# Turmeric

Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/turmeric/

> Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is classified in Ayurveda as Kusthaghna (Anti-dermatosis), Vishaghna (Antitoxic), from the Zingiberaceae family. Parts used: rhizome. Used widely in Ayurvedic formulations. WHO Monograph published in 1999 (WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Volume 1).

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Curcuma longa
- **Family:** Zingiberaceae
- **Ayurvedic category:** Kusthaghna (Anti-dermatosis), Vishaghna (Antitoxic)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** WHO Monograph published in 1999 (WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Volume 1). Listed in European Pharmacopoeia (monograph #2543), ESCOP monographs (2009), EMA/HMPC monograph for Curcumae longae rhizoma, Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, Japanese Herbal Medicines Codex, and Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (as Haridra). Turmeric essential oils and oleoresins have GRAS status in the US, though curcumin itself is not on the FDA GRAS list.

## Names in the Indian languages

Every name form this project holds for this drug, with the script form first and the
transliteration after it. Sources per name are on the canonical page.

| Language | Names |
| --- | --- |
| Sanskrit | हरिद्रा (haridrā) |
| Hindi | हल्दी (haldī) |
| Tamil | மஞ்சள் |

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Turmeric |
| Common Names | Turmeric, Haldi, Indian [Saffron](/herb/saffron/) |
| Hindi | Haldi |
| Sanskrit | [Haridra](/herb/haridra/), Gauri, Kanchani |
| Latin/Botanical | *Curcuma longa* |

## Parts Used

- Rhizome

## Dosha Effects

| Dosha | Effect |
|-------|--------|
| **Vata** | Decreases |
| **Kapha** | Decreases |
| **Pitta** | Neutral (Decreases In Moderation) |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Curcumin](/herb/curcumin/) (diferuloylmethane)
- [Demethoxycurcumin](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#demethoxycurcumin)
- [Bisdemethoxycurcumin](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#bisdemethoxycurcumin)
- [Turmerone](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#turmerone)
- Ar-turmerone

## Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

- Anti-inflammatory (potent COX-2 inhibitor)
- [Antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/)
- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/)
- Anti-cancer (preclinical)
- Wound healing
- Anti-microbial
- Digestive

## How does it work?

- Primary: Inhibition of NF-kB signaling by preventing IkB-alpha degradation and reducing phosphorylation of NF-kB subunits p65 and p50.
- NLRP3 inflammasome: [Curcumin](/herb/curcumin/) hinders activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome through NF-kB pathway modulation.
- JAK/STAT pathway: Reduces JAK1/2 and STAT1/3 phosphorylation, inhibiting pro-inflammatory factor expression.
- MAPK/ERK cascade: Regulates mitogen-activated protein kinase extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation.
- p38 MAPK: Therapeutic modulation of p38 MAPK pathway with implications for chronic inflammatory diseases.
- Broad molecular targets: Inhibits NF-kB, AP-1, STAT3, Akt, Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, caspases, PARP, IKK, EGFR, HER2, JNK, MAPK, COX2, and 5-LOX.
- Diabetes: Targets TNF-alpha and IL-6 through NF-kB modulation; improves insulin sensitivity.
- Antioxidant: Activates Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway for cellular antioxidant defense.

## How is it used traditionally?

Used widely in Ayurvedic formulations. Sacred in Hindu rituals. Classified as Varnya (complexion-enhancing), Kushthagna (anti-dermatosis), and Vishaghna (antitoxic). Golden milk (Haldi Doodh) is a traditional preparation.

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

- Charaka Samhita
- Sushruta Samhita
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu
- Ashtanga Hridaya

## What do recent studies show?

- Jafari A, Abbastabar M, Alaghi A and others 2024. [Curcumin on Human Health: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 103 Randomized Controlled Trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39478418/). *Phytotherapy research : PTR*. PMID [39478418](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39478418/) · [doi:10.1002/ptr.8340](https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8340)  
  103 RCTs covering 42 outcomes in 7,216 participants. High-credibility evidence for improvements in fasting blood sugar, CRP, HDL cholesterol, and body weight.
- Liu AJ, Wu PC, Chen YP and others 2025. [Effects of curcumin and Curcuma longa extract on inflammatory biomarkers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41372521/). *Inflammation research : official journal of the European Histamine Research Society ... [et al.]*. PMID [41372521](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41372521/) · [doi:10.1007/s00011-025-02135-z](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00011-025-02135-z)  
  Curcuma longa significantly attenuated systemic inflammation, lowering C-reactive protein and TNF-alpha in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus patients.
- Zeng L, Yang T, Yang K and others 2022. [Efficacy and Safety of Curcumin and Curcuma longa Extract in the Treatment of Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35935936/). *Frontiers in immunology*. PMID [35935936](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35935936/) · [doi:10.3389/fimmu.2022.891822](https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.891822)  
  29 RCTs with 2,396 participants across 5 types of arthritis showed [curcumin](/herb/curcumin/) improved inflammation and pain levels with acceptable safety profile.
- Kehinde SA, Qaisrani ZN, Pattanayaiying R and others 2025. [Clinical Potential of Curcuma longa Linn. as Nutraceutical/Dietary Supplement for Metabolic Syndrome: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41517125/). *Foods (Basel, Switzerland)*. PMID [41517125](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41517125/) · [doi:10.3390/foods15010060](https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15010060)  
  [Curcumin](/herb/curcumin/) significantly reduced fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, triglycerides, and LDL while elevating HDL and total antioxidant capacity in metabolic syndrome patients.
- Xu Q, Lian H, Zhou R and others 2025. [Curcumin and multiple health outcomes: critical umbrella review of intervention meta-analyses](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40538540/). *Frontiers in pharmacology*. PMID [40538540](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40538540/) · [doi:10.3389/fphar.2025.1601204](https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2025.1601204)  
  Umbrella review synthesizing multiple meta-analyses confirmed broad therapeutic benefits but emphasized need for improved scientific quality in published studies.
- Yuan J, Pi C, Shen H and others 2025. [Potential therapeutic benefits of curcumin in depression or anxiety induced by chronic diseases: a systematic review of mechanistic and clinical evidence](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40918536/). *Frontiers in pharmacology*. PMID [40918536](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40918536/) · [doi:10.3389/fphar.2025.1638645](https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2025.1638645)  
  15 RCTs with 1,123 participants showed curcumin has potential benefits for depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with chronic diseases.

## Recent safety updates

- Hepatotoxicity is an emerging concern: DILIN (Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network) reported 10 cases of turmeric-associated liver injury with latency of 1-4 months.
- Bioavailability enhancers ([piperine](/reference/piperine/)/[black pepper](/herb/black-pepper/)) increase risk: 20 mg piperine increases curcumin bioavailability 20-fold, and enhanced formulations are linked to greater liver injury risk.
- Liver injury features: Marked aminotransferase elevations (often >1000 U/L) with hepatocellular pattern; autoantibodies may develop.
- Genetic susceptibility identified: HLA-B*35:01 allele found in 7/10 DILIN patients, previously linked to green tea hepatotoxicity.
- Recovery: Generally rapid after discontinuation; prednisone used in severe cases but may not be necessary.
- Turmeric-induced liver injury reported in combination with semaglutide (2024 case report).
- Drug interactions: May interact with blood thinners (anticoagulants/antiplatelets), diabetes medications, and drugs metabolized by CYP3A4, CYP1A2, and CYP2B6.
- GI side effects at high doses: nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.

## Recommended Dosage

Powder: 1-3g/day; Curcumin extract: 500-2000mg/day

## Safety, contraindications and cautions

- Gallstones (stimulates bile)
- Blood thinners (anticoagulant synergy)
- Pre-surgery
- Iron-deficiency anemia (may reduce iron absorption)

## What is it made of?

**Part(s) Analyzed:** Rhizome

### Curcuminoids

- Curcumin (2-8%)
- Demethoxycurcumin (1-2%)
- Bisdemethoxycurcumin (0.5-1%)

### Sesquiterpenoids

- Ar-turmerone (25-30% of essential oil)
- Alpha-turmerone
- Beta-turmerone
- Zingiberene

### Phenolic Acids

- Ferulic acid
- Caffeic acid
- Vanillic acid

### Essential Oil Composition

- **Ar-turmerone:** 25-30%
- **Alpha-turmerone:** 15-20%
- **Beta-turmerone:** 10-15%
- **Zingiberene:** 5-10%
- **1,8-Cineole:** 2-5%
- **Alpha-phellandrene:** 1-3%

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Capsule, Tablet, Softgel (curcumin + oil), Kwatha (decoction), Paste (Lepa), Haldi Doodh (golden milk), Nanoparticle formulation, Phytosome complex, Liposomal formulation

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g turmeric powder daily with food; 250-500 mg standardized curcumin extract (95%) twice daily; up to 8 g/day in clinical trials

**Optimal Timing:** With meals containing fat for enhanced absorption; avoid taking with antacids (alkaline pH degrades curcumin)

**Storage:** Store in airtight, light-resistant containers at 15-25 deg C. Curcumin is extremely photosensitive; opaque packaging mandatory. Protect from alkaline environments. Phytosome/lipid formulations may require refrigeration (2-8 deg C) for optimal stability.

**Marker Compounds:** Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), Demethoxycurcumin, Bisdemethoxycurcumin, ar-Turmerone, alpha-Turmerone, beta-Turmerone, Curcumol, [Zingiberene](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#zingiberene)

### Synergistic Combinations

- Piperine (from Maricha/[Pippali](/herb/pippali/)) - classical bioenhancer, 20x curcumin bioavailability
- Boswellia serrata - synergistic anti-inflammatory (joint health formulations)
- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) - [adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/) and anti-inflammatory synergy
- [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) - synergistic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
- [Ginger](/herb/ginger/) (Shunthi) - complementary anti-inflammatory via COX/LOX pathways
- Turmeric essential oil (ar-turmerone) - enhances curcumin absorption and has independent anti-inflammatory activity

## Reference lists that include it

[Family: Zingiberaceae](https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/reference/zingiberaceae/)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/turmeric/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- AgeAyurveda Product Catalog
- Classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Ashtanga Hridaya)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.