Turmeric is a plant in the ginger family, native to Southeast Asia. Its underground stem is commonly used as both a cooking spice and in traditional medicine.¹ 

Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric is frequently used to treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis, digestive disorders, respiratory infections, allergies, and liver disease.¹ Additionally, turmeric is used to treat metabolic syndrome, anxiety, hyperlipidemia, and muscle soreness after exercising.² It is also used to address inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer.³ 

The Role of Curcumin

Curcumin, a naturally occurring compound found in turmeric, plays a significant role in its therapeutic applications.⁴ Across the globe, curcumin is used in a variety of diverse dishes from local cuisines to everyday and medicinal products. Countries such as India, Japan, and Korea use curcumin to flavor curries, tea, and other beverages, respectively. In the United States and China, curcumin is often used as a colorant to enhance the taste and color of various condiments. Malaysia and Pakistan commonly use curcumin for antiseptic purposes and to reduce inflammation. It is also found in preservatives, coloring agents, and in capsule and powder forms.² 

Uses of Curcumin

Curcumin is available in a variety of forms, including capsules, tablets, ointments, energy drinks, and cosmetics. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of curcuminoids, as the compound has been shown to be safe and effective in several clinical trials. These trials have tested doses ranging from 4,000 to 8,000mg per day, and in some cases, up to 12,000mg per day, using a 95% concentration of curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and demethoxycurcumin.² 

Turmeric and Cancer Research

Over the past two decades, research has shown that the active ingredient in turmeric, C. longa, disrupts cell signaling pathways, supporting findings that curcumin may help moderate cancer growth and progression. In various Phase I clinical trials, evidence has demonstrated the bioavailability of curcumin and its conjugates in plasma, urine, and tissue. However, these findings have not yet been evaluated in larger, more robust trials to assess the safety and efficacy for cancer treatments. As a result, the current evidence is not strong enough to conclusively support curcumin as an effective cancer treatment.⁵

Sources

1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Turmeric. Updated May 2020. Accessed 31 Jan 2025. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/turmeric
2. Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS. Curcumin: a review of its effects on human health. Foods. 2017;6(10):92. 
3. Prasad S, Aggarwal BB. Turmeric, the golden spice: from traditional medicine to modern medicine. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. 
4. NIH National Cancer Institute. Curcumin (curcuma, turmeric)and cancer (PDQ®)–health professional version. Updated 31 Oct 2024. Accessed 3 Feb 2025. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/curcumin-pdq
5. Sharifi-Rad J, Rayess YE, Rizk AA, et al. Turmeric and Its major compound curcumin on health: bioactive effects and safety profiles for food, pharmaceutical, biotechnological and medicinal applications. Front Pharmacol. 2020;11:01021.