Turmeric A Golden Spice With Many Advantages And Curcumin Side Effects

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) origin was from Southeast Asia and has been a long time known as medicinal plants in many countries, including Indonesia.  Peoples also mention turmeric as Asian Saffron.   Some literature mention that the spreading of turmeric from the origin was on 700 AD to China, 800 AD to East Africa, 1200 AD to West Africa.  Here is the review of turmeric curcumin side effects.

Turmeric In Indonesia

The use of spices and other plants as traditional medicines In Indonesia has been going for a long time ago.  In the Borobudur temple which built-in 750, there are some ornaments that describing the process of producing traditional medicine (Jamu).

In Indonesian language, turmeric name is Kunyit, but turmeric also has many local names such as Kakunye (Enggano), Kuning (Gayo), Kunyet (Alas), Hunik (Batak), Undre, (Nias), Koneng (Sunda), Kunir (Java), Temo koneng (Madura), Kunit (Banjar), Cahang (Dayak Panyambung), Kaungi (East Sumba), Uinida (Talaud), Kuni (Sangir), Kuni (Toraja), Kunyi (Makassar), Unin, (Ambon), Gurai (Halmanera), Garaci (Ternate), Kandeifa (Nufor), Nikwai (Windesi), Mingguai (Wandamen), Yaw (Arso).

Turmeric Usage

Because of popularity and strong scientific evidence, today we can find turmeric in some commercial products from some Jamu (traditional medicine) companies in the modern packages, such as Kunyit Asam, Kunyit Sirih, Herba-drink, herbal syrup.

Turmeric has a long history in Indonesia as a treatment to improve the digestive system and immunity, also has a function as anti-inflammation and anti-septic.  Peoples also use turmeric to relieve fever and also for skin treatment.  Related to the Covid-19 pandemic, peoples also consume turmeric to improve their immunity. 

Turmeric active compound

Turmeric’s rhizomes which have bright yellow color are the most useful part/organ.  It organ usually shredded or dried and ground before used for further process.  The rhizomes compounds consist of carbs, starch, fiber, and some useful secondary metabolites.  The most important metabolite in turmeric is curcumin.   

Curcumin And Curcuminoid

Curcumin is part of curcuminoid.  And curcuminoid is a polyphenolic pigment, an active compound from turmeric rhizomes.  Curcuminoid content in turmeric rhizomes is varying from 2%-6% depending on varieties.  But curcumin is 70% part of curcuminoid. From many studies, researchers found that curcumin is the most compound that has many benefits for us.

What is Turmeric curcumin side effects?

Consuming turmeric can increase our immunity, but excessive consumption also will possibly causing stomach and dizziness problems.  Turmeric has been known as safe food and legally recognized by food and drug administration.

But Some literature mentions that we should be careful to consume curcumin when we have:  diabetes, the problem of gallbladder, a bleeding problem, iron deficiency, sensitive stomach, and during pregnancy.  Some risks for people who consume turmeric in an excessive amount are stomach inflammation and increasing the risk of developing kidney stones, diarrhea, allergies, and iron deficiency. The dosage probably still safe in a proper quantity, but will become risky when higher.  You should consult your doctor.

Some studies about turmeric curcumin side effects

The study called Critical review in Food Science and Nutrition in 2015, mention that the safe dosage of curcumin used is lower than 12 gram/day/people.  Remark from the study was that the benefit of curcumin will be optimum in the lower dosage. Another study in 2016, from the Journal of medicinal food, mention that the optimum dosage of curcumin daily for each people is only 0.1 g – 2 g. 

Curcumin will interact with some physiological processes during medical treatment, such as enhancing blood thinner and increasing the bleeding risk because the curcumin has anticoagulant activities. In 2017, one review in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology also mentions that curcumin possibly interacts with some medications: antidepressants, antibiotics, antihistamines, cardiac medications, and chemotherapy treatments. 

References:

Sahdeo Prasad and Bharat B. Aggarwal.  2011.  Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects 2nd edition

Susan J. Hewling and Douglas S. Kalman.  2017.  Curcumin: A Review of Its’ Effects on Human Health.  Food, 2017, Oct: 6 (10):92

Muryanto Paiman

always love to learn from nature.  Passionate on studying plants in some aspects: the DNA, Identification, propagation, and their uses