis | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Preliminary research indicates a possible benefit of turmeric extract for inflammation of the iris and middle coat of the eyeball chronic anterior uveitis). |
Crohn’s Disease | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Turmeric contains curcumin, which has been reported to have anti-inflammatory activity. In one study, people given turmeric saw an improvement after three months. |
Genital Herpes | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Research research suggests that substances found in turmeric have potential benefit for topical prevention of genital herpes. |
HIV and AIDS Support | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Turmeric may be a useful herb with immune effects in people infected with HIV. One trial found that curcumin, turmeric’s main active compound, helped improve CD4+ cell counts. |
Low Back Pain | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Turmeric is an herb known traditionally for its anti-inflammatory effects, a possible advantage for people suffering from low back pain. |
Pre- and Post-Surgery Health | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Turmeric has anti-inflammatory effects. One trial found curcumin (from turmeric) was more effective than anti-inflammatory medication for relieving postsurgical inflammation. |
Premenstrual Syndrome | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] In one double-blind trial, supplementation with curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) significantly improved symptoms of PMS, compared with a placebo. |
Ulcerative Colitis | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Curcumin, a compound in turmeric, is anti-inflammatory and may improve symptoms of ulcerative colitis. |
Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)
In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric was prescribed for treatment of many conditions, including poor vision, rheumatic pains, and coughs, and to increase milk production. Native peoples of the Pacific sprinkled the dust on their shoulders during ceremonial dances and used it for numerous medical problems ranging from constipation to skin diseases. Turmeric was used for numerous intestinal infections and ailments in Southeast Asia.
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.