Prabhat Ayurvedic Pharmacy
Start Your Product

Herb library · Updated 17 October 2026 · By Aashish Passi · 29 sources

Turmeric (Curcuma longa): what the research says

Turmeric is the dried, cured rhizome of Curcuma longa L., a perennial herb of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) cultivated across India[1]. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India lists it as Haridra, with a volatile oil and the yellow pigment curcumin as its constituents[1]. Its curcuminoids are poorly absorbed, so many supplements add piperine or use enhanced-absorption forms[2, 18]. Meta-analyses of mostly small trials suggest modest benefit for knee osteoarthritis pain and functional dyspepsia, but NCCIH and the EMA consider the evidence insufficient for firm conclusions[2, 5, 7, 11]. Turmeric is safe in food amounts, but supplements, especially high-dose or enhanced-absorption products, are now linked to rare liver injury[3, 22, 23].

At a glance

Names and identity

Common nameTurmeric (haldi, Indian saffron)
SanskritHaridrā (Haridra)
HindiHaldi, Hardi
PunjabiHaldi, Haldar
Botanical nameCurcuma longa L.
FamilyZingiberaceae
Part usedRhizome: dried and cured rhizomes, cured by boiling and then dried (API). The European Pharmacopoeia likewise defines the whole, cured (boiled or steamed), dried rhizome.
Sanskrit synonymsRajanī, Niśā, Rātri, Kṣaṇadā, Doṣā

Ayurveda

Turmeric in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia

Rasa (taste)Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter)
Guna (qualities)Ruksha (dry)
Virya (potency)Ushna (hot)
Vipaka (post-digestive effect)Katu (pungent)
Action on doshasKaphapittanut (pacifies Kapha and Pitta). The API lists its traditional therapeutic uses as Pandu, Prameha, Vrana, Vishavikara, Kushtha, Tvagroga, Shitapitta and Pinasa.
Karma (actions)Krimighna, Kushthaghna, Varnya, Vishaghna, Kaphapittanut, Pramehanashaka
Classical formulationsHaridra Khanda
Dose in the API1-3 g of the drug in powder form (API Part I, Vol I).

Profile as recorded in the official texts[1].

Chemistry

Key constituents

  • The API lists the constituents as a volatile oil and a colouring matter (curcumin), and sets a minimum of 4% volatile oil.[1]
  • The curcuminoids are curcumin (diferuloylmethane), demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Curcumin makes up about 90% of the curcuminoid content. Curcumin content of the dried rhizome is reported at 0.6-5%, rising to about 40% in turmeric oleoresin.[5]
  • The volatile oil (reported at about 5.8% of total mass) is rich in sesquiterpenes, including zingiberene, curcumene and the turmerones (ar-, alpha- and beta-turmerone). Carbohydrates make up most of the rhizome by weight (about 69%).[5]
  • Curcumin is chemically unstable and poorly absorbed. In a pharmacokinetic study, 2 g of curcumin alone gave undetectable or very low blood levels in healthy volunteers, while adding 20 mg piperine raised bioavailability about 2000%. A medicinal-chemistry review classes curcumin as a pan-assay interference compound whose activity in many laboratory tests is likely to be false.[18, 17]

Research

What human studies show

The bottom line

Pooled trials point to modest short-term improvements in knee osteoarthritis pain and in functional dyspepsia symptoms, but the trials are mostly small and use many different extracts[7, 8, 11]. Findings for depression, blood sugar, fatty liver and ulcerative colitis are mixed or low-certainty, and a trial in Alzheimer's disease found no effect[9, 13, 14, 15, 16]. NCCIH says there is not enough evidence to conclude that turmeric or curcumin is beneficial for any health purpose, and the EMA found the data insufficient for a 'well-established use' indication[2, 5].

meta-analysisEvidence: moderate

Knee osteoarthritis (pooled)

15 RCTs, 1,621 participants; Curcuma longa extract or curcumin vs placebo or NSAIDs

Compared with placebo, turmeric extract and curcumin were associated with lower pain (VAS and WOMAC pain) and better WOMAC function and stiffness scores, with adverse events similar to placebo. Compared with NSAIDs, effects on pain, function and stiffness were similar and adverse events were fewer.[7, 2, 28]

Limitations: Trials used many different extracts, doses and durations. NCCIH describes the evidence for osteoarthritis as positive but initial, and says higher-quality evidence is needed.

RCTEvidence: limited

Knee osteoarthritis

n=70 adults with knee osteoarthritis and effusion-synovitis on ultrasound; 12 weeks; 2 capsules/day of Curcuma longa extract vs placebo; single centre, Tasmania

Knee pain on a visual analogue scale improved by 9.1 mm more than with placebo (95% CI -17.8 to -0.4), and WOMAC knee pain also improved. The extract did not change effusion-synovitis volume on MRI or cartilage composition. Adverse events were similar between groups.[8, 28]

Limitations: Modest sample and short duration, as the authors note; part-funded by the extract's manufacturer. The authors call for larger multicentre trials to judge clinical significance.

systematic reviewEvidence: moderate

Functional dyspepsia (pooled)

Cochrane review of 41 trials of 27 non-Chinese herbal medicines; Curcuma longa vs placebo in 2 studies (110 participants)

Curcuma longa probably results in a moderate improvement in global dyspepsia symptoms at four weeks versus placebo (MD -3.33, 95% CI -5.84 to -0.81; moderate-certainty evidence), with probably little or no difference in adverse events. Against other active treatments it may give little or no added benefit.[11]

Limitations: Only two small placebo-controlled studies; the review calls for more high-quality trials.

RCTEvidence: limited

Functional dyspepsia

n=132 adults with Rome IV functional dyspepsia; 4 weeks; curcumin vs omeprazole vs placebo; double-blind, Thailand

Pain and non-pain symptom scores fell more with curcumin than with placebo, and did not differ significantly from omeprazole.[10, 4]

Limitations: Single centre and short follow-up. The European Union's traditional-use monograph also lists relief of digestive disturbances (fullness, slow digestion, flatulence), but on the basis of long-standing use rather than trial evidence.

meta-analysisEvidence: limited

Depression and depressive symptoms (pooled)

10 trials, 594 patients; curcumin vs placebo or as add-on

Curcumin was associated with a small reduction in depressive symptoms (SMD -0.32, 95% CI -0.50 to -0.13) and higher response rates, with drop-outs and side effects similar to control.[9]

Limitations: The authors rated the evidence as low quality and say there is great uncertainty about efficacy and acceptability. In the subgroup with depressive symptoms (rather than diagnosed depression) there was no significant effect.

meta-analysisEvidence: limited

Blood sugar in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (pooled)

34 RCTs (39 treatment arms); curcumin or turmeric vs control; searches to August 2025

Supplementation was associated with lower fasting glucose (about -10 mg/dL), HbA1c (-0.32 percentage points) and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) than control. Effects appeared larger at doses of 1 g/day or more and varied by formulation.[14]

Limitations: Significant heterogeneity across trials; the authors say caution is needed and that high-quality RCTs are still required.

meta-analysisEvidence: limited

Fatty liver disease (NAFLD) liver enzymes

15 RCTs, 835 participants with NAFLD; curcumin vs control

Curcumin did not change ALT but did lower AST. Adding piperine gave no benefit. Longer trials and higher relative doses were associated with smaller enzyme reductions.[15, 2]

Limitations: High heterogeneity. NCCIH notes that it is unclear which NAFLD measures are consistently improved.

meta-analysisEvidence: preliminary

Ulcerative colitis, add-on to standard therapy (mixed results)

Two meta-analyses of small RCTs: 3 RCTs analysed (2018) and 6 RCTs, 385 participants (2022)

The 2018 analysis found that, using the more accurate statistical model, oral curcumin was not superior to placebo for attaining remission. The 2022 analysis found more clinical remission with add-on curcumin (RR 2.10, 95% CI 1.13 to 3.89) but no significant difference in clinical improvement or endoscopic remission.[12, 13]

Limitations: Very few, small trials with differing doses and formulations; the conclusions of the two reviews differ.

RCTEvidence: limited

Alzheimer's disease (null result)

n=36 with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease; 24 weeks; curcumin 2 g/day or 4 g/day vs placebo

There were no differences between groups in clinical or biomarker measures. Plasma levels of native curcumin were low, and 3 of 24 curcumin-treated participants withdrew because of gastrointestinal symptoms.[16, 28]

Limitations: Small pilot trial. The authors suggest limited bioavailability may explain the lack of effect.

Safety

Safety, interactions and regulation

  • Common effects: oral turmeric can cause nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, stomach upset, diarrhoea or constipation, and topical curcumin can cause hives or itching. The EMA monograph lists mild dry mouth, flatulence and gastric irritation. NCCIH considers conventional (non-enhanced) turmeric or curcumin likely safe in recommended amounts for up to 2-3 months.[2, 4, 28]
  • Liver: LiverTox now rates turmeric likelihood score A, a well-documented cause of clinically apparent liver injury, and calls it apparently the most common cause of herbal-related liver injury in the United States. Most cases involve highly bioavailable curcumin products, but cases have also followed plain turmeric powder and teas. Injury usually appears 1-4 months after starting, is typically hepatocellular, and usually resolves 1-3 months after stopping; LiverTox estimates the incidence at roughly 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 100,000 people exposed. Rechallenge should be avoided.[3]
  • Liver case series: The US Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network found 10 turmeric cases, all enrolled since 2011. Five were hospitalised and one died of acute liver failure, and 3 of the 7 products tested also contained piperine. Seven patients carried the immune gene variant HLA-B*35:01 (allele frequency 0.45 vs 0.06-0.07 in controls). In Tuscany, Italy, all 7 cases were linked to high-bioavailability, high-dose curcumin formulations.[19, 20]
  • Regulators: Australia's TGA (August 2023) warns of a rare risk of liver injury from turmeric or curcumin in medicinal dosage forms. It received 18 reports, including one fatal case, and says the risk may be higher with enhanced-absorption and higher-dose products. It advises people with existing or previous liver problems to avoid these products. Health Canada found a possible link, reviewed over 60 international cases (2 deaths attributed to hepatotoxicity), and expects licensed products to carry liver-risk information on their labels. It notes that Italy and France have also acted. All three say typical dietary amounts of turmeric in food are not a concern.[22, 23]
  • USP and EMA reviews: In 2026 a US Pharmacopeia expert committee recommended a caution on its turmeric and curcuminoid monographs, noting that liver problems have been reported very rarely and often with other medicines or supplements taken at the same time. The EMA's 2025 review found no liver toxicity reported at the posologies in its monograph. It linked the risk to high-bioavailability, high-dose curcumin formulations and kept its monograph unchanged.[21, 6]
  • Interactions: In laboratory studies curcumin inhibits P-glycoprotein and CYP3A4. Clinical interactions have been reported with talinolol, endoxifen, sulphasalazine and tamoxifen, but at curcumin doses higher than in the EU monograph. Piperine, often added to supplements, can also alter the metabolism of other medicines. NCCIH advises talking to a health care provider before combining herbal products with medicines.[6, 26, 2, 28]
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: NCCIH says turmeric supplements during pregnancy may be unsafe and that little is known about amounts above food levels while breastfeeding. The EMA does not recommend medicinal use in pregnancy or lactation because safety has not been established and curcumin or its metabolites pass into milk in animal studies.[2, 4, 5]
  • Other cautions (EMA): not recommended in bile-duct obstruction, cholangitis, liver disease, gallstones or other biliary disease, or under 18 years. JECFA set an acceptable daily intake for curcumin of 0-3 mg/kg body weight.[4, 5]
  • Lead: Lead chromate, a yellow pigment, has been added to turmeric to brighten its colour. A 2024 survey of 356 samples from 23 cities in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal found detectable lead in 14%, with levels above 1000 µg/g in samples from Patna (Bihar), Karachi and Peshawar. In Bangladesh, lead-chromate adulteration was found in 7 of 9 major turmeric-producing districts.[25, 24]

Quality

Identity, standards and adulteration

  • API identity: dried, cured rhizomes, ovate to pyriform ('round') or cylindrical ('long'), yellowish to yellowish-brown outside with a horny fracture and orange to reddish-brown inside. Identification includes a deep crimson colour with concentrated sulphuric acid and a boric-acid paper test (pink to brownish-red, turning deep blue or greenish-black with alkali).[1]
  • API limits: foreign matter not more than 2%; total ash not more than 9%; acid-insoluble ash not more than 1%; alcohol-soluble extractive not less than 8%; water-soluble extractive not less than 12%; volatile oil not less than 4%. The API Vol I monograph sets no curcumin assay.[1]
  • Other standards: the ESCOP and Commission E monographs (cited by the EMA) require not less than 2.5-3% dicinnamoylmethane derivatives (as curcumin) and 2.5-3% volatile oil. For food, FSSAI publishes methods for curcumin content (FSSAI 10.030:2021), total curcuminoids by UV-VIS (10.031:2021) and a diphenylcarbazide test for chromate in turmeric (10.033:2021), referencing IS 3576.[5, 27]
  • Supplement quality: In a US market study of 87 turmeric supplements, 94% contained curcuminoid extracts, and nearly a quarter added piperine. Curcuminoid composition failed USP criteria in 59% of those analysed, suggesting possible unlabelled synthetic curcumin. Lead was linked to inclusion of turmeric root, and residual class 1 or 2 solvents were present in 71% of products (within USP limits).[26]
  • Adulteration: In Bangladesh, yellow pigments containing 2-10% lead by weight were added while polishing dried rhizomes, driven by demand for brighter colour. Turmeric with lead levels of 18 µg/g or more in the South Asia survey had lead-to-chromium ratios near 1:1, pointing to lead chromate. Colour is therefore no guide to quality; heavy-metal testing is.[24, 25]

Manufacturing

How Turmeric is made into medicines

The API describes the official drug as rhizomes dug by hand, cured by boiling and then dried[1]. In Ayurvedic practice in India, turmeric is used as a dried powder (churna; the API dose is 1-3 g of powder) and in the classical formulation Haridra Khanda listed in the API[1]. The EU monograph covers powdered and comminuted rhizome, ethanol tinctures and dry ethanolic extracts for oral use[4]. Most supplements use curcuminoid extracts rather than whole rhizome, often combined with piperine or formulated for enhanced absorption[26, 2]. Regulators link these enhanced forms and higher doses to most of the rare liver-injury reports, which matters when choosing a formulation[22, 6]. Because lead-chromate adulteration of turmeric has been documented in South Asian markets, raw material should be tested for heavy metals[25].

Prabhat makes churnas, tablets, capsules, kwaths, syrups and oils under AYUSH GMP for brands across India. See churna, tablet and capsule manufacturing, or white label products.

FAQ

Common questions about Turmeric

Can turmeric supplements damage your liver?

Rarely, yes. LiverTox now rates turmeric a well-documented cause of liver injury, estimated at roughly 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 100,000 people exposed, usually appearing 1-4 months after starting and resolving after stopping[3]. Australia's TGA and Health Canada have issued warnings, especially for high-dose and enhanced-absorption products, and say turmeric in ordinary food amounts is not a concern[22, 23].

Does turmeric help with knee pain?

Pooled trials suggest turmeric extract and curcumin modestly reduce knee osteoarthritis pain compared with placebo, with similar side effects[7]. In one well-run 12-week trial, pain improved but joint swelling on MRI did not[8]. NCCIH calls the evidence positive but initial[2].

Why is black pepper (piperine) added to turmeric?

Curcumin is poorly absorbed: 2 g alone gave very low blood levels, while adding 20 mg piperine raised bioavailability about 2000% in one study[18]. Better absorption may also raise risk, because regulators link most liver-injury reports to enhanced-absorption products, and piperine can affect how other medicines are metabolised[22, 19, 26].

Is turmeric safe during pregnancy?

Turmeric in normal food amounts is widely eaten. NCCIH says turmeric supplements during pregnancy may be unsafe[2], and the EMA does not recommend medicinal turmeric in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been established[4].

How do you check turmeric for lead or adulteration?

Lead chromate has been added to turmeric in parts of South Asia to brighten its colour, so bright colour is not a sign of quality[24, 25]. Laboratories can screen for chromate with FSSAI method 10.033:2021, while quantitative lead testing (for example by ICP-MS, as used in the surveys) gives a firmer answer[27, 25].

How much turmeric does the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia mention?

The API gives a dose of 1-3 g of the rhizome in powder form[1]. The EU traditional-use monograph lists 0.5-1 g of powder 2-3 times daily for adults[4]. These are official reference doses, not personal advice; ask a qualified doctor before use.

References

Sources

  1. Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of AYUSH. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Volume I. Monograph No. 30: Haridra (Rhizome), Curcuma longa Linn. Source.
  2. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Turmeric: Usefulness and Safety. Last updated April 2025. Source.
  3. LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. Turmeric. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012-. Updated 16 June 2025. Source.
  4. European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). European Union herbal monograph on Curcuma longa L., rhizoma. EMA/HMPC/329755/2017. Final, 25 September 2018. Source.
  5. European Medicines Agency, HMPC. Assessment report on Curcuma longa L., rhizoma. EMA/HMPC/329745/2017. Final, 25 September 2018. Source.
  6. European Medicines Agency, HMPC. Addendum to Assessment report on Curcuma longa L., rhizoma. EMA/HMPC/81467/2025. 19 November 2025. Source.
  7. Zeng L, Yu G, Hao W, Yang K, Chen H. The efficacy and safety of Curcuma longa extract and curcumin supplements on osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Biosci Rep. 2021;41(6):BSR20210817. PMID: 34017975. doi: 10.1042/BSR20210817.
  8. Wang Z, Jones G, Winzenberg T, Cai G, Laslett LL, Aitken D, Hopper I, Singh A, Jones R, Fripp J, Ding C, Antony B. Effectiveness of Curcuma longa Extract for the Treatment of Symptoms and Effusion-Synovitis of Knee Osteoarthritis : A Randomized Trial. Ann Intern Med. 2020;173(11):861-869. PMID: 32926799. doi: 10.7326/M20-0990.
  9. Wang Z, Zhang Q, Huang H, Liu Z. The efficacy and acceptability of curcumin for the treatment of depression or depressive symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord. 2021;282:242-251. PMID: 33418373. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.12.158.
  10. Yongwatana K, Harinwan K, Chirapongsathorn S, Opuchar K, Sanpajit T, Piyanirun W, Puttapitakpong C. Curcuma longa Linn versus omeprazole in treatment of functional dyspepsia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2022;37(2):335-341. PMID: 34652861. doi: 10.1111/jgh.15705.
  11. Báez G, Vargas C, Arancibia M, Papuzinski C, Franco JV. Non-Chinese herbal medicines for functional dyspepsia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023;6(6):CD013323. PMID: 37323050. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD013323.pub2.
  12. Grammatikopoulou MG, Gkiouras K, Theodoridis X, Asteriou E, Forbes A, Bogdanos DP. Oral Adjuvant Curcumin Therapy for Attaining Clinical Remission in Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2018;10(11):1737. PMID: 30424514. doi: 10.3390/nu10111737.
  13. Yin J, Wei L, Wang N, Li X, Miao M. Efficacy and safety of adjuvant curcumin therapy in ulcerative colitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2022;289:115041. PMID: 35091013. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115041.
  14. Bahari H, Jazinaki MS, Asadi Z, Golafrouz H. Curcumin/Turmeric Supplementation on Glycemic Control in Adults With Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis. Food Sci Nutr. 2026;14(4):e71748. PMID: 42005325. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.71748.
  15. Aragón-Vela J, Sánchez-Oliver AJ, Huertas JR, Casuso RA. Does curcumin improve liver enzymes levels in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease? A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression. Phytother Res. 2024;38(8):4261-4271. PMID: 38965866. doi: 10.1002/ptr.8274.
  16. Ringman JM, Frautschy SA, Teng E, Begum AN, Bardens J, Beigi M, Gylys KH, Badmaev V, Heath DD, Apostolova LG, Porter V, Vanek Z, Marshall GA, Hellemann G, Sugar C, Masterman DL, Montine TJ, Cummings JL, Cole GM. Oral curcumin for Alzheimer's disease: tolerability and efficacy in a 24-week randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study. Alzheimers Res Ther. 2012;4(5):43. PMID: 23107780. doi: 10.1186/alzrt146.
  17. Nelson KM, Dahlin JL, Bisson J, Graham J, Pauli GF, Walters MA. The Essential Medicinal Chemistry of Curcumin. J Med Chem. 2017;60(5):1620-1637. PMID: 28074653. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00975.
  18. Shoba G, Joy D, Joseph T, Majeed M, Rajendran R, Srinivas PS. Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers. Planta Med. 1998;64(4):353-6. PMID: 9619120. doi: 10.1055/s-2006-957450.
  19. Halegoua-DeMarzio D, Navarro V, Ahmad J, Avula B, Barnhart H, Barritt AS, Bonkovsky HL, Fontana RJ, Ghabril MS, Hoofnagle JH, Khan IA, Kleiner DE, Phillips E, Stolz A, Vuppalanchi R. Liver Injury Associated with Turmeric-A Growing Problem: Ten Cases from the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network [DILIN]. Am J Med. 2023;136(2):200-206. PMID: 36252717. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2022.09.026.
  20. Lombardi N, Crescioli G, Maggini V, Ippoliti I, Menniti-Ippolito F, Gallo E, Brilli V, Lanzi C, Mannaioni G, Firenzuoli F, Vannacci A. Acute liver injury following turmeric use in Tuscany: An analysis of the Italian Phytovigilance database and systematic review of case reports. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2021;87(3):741-753. PMID: 32656820. doi: 10.1111/bcp.14460.
  21. Akhtar N, Barnes J, Gardiner P, Gurley BJ, Ko R, Koturbash I, Patel D, van Breemen RB, Roe AL. Rarely reported cases of hepatotoxicity associated with turmeric- and curcuminoid-containing dietary supplements: a comprehensive review by USP. Pharm Biol. 2026;64(1):866-901. PMID: 42364655. doi: 10.1080/13880209.2026.2693375.
  22. Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia). Medicines containing turmeric or curcumin - risk of liver injury. Safety advisory, 15 August 2023. Source.
  23. Health Canada. Summary Safety Review - Turmeric and Curcuminoids for Oral Use - Assessing the Potential Risk of Hepatotoxicity. Drug and Health Products Portal (page modified 16 October 2026). Source.
  24. Forsyth JE, Nurunnahar S, Islam SS, Baker M, Yeasmin D, Islam MS, Rahman M, Fendorf S, Ardoin NM, Winch PJ, Luby SP. Turmeric means "yellow" in Bengali: Lead chromate pigments added to turmeric threaten public health across Bangladesh. Environ Res. 2019;179(Pt A):108722. PMID: 31550596. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108722.
  25. Forsyth JE, Mistree D, Nash E, Angrish M, Luby SP. Evidence of turmeric adulteration with lead chromate across South Asia. Sci Total Environ. 2024;949:175003. PMID: 39053552. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175003.
  26. Skiba MB, Luis PB, Alfafara C, Billheimer D, Schneider C, Funk JL. Curcuminoid Content and Safety-Related Markers of Quality of Turmeric Dietary Supplements Sold in an Urban Retail Marketplace in the United States. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2018;62(14):e1800143. PMID: 29808963. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201800143.
  27. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods: Spices, Herbs and Condiments (revised). 22 June 2021. Methods FSSAI 10.030, 10.031 and 10.033:2021. Source.
  28. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Integrative Medicine Service. Turmeric: Purported Benefits, Side Effects & More. About Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products. Last updated 9 June 2026. Accessed 17 Oct 2026. Source.
  29. Plants of the World Online (POWO). Curcuma longa L.. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; World Checklist of Vascular Plants. Accessed 17 Oct 2026. Source.

How this page was written. Every statement links to a source we opened. PubMed IDs were checked against the NCBI database. Human studies are kept apart from laboratory and animal work, and null results are included. Read our method.

Author: Aashish Passi, Managing Director, Prabhat Ayurvedic Pharmacy. Last updated: 17 October 2026. Spotted an error? Email info@prabhatayurvedicpharmacy.in.

This page is educational and summarises published research. It is not medical advice and is not a claim for any product. Talk to a qualified doctor before using any herbal medicine, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medicines or have a medical condition.

More in the herb library: