Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric -- a medicinal spice. It is commonly used in India to flavor foods such as curries. In herbal medicine, curcumin is used for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, which provide benefit for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Do not take curcumin if you have gallstones, according to Medline Plus, it is not safe for your condition. If you do not have gallstones, consult your doctor before taking curcumin.
Gallbladder
Your liver produces bile -- a substance that emulsifies fat. Bile salts, cholesterol and bilirubin are the three substances that form bile. Your gallbladder stores bile for later use. When you eat fat containing foods, your gallbladder contracts, releasing bile into your intestines to digest those fats. This process normally goes off without a hitch.
Gallstones
Some individuals develop gallstones. Risk factors include rapid weight loss and being over weight. Gallstones are hard pebbles that form in your gallbladder, varying in size. According to the National Institutes of Health, there are two gallstone types: stones formed from too much cholesterol and stones formed from too much bilirubin. Cholesterol stones are most common, according to PubMed Health.
Gallbladder Attack
Most gallstones cause no symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, there is a chance of experiencing a gallbladder attack. This refers to pain and discomfort experienced as a result of gallstone accumulation. When you eat fat-containing foods and your gallbladder contracts to release bile, you may experience abdominal pain if stones have either accumulated or are blocking your bile ducts.
Curcumin and Gallstones
Curcumin stimulates gallbladder contraction, according to a study published in the February 1999 issue of the journal "Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics." Under normal circumstances, this is considered beneficial. However, if you have gallstones, this can make your condition worse. This can cause a gallbladder attack or cause stones to lodge in your bile ducts, which is painful.
Treatment
Do not take curcumin If your doctor has identified the presence of gallstones. Your doctor can prescribe medicines called chenodeoxycholic acids, which dissolve gallstones. If your gallstones are causing severe symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgical gallbladder removal.
References
- Markfuscomd.com: Gallstones, Cholecystitis, and Gallbladder Dysfunction; Mark Fusco
- National Institutes of Health: Gallstones; George F. Longstreth; July 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gallstones and Gallbladder Disease; Harvey Simon; June 2009
- "Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics"; the Effect of Curcumin and Placebo on Human Gall-bladder Function: an Ultrasound Study; A. Rasyid, et al.; February 1999
