Curcumin

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KEY POINTS

• This remedy has been used to treat several conditions. Studies in humans or animals have not proved that this remedy is safe or effective for all uses. Before using this remedy for a serious condition, you should talk with your healthcare provider.
• The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve uses for natural remedies. The FDA does not inspect or regulate natural remedies the way they do prescription medicines. Natural remedies are not always safe.
• This remedy may cause unwanted side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that are serious, continue, or get worse.
• This remedy affects your body and may interact with prescription medicines that you take. Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take.

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What are other names for this remedy?

Type of medicine: natural remedy

Scientific and common names: Amomoum curcuma, Curcuma aromatica, Curcuma aromatica salisbury, Curcuma domestica, Curcuma domestica valet, Curcuma longa, curcumin, diferuloylmethane, Indian saffron, Indian yellow root, turmeric root, tumeric, yellowroot

What is curcumin?

Curcumin is made from the dried roots of the turmeric plant. The roots are ground into a deep yellow powder. The powder has a bitter, peppery taste and is used as a spice in foods. It is also used to add color to foods such as margarine, cheese, and mustard. Turmeric is also used in some cosmetics.

What is it used for?

This remedy has been used to treat several conditions. Studies in humans or animals have not proved that this remedy is safe or effective for all uses. Before using this remedy for a serious condition, you should talk with your healthcare provider.

Curcumin has been taken by mouth to treat:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Arthritis
• Heartburn and indigestion
• High cholesterol and hardening of the arteries
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Itching

It may also be used on the skin to help wounds heal or to treat eczema.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve uses for natural remedies. The FDA does not inspect or regulate natural remedies the way they do prescription medicines.

How is it taken?

Curcumin can be taken as a capsule or as tea. Swallow curcumin capsules with a large drink of water. Check the label on the package for the specific dose.

What if I overdose?

Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.

What should I watch out for?

Talk with your healthcare provider before taking curcumin if you have:

• A bleeding disorder
• A weakened immune system from diseases such as HIV/AIDS or from cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunosuppressant medicine
• Diabetes
• Gallbladder disease
• Kidney stones
• Ulcers

If you have diabetes: This remedy may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines you may need. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.

If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any natural remedy that you are using or thinking of using. If your provider does not tell you how to take it, follow the directions that come with the package. Do not take more or take it longer than recommended. Ask about anything you do not understand. Remember:

• Natural remedies are not always safe.
• You should not take them if you are pregnant or breast-feeding without your healthcare provider's approval. They should not be taken by infants, children, or older adults without your provider's approval.
• They affect your body and may interact with prescription medicines that you take.
• Natural remedies are not standardized. They may have different strengths and effects. They may also be contaminated.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its desirable effects, this remedy may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the remedy. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help.): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Other: Heartburn, nausea, diarrhea.

What products might interact with this remedy?

When you take this remedy with other medicines, it can change the way the remedy or the medicines work. Vitamins and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Before taking this remedy, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• Diabetes medicines such as acarbose (Precose), acetohexamide (Dymelor), chlorpropamide, glimepiride (Amaryl), glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Glynase), insulin, metformin (Fortamet, Glucophage, Riomet), miglitol (Glyset), pioglitazone (Actos), repaglinide (Prandin), rosiglitazone (Avandia), tolazamide, and tolbutamide
• Medicines to treat or prevent blood clots such as aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, and warfarin (Coumadin)
• Natural remedies such as angelica, devil's claw, fenugreek, garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, gotu kola, horse chestnut, red clover, and willow

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

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Keep all natural remedies and medicines out of the reach of children.

This advisory includes select information only. The information was obtained from scientific journals, study reports, and other documents. The author and publisher make no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the information. The advisory may not include all side effects associated with a remedy or interactions with other medicines. Nothing herein shall constitute a recommendation for the use of any remedy. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.