The root and rhizome, or underground stem, of Curcuma longa provides flavor and color to curries in south Asian cuisine. Known as turmeric, this herb also has traditional medicinal uses, including treating indigestion, reducing inflammation and acting as a liver tonic. Because herbs can cause side effects and interact with medications, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking turmeric as an herbal remedy only under the supervision of a qualified health care provider.
Curcumin
The active component of turmeric, known as curcumin, is useful for reducing inflammation, pain and stiffness in conditions such as bursitis and rheumatoid arthritis, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Because curcumin relieves inflammation, it may be helpful for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Curcumin also is a strong antioxidant and protects against damage by free radicals, which are waste products in the body that cause cell damage and can lead to disease. The UMHS notes that curcumin has shown cancer-preventing effects in laboratory and animal research.
Liver Benefits
Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional healing system of India, uses turmeric as a liver tonic. Early research indicates that turmeric may indeed have protective effects on the liver, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health. A study with rats published in the November 1983 issue of "Planta Medica," for instance, found that Curcuma longa rhizomes showed "intense preventive activity" against liver injury induced by the toxins carbon tetrachloride and galactosamine.
Drug Interactions
Turmeric has an additional effect on the liver which can cause problems with some medications. The herb may interfere with a liver enzyme involved in metabolizing certain drugs. This can lead to elevated levels of the drug in the body, which could cause toxicity or worsened side effects. The NIH recommends talking with a health care professional or a pharmacist about drug interactions with turmeric if you take any medications.
Usage
Standardized herbal extracts contain concentrated amounts of active components. A typical dose of turmeric extract standardized at 90 to 95 percent curcumin is 250 to 500 mg three times per day, according to the UMHS. The NIH notes that doses of turmeric root in research are as high as 3,000 mg daily, or 3 g, divided into several doses. Turmeric tea is another option, using 1 to 1.5 g of dried root steeped in 5 oz. of hot water for 15 minutes, taken twice per day.
Safety
Turmeric is generally safe with few side effects, according to the UMHS. Fans of Indian cuisine commonly eat large amounts of the spice with no negative reactions. However, taking large doses of turmeric supplements or using them for long periods of time could lead to stomach upset, heartburn, nausea or diarrhea. Some herbalists recommend that pregnant women not consume large amounts of turmeric because it may cause uterine contractions, as noted by the UMHS. Turmeric also may cause gallbladder contractions, so it may not be safe for people with gallstones or bile passage obstruction.
