Turmeric has a long history of use in Asia as a cure for a variety of health concerns, including digestive disorders. A recent study reveals that the bright-yellow spice and its active component, curcumin, may be just as effective as the over-the-counter drug omeprazole (Prilosec) in combating indigestion.
Scientists randomly allocated one of three regimens to 151 persons with dyspepsia for the research, which was published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine. Participants took two 250-milligram (mg) curcumin capsules four times a day, one 20-mg omeprazole pill daily, or both treatments together. At the outset of the trial, participants were asked about the intensity of indigestion symptoms such as bloating, nausea, and stomach discomfort, then again after 28 and 56 days.
According to the study findings, individuals in all three therapy groups saw similar decreases in symptom severity.
Curcumin was effective both alone and in combination with omeprazole.
Curcumin’s effectiveness was expected because it has long been used by traditional medicine doctors in Thailand to treat indigestion, according to lead study author Krit Pongpirul, MD, PhD, of Chulalongkorn University’s Center of Excellence in Preventive and Integrative Medicine in Bangkok, Thailand.
However, researchers were astonished to find no extra advantage from mixing curcumin and omeprazole, according to Dr. Pongpirul. “The comparable efficacies between curcumin/turmeric and omeprazole were as anticipated,” says Pongpirul. “However, taking only one of them would be sufficient and safer than taking both because there was no synergistic effect.”
Is Taking Curcumin Supplements for Indigestion Safe?
Even while the study found no major adverse effects from curcumin or omeprazole, lab testing revealed that some overweight adults who took curcumin had indicators for liver function degradation.
Aside from that, the quality and amount of curcumin in supplements might vary, and it’s probable that individuals won’t receive the same advantages if they take forms of this molecule that differ significantly from what was used in the study, according to Pongpirul.
“Turmeric itself has been linked to cases of liver injury, mostly when mixed with other substances such as black pepper, which increases the level of curcumin in blood,” says Yuying Luo, MD, a gastroenterologist and assistant professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City who was not involved in the new study.
People in the research consumed 2 g of curcumin daily and had no negative effects; this chemical has not been linked to liver issues at dosages as high as 6 g daily, according to Dr. Luo. However, Luo emphasizes the need of carefully reading the label of any supplements to ensure you know how much curcumin you’re taking.
Before attempting any supplement, consult with your physician.
The current study’s findings aren’t conclusive enough for Luo to prescribe curcumin as a first therapy for dyspepsia. whether people wish to give it a try, Luo recommends trying it for two to four weeks to see whether it helps, and stopping if adverse effects like indigestion persist.
People should check their doctor before taking any supplements, according to Luo. “I recommend bringing the formulation of curcumin you are interested in to talk with your doctor,” Luo says. “I recommend discussing all supplements you are taking with your doctor to ensure there are no adverse interactions with other medications.”