Most recognized for its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Evidence · Grade D
Meta-analysis availableSystematic review availableHuman trial evidenceTraditional useInteraction riskNeeds more research
A golden spice that has been studied for joint inflammation.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a flowering plant, the root of which is commonly used as a spice and for its traditional medicinal properties. It has been studied for various potential health benefits, particularly its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. People typically consume turmeric as a dried powder, in capsules, or as an extract.
Quick answer
What it is: Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a flowering plant, the root of which is commonly used as a spice and for its traditional medicinal properties.
Evidence for turmeric largely comes from a combination of traditional use, preclinical studies, and a growing number of human clinical trials, including some randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses. This body of research, particularly in areas like inflammation and oxidative stress, supports a moderate but not definitive evidence grade.
Last reviewed · Jun 2026
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Where this remedy is being discussed across the web and community.
Dietary protocols studied for the conditions this remedy is associated with.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
A whole-foods pattern designed to lower chronic, low-grade inflammation by emphasizing omega-3s, polyphenols, fiber, and minimizing ultra-processed foods, sugar, and seed oils.
The anti-inflammatory diet is not a single protocol but a synthesis of the patterns most consistently linked to lower inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha) in human studies — Mediterranean-style eating, oily fish, abundant polyphenols, and low intake of ultra-processed foods, refined sugar, industrial seed oils, and excessive alcohol.
Foods to emphasize
Fatty fish 2–3x/week (salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring)
Extra-virgin olive oil
Berries, cherries, and other deeply colored fruit
Dark leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables
Turmeric, ginger, and culinary herbs
Green tea
Nuts (especially walnuts) and seeds (flax, chia)
Legumes and whole grains
Dark chocolate (≥70% cocoa) in moderation
Foods to avoid
Sugar-sweetened beverages and refined sugar
Ultra-processed snacks and ready meals
Industrial seed oils used at high heat (soybean, corn, sunflower, cottonseed)
Processed and cured meats
Refined flour products
Excess alcohol
Key principles
Cook with olive oil, finish with extra-virgin olive oil
Aim for 25–35 g of fiber per day from whole foods
Eat the rainbow — color diversity ~ polyphenol diversity
Limit added sugar to <25 g/day
Typical duration: A long-term eating pattern.
Why it may help
Joint Pain: Reductions in CRP and IL-6 on anti-inflammatory patterns translate to less pain and stiffness in arthritis trials.
Skin Care: Reduces inflammatory drivers of acne, rosacea, and eczema; commonly recommended alongside topical care.
Beauty & Anti-Aging: Polyphenol- and omega-3-rich diets are linked with better skin elasticity, hydration, and reduced photoaging markers.
Cancer (Adjunctive Support): Lower dietary inflammatory index scores are associated with reduced incidence of multiple cancers in large cohorts.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Lowering systemic inflammation is a plausible adjunct to disease-modifying therapy; aligns with Mediterranean-derived MS data.
Safe and flexible. Can be combined with Mediterranean, vegetarian, or plant-forward patterns.
Autoimmune Protocol (AIP)
A strict elimination version of paleo designed to calm autoimmune flares and identify food triggers through structured reintroduction.
The Autoimmune Protocol removes foods commonly implicated in immune activation and gut permeability — grains, legumes, dairy, eggs, nightshade vegetables, nuts, seeds, refined sugar, alcohol, and additives — for a 30–90 day elimination, followed by careful one-at-a-time reintroduction. It is most studied in Hashimoto's thyroiditis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Foods to emphasize
Quality meat, poultry, and seafood (especially wild-caught fatty fish)
Organ meats once or twice weekly
A wide variety of non-nightshade vegetables and leafy greens
Nuts and seeds (including seed-based spices like cumin, coriander)
Refined sugar and sweeteners
Alcohol
NSAIDs and food additives where possible
Key principles
Pair the elimination with sleep, stress management, and movement
Track symptoms in a journal during reintroductions
Reintroduce one food every 5–7 days and watch for symptom changes
Most people do NOT need to stay strict long-term — the goal is a personalized maintenance diet
Typical duration: 30–90 day strict elimination, then a structured staged reintroduction over weeks to months.
Why it may help
Leaky Gut: Removes the most common drivers of intestinal permeability (gluten, dairy, alcohol, NSAIDs, additives) and is foundational in many gut-repair protocols.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Used clinically as an aggressive anti-inflammatory elimination; evidence overlaps with Wahls-style and paleo trials showing reduced fatigue in MS.
Joint Pain: Eliminates nightshades, gluten, and dairy — common reported triggers — to identify dietary contributors to inflammatory joint pain.
Skin Care: Used as an elimination protocol for chronic eczema, psoriasis, and autoimmune skin conditions where food triggers are suspected.
AIP is restrictive and best done with a practitioner familiar with the protocol, especially when active autoimmune disease is involved or in pregnancy/lactation.
Ketogenic Diet
Very-low-carbohydrate, high-fat eating pattern that shifts the body into ketosis, using ketones from fat as a primary fuel.
A classical ketogenic diet typically provides ~70–80% of calories from fat, ~15–20% from protein, and only ~5–10% (often 20–50 g/day) from carbohydrates. The metabolic shift to ketosis lowers blood glucose and insulin, raises ketone bodies (beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate), and is being studied for neurological and metabolic conditions. Variants include the Modified Atkins Diet (MAD), Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) ketogenic diet, and the Low Glycemic Index Treatment (LGIT).
Foods to emphasize
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel)
Pasture-raised eggs
Avocado and olives
Extra-virgin olive oil, coconut oil, MCT oil
Grass-fed meat and poultry
Full-fat dairy (butter, ghee, hard cheeses)
Nuts and seeds (macadamia, pecan, walnut, chia, flax)
Low-carb leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables
Bone broth and electrolyte-rich foods
Foods to avoid
Sugar and sweetened beverages
Grains and starches (bread, pasta, rice, cereal)
Most fruit (except small portions of berries)
Legumes and beans
Starchy vegetables (potatoes, corn, peas)
Low-fat or sweetened dairy
Vegetable seed oils (soybean, corn, sunflower) in excess
Most processed and packaged foods
Key principles
Carbohydrate intake usually 20–50 g net carbs per day
Adequate protein (~1.2–1.7 g/kg) — not high-protein
Most calories from whole-food fats
Track electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to prevent "keto flu"
Best initiated with clinician guidance if on medications for diabetes, blood pressure, or seizures
Typical duration: Often 3–6 months minimum to assess response; medically supervised protocols (e.g. for epilepsy) may be maintained for years.
Why it may help
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Small trials and pilot studies suggest ketogenic and modified Atkins diets may reduce fatigue, improve quality of life, and lower inflammatory markers in relapsing MS. Used as an adjunct, not a replacement for disease-modifying therapy.
Cancer (Adjunctive Support): Investigated as an adjunctive metabolic therapy alongside standard oncology care — most evidence is preclinical or early-phase, with some glioma and glioblastoma trials. Should only be used under oncology and dietitian supervision.
Ketogenic therapy is a medical intervention when used for seizure disorders or oncology — work with a clinician or registered dietitian experienced in ketogenic therapy. Not recommended in pregnancy, type 1 diabetes without supervision, pancreatitis, certain fatty-acid oxidation disorders, or active eating disorders.
Vegan Diet
A fully plant-based eating pattern that excludes all animal products — meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and honey.
A whole-food vegan diet emphasizes vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. It has been associated with improvements in body weight, blood lipids, and glycemic control, and is being studied for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. It requires deliberate planning for vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3 (EPA/DHA), iodine, iron, zinc, and (sometimes) calcium.
Nuts and seeds (especially walnuts, chia, flax, hemp)
Fortified plant milks and nutritional yeast
Algae-based EPA/DHA supplement
Vitamin B12 supplement (non-negotiable)
Foods to avoid
Refined grains and sugar as the bulk of meals
Heavily processed vegan junk foods
Coconut and palm oils in excess
Key principles
B12 supplementation is required, not optional
Include a reliable iodine source (iodized salt or seaweed in moderation)
Get vitamin D from sun and/or a supplement
Combine grains and legumes across the day for complete protein
Choose calcium-fortified plant milk if not eating leafy greens daily
Typical duration: A long-term eating pattern.
Why it may help
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Small trials (e.g. Swank-style and McDougall plant-based diets) suggest reductions in fatigue and improved quality of life in MS.
Cancer (Adjunctive Support): Vegan cohorts show some of the lowest incidence rates of cancer in observational data, particularly for hormone-related and GI cancers.
Joint Pain: Several RCTs report meaningful improvements in pain, swelling, and CRP in rheumatoid arthritis patients on whole-food vegan diets.
Skin Care: Eliminating dairy has reduced acne severity in clinical studies; whole-food vegan diets push this further with high antioxidant intake.
Vegan diets can be excellent or deficient — quality depends on planning. Pregnant, breastfeeding, and growing children on vegan diets should be followed by a registered dietitian.
Vegetarian Diet
A plant-based eating pattern that excludes meat, poultry, and fish but typically allows eggs and/or dairy.
Vegetarian diets range from lacto-ovo (includes eggs and dairy) to lacto (dairy only) and ovo (eggs only). Done well, they are associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. Done poorly, they can be high in refined grains and low in key nutrients (B12, iron, omega-3s, zinc).
Foods to emphasize
Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans, tofu, tempeh)
Whole grains (oats, quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat)
Vegetables and fruit, daily and varied
Nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, chia, flax, hemp)
Plan for protein at every meal (legumes, tofu, tempeh, eggs, dairy)
Pair iron-rich plants with vitamin C to boost absorption
Plan a reliable B12 source — fortified foods or a supplement
Include omega-3 ALA from flax, chia, walnuts; consider an algae-based EPA/DHA supplement
Typical duration: A long-term eating pattern.
Why it may help
Cancer (Adjunctive Support): Long-term cohorts (Adventist Health Study, EPIC-Oxford) associate vegetarian patterns with lower incidence of several cancers, especially colorectal.
Joint Pain: Vegetarian and largely plant-based diets have shown reductions in inflammatory markers and joint symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis trials.
Beauty & Anti-Aging: High intake of plant antioxidants is linked with better skin antioxidant capacity and lower oxidative stress markers in observational studies.
Nutritional adequacy depends on planning, not just food choice. A registered dietitian can help avoid common gaps.
Low-FODMAP Diet
A short-term elimination diet that restricts fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs) to identify food triggers in irritable bowel and other functional gut conditions.
FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides And Polyols) are short-chain carbohydrates poorly absorbed in the small intestine. They draw water into the gut and are rapidly fermented by colonic bacteria, producing gas and bloating in sensitive people. The Monash University protocol uses a 2–6 week strict low-FODMAP elimination, followed by a structured reintroduction phase to identify personal triggers.
Foods to emphasize
Low-FODMAP vegetables: carrot, zucchini, spinach, bell pepper, cucumber, lettuce
The carnivore diet is the most aggressive elimination diet — it removes every plant food (and therefore every fiber, lectin, oxalate, gluten, and FODMAP source) to isolate animal-food tolerance. Proponents use it primarily as a short-term diagnostic elimination to surface food triggers in autoimmune, gut, and inflammatory conditions. Long-term safety data is limited and observational.
Foods to emphasize
Ruminant meat (beef, lamb, bison) — emphasized for nutrient density
Pasture-raised eggs
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines)
Organ meats (liver, kidney) once or twice weekly
Bone broth and bone marrow
Animal fats (tallow, butter, ghee)
Salt to taste
Optional: aged hard cheeses, heavy cream
Foods to avoid
All grains, legumes, and seeds
All vegetables and fruit
Nuts and plant oils
Sugar and sweeteners
Most processed foods
Alcohol
Key principles
Eat to satiety — no calorie counting
Salt food liberally to maintain electrolytes
Prioritize fattier cuts over lean meats
Reintroduce foods one at a time after the elimination window to identify triggers
Best tracked with a clinician given the radical nature of the change
Typical duration: Typically run as a 30–90 day elimination, then food reintroductions one at a time.
Why it may help
Leaky Gut: Removes all dietary fiber, FODMAPs, lectins, and plant antinutrients to give the gut lining a rest while reintroductions identify true triggers. Anecdotal evidence only.
Joint Pain: Used as an elimination diet to surface plant-based food triggers (nightshades, lectins) reported by some people to drive joint pain. No clinical trials.
Skin Care: Reported anecdotally to clear chronic skin inflammation by removing common food triggers; used as a short diagnostic elimination, not a long-term plan.
Long-term effects on cardiovascular markers, bone health, and the gut microbiome are not well established. Avoid in chronic kidney disease, gout flares, or active eating disorders without medical supervision.
Linked nutrient deficiencies
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies commonly associated with the conditions this remedy may support.
Vitamin D
Fat-soluble vitamin
Hormone-like vitamin central to immune function, mood, bone, and thyroid health.
Low vitamin D status is one of the most widespread deficiencies globally and has been linked to autoimmune disease activity (Hashimoto's, MS), mood disorders, recurrent infections, and poor skin barrier function.
Common symptoms
Fatigue
Low mood
Frequent infections
Bone or muscle aches
Hair thinning
Food sources
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines)
Egg yolks
Cod liver oil
UV-exposed mushrooms
Fortified dairy
Lab markers to discuss
25-hydroxyvitamin D (target 40–60 ng/mL per most functional ranges)
Reference intake: Adults 600–800 IU/day RDA; functional medicine often targets 2,000–5,000 IU/day with monitoring.
Supplementation notes: Take with a fat-containing meal. Pair with vitamin K2 (MK-7) when supplementing higher doses long-term.
Why it matters here
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Strong epidemiologic and clinical evidence linking low vitamin D to MS risk and relapse rates.
Sinus Infections: Low vitamin D is associated with chronic rhinosinusitis.
Cancer (Adjunctive Support): Observational and some interventional data link adequate vitamin D to improved outcomes in several cancers.
Leaky Gut: Supports intestinal barrier and immune tolerance.
Joint Pain: Deficiency is associated with chronic widespread pain and osteoarthritis progression.
Beauty & Anti-Aging: Influences skin barrier function and pigmentation pathways.
Skin Care: Supports skin barrier and immune balance.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA)
Essential fatty acid
Anti-inflammatory lipids critical for brain, joint, and skin health.
Low zinc is linked to recurrent infections, acne, slow wound healing, leaky gut, and impaired taste/smell. Often deficient in vegetarians and those with gut malabsorption.
Common symptoms
Frequent colds/infections
Acne or slow-healing skin
Loss of taste or smell
Hair loss
White spots on nails
Food sources
Oysters
Beef and lamb
Pumpkin seeds
Cashews
Lentils and chickpeas
Lab markers to discuss
Plasma or serum zinc
Zinc/copper ratio
Reference intake: 8–11 mg/day RDA.
Supplementation notes: Take away from iron and calcium. Long-term high-dose zinc depletes copper — pair with ~1 mg copper if dosing >30 mg/day.
Why it matters here
Leaky Gut: Zinc carnosine restores tight-junction integrity in clinical studies.
Skin Care: Low zinc is implicated in acne, eczema, and slow wound healing.
Sinus Infections: Supports epithelial repair and antimicrobial defense.
Beauty & Anti-Aging: Required for wound healing and collagen formation.
Vitamin C
Water-soluble vitamin
Antioxidant required for collagen synthesis, immune function, and iron absorption.
Deficiency is common in vegetarians/vegans, older adults, and those on PPIs or metformin. Strongly implicated in neurological symptoms (MS-like presentations), fatigue, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
Selenium reduces TPO antibodies in Hashimoto's and supports T4→T3 conversion. Deficiency is implicated in thyroid autoimmunity and viral susceptibility.
An estimated 50% of adults consume below the EAR. Low magnesium is linked to insomnia, anxiety, migraines, muscle tension, and poor blood sugar regulation.
Common symptoms
Muscle cramps or twitches
Poor sleep
Anxiety, irritability
Headaches/migraines
Constipation
Food sources
Pumpkin seeds
Dark leafy greens
Almonds and cashews
Dark chocolate (85%+)
Black beans
Avocado
Lab markers to discuss
RBC magnesium (more sensitive than serum)
Serum magnesium
Reference intake: 310–420 mg/day RDA depending on age and sex.
Supplementation notes: Glycinate for sleep/anxiety, citrate for constipation, threonate for cognitive/brain effects. Avoid magnesium oxide (poorly absorbed).
Why it matters here
Joint Pain: Supports muscle relaxation and reduces secondary pain.
Turmeric's primary active compounds, curcuminoids, appear to interact with multiple molecular targets in the body, potentially influencing inflammation and oxidative processes.
How it works in more detail
Curcumin, the most well-studied curcuminoid, has been observed to modulate various signaling pathways, including inhibition of NF-κB and AP-1. It also appears to influence the activity of enzymes such as COX-2 and 5-LOX, which are involved in inflammatory cascades. Preclinical studies suggest it may also impact cytokine production and cellular oxidative stress responses.
How to use
Always consult a qualified clinician.
Editorial guidance
Suggested dosage
500–2000 mg/day of curcumin extract with black pepper (piperine) or in a phytosomal form, divided doses.
Research dosage range
500–2000 mg/day of standardized curcumin extract
Typical onset
Some studies suggest that effects may be experienced after several weeks of consistent daily supplementation, rather than acutely.
Typical forms
capsule, powder, extract, tincture
Quality markers
For a quality product, look for extracts standardized to a specific percentage of curcuminoids (e.g., 95%). Third-party testing for purity and contaminants is also beneficial. Formulations designed for enhanced bioavailability, such as those with piperine or liposomal delivery, may be considered.
Medication interactions
Anticoagulants
Antiplatelet drugs
Avoid if
Gallstones or bile duct obstruction
Bleeding disorders
Pregnancy (in medicinal amounts)
Lactation (in medicinal amounts)
Community tips
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Suggested dosage
500–2000 mg/day of curcumin extract with black pepper (piperine) or in a phytosomal form, divided doses.
General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.
Active medicinal compounds
Curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, turmerone.
Nutritional contents
Source of manganese, iron, and fiber.
Traditional use
Traditional use suggests turmeric has been central to Ayurvedic and Southeast Asian medicine for over 4000 years.
Safety
Safety warnings
High doses may cause GI upset. Caution with gallstones.
Avoid if
Gallstones or bile duct obstruction
Bleeding disorders
Pregnancy (in medicinal amounts)
Lactation (in medicinal amounts)
Medication interactions
Anticoagulants
Antiplatelet drugs
Reported side effects
Mild gastrointestinal upset
General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.
Evidence ecosystem
Scientific literature, clinical guidance, government sources, ongoing research, traditional use, and lived experience — grouped by source type and quality.
Overall grade (D)
Evidence for turmeric largely comes from a combination of traditional use, preclinical studies, and a growing number of human clinical trials, including some randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses. This body of research, particularly in areas like inflammation and oxidative stress, supports a moderate but not definitive evidence grade.
Turk MA, Liu Y, Pope JE · Autoimmunity reviews · 2023
To investigate the role of non-pharmaceutical therapies on disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis through systematic review and meta-analysis.
A review of Pubmed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library was performed from inception until March 26, 2019. Only randomized controlled trials which assessed oral, non-pharmacological interventions (e.g. diets, vitamins, oils, herbal remedies, fatty acids, supplements, etc.) in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis, that presented clinically-relevant outcomes (defined as pain, fatigue, disability, joint counts, and/or disease indices) were included in our meta-analysis. Data were analyzed as mean differences between active and placebo and forest plots were performed. Heterogeneity was evaluated using I-squared statistics while funnel plots and Cochrane's risk of bias assessment evaluated bias.
8170 articles were identified in the search and 51 were RCTs were included. The mean difference in DAS28 was significantly improved in e
Zeng L, Yang T, Yang K, Yu G, Li J, Xiang W · Frontiers in immunology · 2022 · n=2396
Modern pharmacological research found that the chemical components of Curcuma longa L. are mainly curcumin and turmeric volatile oil. Several recent randomized controlled trials (RCT) have shown that curcumin improves symptoms and inflammation in patients with arthritis.
Pubmed, Cochran Library, CNKI, and other databases were searched to collect the randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Then, the risk of bias of RCTs were assessed and data of RCTs were extracted. Finally, RevMan 5.3 was utilized for meta-analysis.
Twenty-nine (29) RCTs involving 2396 participants and 5 types of arthritis were included. The arthritis included Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Osteoarthritis (OA), Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and gout/hyperuricemia. Curcumin and Curcuma longa Extract were administered in doses ranging from 120 mg to 1500 mg for a duration of 4-36 weeks. In general, Curcumin and Curcuma longa Extract showed safety in all studies and improved the severity of i
Foong SC, Tan ML, Foong WC, Marasco LA, Ho JJ, Ong JH · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2020 · n=20
Many women express concern about their ability to produce enough milk, and insufficient milk is frequently cited as the reason for supplementation and early termination of breastfeeding. When addressing this concern, it is important first to consider the influence of maternal and neonatal health, infant suck, proper latch, and feeding frequency on milk production, and that steps be taken to correct or compensate for any contributing issues. Oral galactagogues are substances that stimulate milk production. They may be pharmacological or non-pharmacological (natural). Natural galactagogues are usually botanical or other food agents. The choice between pharmacological or natural galactagogues is often influenced by familiarity and local customs. Evidence for the possible benefits and harms of galactagogues is important for making an informed decision on their use.
To assess the effect of oral galactagogues for increasing milk production in non-hospitalised breastfeeding mother-term infan
Meta-AnalysisPubMedVery High Quality
Systematic Reviews(5)
Structured reviews of the full body of evidence (incl. Cochrane).
Ranneh Y, Bedir AS, Abu-Elsaoud AM, Al Raish S · Nutrients · 2024
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has recently emerged as a challenging metabolic disorder with a strong emphasis on its prevention and management. Polyphenols, a group of naturally occurring plant compounds, have been associated with a decreased risk of various metabolic disorders related to NAFLD. The current systematic review aims to critically assess evidence about the ameliorative effect of polyphenol supplementation on NAFLD patients. A PRISMA systematic search appraisal was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and all relevant studies published prior to April 2024 and met the inclusion criteria were included. Twenty-nine randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comprised 1840 NAFLD patients. The studies primarily examined eleven phenolic compounds, including turmeric, curcumin, resveratrol, genistein, catechin, green tea extract, hesperidin, and silymarin. Turmeric and curcumin decreased liver enzymes, inflammatory cytokines, lipid profile, insulin resis
Duque-Buitrago LF, Tornero-Martínez A, Loera-Castañeda V, Mora-Escobedo R · Critical reviews in food science and nutrition · 2023
Gastritis is the acute or chronic inflammation of gastric mucosa and is triggered by diverse factors. Treatments used for non-bacterial gastritis include proton pump inhibitors, histamine H2 receptor inhibitors, and antacids, and their use is linked to various side effects. Research on alternative therapeutics using food or food-based products is extensive, mostly in preclinical research. We aimed at documenting the clinical advances in food-based therapies as alternative therapeutics for gastritis. Articles with information on the treatment of gastritis with food or food-based products published until December 1, 2020 were identified through a systematic search in PubMed Medline Database. Additionally, references of retrieved articles were screened for relevant reviews and meta-analyses. Two investigators independently selected and reviewed the titles and abstracts of articles and extracted the study characteristics (PICO framework) and key findings. Dual quality assessment and data e
This paper provides a 10-year update of the 2007 systematic review of herbal medicines studied in a broad range of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, seasonal affective, bipolar, psychotic, phobic, somatoform, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders. Ovid Medline, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library were searched for herbal medicines with both pharmacological and clinical evidence of psychotropic activity. This updated review now covers clinical trial evidence for 24 herbal medicines in 11 psychiatric disorders. High-quality evidence was found to exist for the use of Piper methysticum (Kava), Passiflora spp. (passionflower) and Galphimia glauca (galphimia) for anxiety disorders; and Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) and Crocus sativus (saffron) for major depressive disorder. Other encouraging herbal medicines with preliminary evidence include Curcuma longa (turmeric) in depression, Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) in affective disorders,
K M, Aryan MK, Prabhakaran P, Mulakal JN, Das S S, Im K · Frontiers in allergy · 2024
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an IgE-mediated reaction to inhaled allergens, and is a prominent health concern affecting approximately 400 million people worldwide. A comprehensive understanding of AR's pathophysiology is imperative for developing novel therapies, especially considering its frequent co-morbidity with asthma and conjunctivitis. The escalating prevalence of AR is correlated with increased urbanization and environmental pollutants, recognized as prominent contributing factors. Dysregulation in immune networks, Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance, activation of mast cells and eosinophils are implicated in AR progression. Classic AR symptoms include nasal congestion, nasal itching, rhinorrhea, and sneezing which significantly impact the quality of life, social interactions, and workplace productivity.
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, three-arm, three-sequence study was aimed to assess the efficacy of supplementation of a co-delivery form of turmeric extract with ashwa
Randomized TrialPubMedHigh Quality
Observational Studies(9)
Cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional human studies.
Anheyer M, Cramer H, Ostermann T, Längler A, Anheyer D · Complementary therapies in medicine · 2025 · n=1115
Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, affects approximately 2 % of the global population. Treatment approaches range from topical agents for mild to moderate cases to systemic therapies for moderate to severe forms. Complementary and integrative medicine, including herbal remedies, is increasingly utilized by psoriasis patients, with herbal medicine being the most prevalent choice.
This systematic review adhered to PRISMA guidelines and Cochrane recommendations, with prior registration. Searches were conducted in Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through June 2024. Inclusion criteria encompassed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating herbal therapies in psoriasis patients of any age. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by two authors, with discrepancies resolved through discussion.
A total of 20 RCTs involving 1115 patients were included
Ebrahimzadeh A, Mohseni S, Safargar M, Mohtashamian A, Niknam S, Bakhoda M · Complementary therapies in medicine · 2024 · n=1191
Curcumin has antioxidant properties and has been proposed as a potential treatment for NAFLD. The aim of current systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate previous findings for the effect of curcumin supplementation on glycaemic indices, lipid profile, blood pressure, inflammatory markers, and anthropometric measurements of NAFLD patients.
Relevant studies published up to January 2024 were searched systematically using the following databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, WOS, Science Direct, Ovid and Cochrane. The systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. The quality of the papers was assessed the using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist. Pooled effect sizes were calculated using a random-effects model and reported as the WMD and 95% CI. Also, subgroup analyses were done to find probable sources of heterogeneity among studies.
Out of 21010 records initially identified, 21 eligible RCTs were selected for inclu
This long-term observational study published in BMJ Open examined the outcomes of individuals who regularly consume turmeric. The researchers monitored participant health data over several years to identify potential associations between turmeric use and various wellness markers.
Observational StudyPubMedModerate Quality
Animal Studies(2)
Preclinical animal research — not a substitute for human evidence.
Demir E, Koten M, Keskin FEU, Eryıldız C, Güven SG · Allergologia et immunopathologia · 2026
Curcumin, a flavonoid derived from turmeric, has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiallergic effects. This study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of intranasal curcumin in an allergic rhinitis (AR) rat model. Forty rats were randomized into four groups: a sham control, an AR model with no treatment (negative control), an AR model treated with intranasal mometasone furoate (positive control), and an AR model treated with intranasal curcumin. Allergic symptoms (sneezing, itching, nasal discharge) were evaluated by both unblinded and blinded observers. Serum Ovalbumin (OVA)-specific IgE levels were measured using ELISA. Nasal mucosal histopathology (edema, cilia loss, goblet cell hyperplasia, inflammation, eosinophilia) was assessed by light microscopy. Intranasal curcumin significantly improved histopathological findings and reduced allergic symptoms, with efficacy comparable to steroid treatment. It alleviates AR symptoms and inflammation, suggesting a promising, low
Demir E, Koten M, Keskin FEU, Eryıldız C, Güven SG · Allergologia et immunopathologia · 2026
Curcumin, a flavonoid derived from turmeric, has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic effects. This study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of intranasal curcumin in an allergic rhinitis (AR) rat model. Forty rats were randomized into five groups: a Sham control, an AR model with no treatment (negative control), an AR model treated with intranasal mometasone furoate (positive control), and an AR model treated with intranasal curcumin. Allergic symptoms (sneezing, itching, nasal discharge) were evaluated by both unblinded and blinded observers. Serum ovalbumin (OVA)-specific IgE levels were measured using ELISA. Nasal mucosal histopathology (edema, cilia loss, goblet cell hyperplasia, inflammation, eosinophilia) was assessed by light microscopy. Intranasal curcumin significantly improved histopathological findings and reduced allergic symptoms, with efficacy comparable to steroid treatment. Intranasal curcumin alleviated allergic rhinitis symptoms and inflamma
This NCCIH page provides an overview of turmeric, including its uses, potential side effects, and scientific evidence related to its efficacy for various conditions, including joint pain.
Government SourceNCCIHHigh Quality
Clinical Trial Registries(5)
Registered ongoing or completed trials (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Pediatric Lupus nephritis which is a sever and common complication to childhood onset systemic lupus erythematous is an aggressive inflammatory process triggered by the deposition of antigen-antibody complex in kidney tissue. The complex stimulates production of multiple immune cells, activating Inflammasome NLRP3 that plays massive role in stimulating various cytokines like IL-6. The inflammation also causes elevation in proteinuria and serum creatinine levels beside other inflammatory markers elevation (CRP )and (ESR). These children are treated with a standard regimen consists of an immunomodulator (mycophenolate mofetil) with strong steroid anti-inflammatory and also hydroxychloroquine is added to the regimen to decrease the intensity of the flares and management of arthritis symptoms. In our study we are introducing a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drug with nephroprotective benefits which is curcumin capsules. The drug showed success in managing different autoimmune and inflammatory diseases as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease, it also showed dramatic improvement in lupus nephritis models in previous experimental study. The study primary outcome is will be the composite of the effect of curcumin on Urine protein-to-creatinine ratio and NLPR3 Inflammasome levels in blood. Patients meeting the study inclusion criteria will be educated firmly about the disease details and all information about the drug, then will be randomly assigned to one of two groups, the first group receiving the standard therapy only while the second one receiving the standard therapy beside the curcumin 1000 mg capsules orally daily, a third small group of healthy children as a control for normal inflammasome levels. Patients in the first two groups will undergo baseline evaluation at the beginning of the study including Patients' demographic data, anthropometric measures and medication history. Moreover, collecting patients' medical history which includes Duration of systemic lupus, Duration of lupus nephritis, other organs involvement, past and current medical condition or prescribed and OTC medications. Laboratory Evaluation and renal function assessment will include Inflammasome levels in blood using ELISA technique using Human NLRP3 ELISA Kit, Serum creatinine levels, Protein in urine levels, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using Original Schwartz Equations, Inflammatory biomarkers (ESR, CRP), anti-ds DNA, anti-ANA DNA and evaluating Hematuria. Baseline Clinical evaluation includes Blood pressure measurement and Kidney structural damage evaluation via biopsy. Then patients will be followed up monthly for three months for assessing Patient Compliance with the prescribed medication regimens and the study drug, Occurrence of side effect graded using monitoring of side effects scale (MOSES) and checking for Allergic reactions against the drug. After the three months, all patients will be reassessed for all laboratory and clinical evaluations. finally results will be statistically analyzed Statistical analysis will be done using SPSS statistical software package
The purpose of this study is to ascertain whether certain supplements promote excessive urinary oxalate excretion and increase the risk for calcium oxalate kidney stones. Supplements that enhance urinary oxalate excretion, as a result of their oxalate concentration or from some other mechanism (e.g., providing substrate for oxalate biosynthesis) will be identified by the investigators.
A research study that is evaluating a low dose of an FDA approved statin medication in comparison to several commercially available over the counter dietary supplements which are marketed for cholesterol health. The study is comparing their effect on LDL cholesterol. LDL-cholesterol is low-density cholesterol and is sometimes referred to as "bad" cholesterol. Participants must live in Ohio and have a documented elevated LDL cholesterol level between 70-189mg/dL, must not currently be taking a statin or one of the dietary supplements included in the trial. Participants willing to discontinue a prohibited supplement for 4 weeks prior to enrollment will be allowed to participate. Trial participation is 4 weeks. Study medication will be provided at no charge. There will be 2 visits which include a lab draw at any Cleveland Clinic laboratory. Participants will be randomized (like a coin flip) to be in one of 8 possible groups: Rosuvastatin, Fish oil, Cinnamon, Garlic, Turmeric, Plant sterol, Red yeast rice, or placebo. The study will enroll 200 participants.
Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate Quality
Limitations: Current evidence often suffers from heterogeneity in study designs, small sample sizes in human trials, and variations in turmeric preparations and dosages. The bioavailability of curcumin has also been noted as a significant limitation in many studies, potentially influencing observed effects.
This page is educational. Statements use phrases like "may support" and "has been studied for"because no remedy here is approved to cure, treat, or reverse any condition. Discussion happens on the ailment pages — community statistics here are derived from those reports. Always consult a qualified clinician.
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