Turmeric
Research reviewed: up until 05/2023
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a dietary supplement with 5 published peer-reviewed studies involving 107 participants, researched for Arthritis, Depression, Chronic Pain and 2 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Arthritis
ModerateDepression
ModerateChronic Pain
ModerateAnti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant
WeakJoint & Musculoskeletal Health
WeakResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Arthritis
To evaluate the effects of turmeric on the clinical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study
Purpose
To evaluate the effects of turmeric on the clinical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
Dose
500 mg/day of curcumin (2 x 250 mg capsules), 1000 mg/day of curcumin (2 x 500 mg capsules) or placebo
Participants
36 males and females with diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis
Duration
90 days
Results
The study found that 500 mg and 1000 mg of curcumin were associated with significant improvements in the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, with more significant reductions in the high-dose treatment group (1000 mg/day). The researchers observed reductions in swollen joints by 85% and overall tender joints by 88% in the high-dose treatment group compared to the low-dose treatment group (80% and 78%, respectively). Biomarkers of rheumatoid arthritis (including erythrocyte sedimentation rates, C-reactive protein, and rheumatoid factor) also decreased significantly in both treatment groups. No adverse effects were observed or reported.
Depression
To investigate the effects of curcumin supplementation on individuals with major depressive disorder
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To investigate the effects of curcumin supplementation on individuals with major depressive disorder
Dose
1000 mg/day of curcumin (2 x 500 mg capsules) or placebo
Participants
56 males and females aged 18 to 65 years
Duration
8 weeks
Results
The study found that 1000 mg/day of curcumin and placebo were associated with reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms in the first 4 weeks of treatment. From weeks 4 to 8, curcumin was significantly more effective than placebo in improving several mood-related symptoms.
How They Measured It
Depressive symptoms and anxiety were self-reported using questionnaires.
Chronic Pain
To compare the pain-relieving properties of curcumin and two painkilling drugs in subjects affected by acute pain.
Study Type
Pilot comparative study
Purpose
To compare the pain-relieving properties of curcumin and two painkilling drugs in subjects affected by acute pain.
Dose
1.5 g/day of Meriva (3 x 500 mg pills with 20% curcumin) or 2.0 g/day of Meriva (4 x 500 mg pills with 20% curcumin) or 100 mg/day nimesulide or 1 g/day acetaminophen
Participants
15 males and females with an average age of 50 years
Duration
8 days (2 cycles) with 24-48 hour discontinuance cycle between treatments
Results
The study showed that a 2g lecithin formulation containing 400mg of curcumin was associated with a reduction in pain perception 2 hours after administration, and the painkilling (analgesic) effect lasted for 4 hours. This activity was comparable but slightly higher than that of 1 g acetaminophen (paracetamol) but lower than the effect of 100 mg nimesulide.
Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant
To summarize evidence from RCTs on the impact of turmeric/curcumin supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative markers.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs
Purpose
To summarize evidence from RCTs on the impact of turmeric/curcumin supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative markers.
Dose
Various turmeric/curcumin doses across included trials
Participants
Meta-analysis of 66 RCTs
Duration
Various
Results
Turmeric/curcumin supplementation significantly reduced CRP (WMD -0.58 mg/L), TNF-α (WMD -3.48 pg/mL), and IL-6 (WMD -1.31 pg/mL). Antioxidant capacity improved with increased TAC and decreased MDA. Results support turmeric/curcumin as a viable intervention for improving inflammatory and oxidative status.
How They Measured It
CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, TAC, MDA, SOD activity
Joint & Musculoskeletal Health
To evaluate the effects of curcumin and Curcuma longa extract on symptoms and inflammation across 5 types of arthritis.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs
Purpose
To evaluate the effects of curcumin and Curcuma longa extract on symptoms and inflammation across 5 types of arthritis.
Dose
120-1500 mg curcumin/Curcuma longa extract for 4-36 weeks
Participants
Meta-analysis of 29 RCTs involving 2396 participants across ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and gout
Duration
4-36 weeks
Results
Curcumin and Curcuma longa Extract showed safety and improved inflammation and pain severity in arthritis patients across all five arthritis types. More RCTs with higher quality are needed, particularly for RA, OA, AS, and JIA.
How They Measured It
Pain scales, inflammation markers, clinical symptom scores across multiple arthritis types
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Turmeric research
There are currently 5 peer-reviewed studies on Turmeric (Curcuma longa), involving 107 total participants. Research covers Arthritis, Chronic Pain, Systematic reviews and 3 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (3 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Turmeric has been researched for: Arthritis, Chronic Pain, Systematic reviews, Depression, Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant, Joint & Musculoskeletal Health. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 3 out of 5 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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