Turmeric: dangerous for health? Scientific truth

Used for almost 4000 years, turmeric is on the rise because of its many health benefits. Consumed as a spice to color and flavor our plates or in the form of a food supplement to make cures, it would have the power to fight certain diseases and improve our well-being.

However, a year ago, the Italian health authorities pointed the finger at turmeric, declaring it guilty of 27 cases of liver damage. The case concerning the falsified works of Professor Bharat Aggarwal has, for its part, questioned the real effectiveness of this spice.

Today, turmeric is increasingly criticized on the web and called a dangerous plant for health.

Turmeric, poisonous plant or not? Let’s unravel the true from the false!

Is turmeric dangerous for your health?

Cases of liver damage reported in Italy

In Italy, cases of liver damage were reported in 2019, related to the consumption of turmeric-based dietary supplement in the form of capsules. No specific cause has been determined.

Other cases had already been reported ten years earlier, during the year 2009 in Sweden (ten cases) and in Norway (five cases). The medical journal Prescriber claims that the food supplement used in these countries “contained nimesulide, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, known for its liver damage. Some powders qualified as turmeric are sometimes contaminated with powder from other turmeric species than Tumeric longa, the most frequent of which is Turmeric zedoaria of recognized toxicity “.

The case of Professor Bharat Aggarwal from April 2018

Professor Bharat Aggarwal is an Indo-American biochemist from the University of Texas (USA), his research has focused in particular on the anticancer effects of curcumin. He made a lot of talk about himself when he admitted to having falsified many scientific studies concerning turmeric. Professor Bharat Aggarwal also turned out to be the founder of a company that sells this successful spice.

In 2020, 29 of its articles were withdrawn, some were corrected and others received an expression of concern. 

The Anses and its warning against the consumption of turmeric 

ANSES recommends interrupting during the epidemic the intake of dietary supplements based on plants such as willow, meadowsweet, birch, poplar, licorice, harpagophytum, echinacea, cat’s claw and turmeric. 

According to her, these plants can “disrupt the body’s natural defenses by interfering in particular with the inflammatory defense mechanisms useful to fight infections”.

The real dangers of turmeric

Turmeric: a good dose for better health 

Is turmeric dangerous? In reality, the main danger of turmeric is overdose.

Recall that turmeric is a beige rhizome that, when cut, reveals a beautiful orange-yellow color. This bright color comes from its concentration of curcumin, a pigment from the polyphenol family, which is what gives it its antioxidant power. 

As you know, turmeric is a plant that can be consumed in different forms: powder, dried or fresh roots, capsules and tablets. Each of these forms has a different concentration of curcumin.

Turmeric in the form of powder and fresh or dried roots, used to season dishes, prepare smoothies, infusions, etc. does not present any danger or adverse effects.

On the other hand, very/too powerful turmeric extracts in capsules and tablets can cause adverse effects in case of overdose. Indeed, they contain a high level of curcumin, so it is advisable not to exceed the recommended daily dose. That is why it is important to always respect the dosage of the chosen product.

Turmeric capsules: read the package leaflet carefully

People who consume turmeric should not be subjected to a contraindication, a food allergy or a drug interaction. It is necessary to carefully read the package leaflet and the conditions of use before taking this superfood. 

In general, do not hesitate to ask your doctor for advice before starting a cure based on turmeric or any other plant to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Adverse reactions most often occur when one does not take into account one’s state of health and/ or buys the wrong product. It is necessary to check the content of turmeric capsules before buying them, but also and above all to listen to your body.

Contraindications and adverse reactions

Some precautions to take

As we noted in our complete guide to turmeric, this superfood is not recommended for people who suffer from obstructions and gallstones, liver disease or stomach ulcers.

It is also not recommended to consume turmeric with certain medications such as anticoagulants, antidiabetics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

The side effects

Adverse effects of turmeric are rare. However, some occasional inconveniences may occur in the event of an allergy or a high dose of curcumin, such as bloating, heartburn, nausea or dry mouth.

Buy organic turmeric without risk

To buy turmeric-based food supplements safely, it is advisable to choose a brand that offers certified organic turmeric capsules, without chemical processes, without excipient, and ideally manufactured in France.

We offer organic turmeric capsules without chemical extraction, Organic to enjoy the benefits of turmeric without side effects.

We care about your health and well-being while respecting your body and its needs, which is why the formulation of our organic turmeric capsules is studied to the smallest detail. Our product is 100% organic, without toxic additives and of course made in France.

Source : 

Food supplements: poorly protected consumers!”, Medical Journal, February 1, 2020.

“Food supplements: turmeric, dangerous for health?”, Marieclaire, February 17, 2020.

“Cancer journals retract 10 papers, flag 8 more, and apologize for the delay”. Retraction Watch.

“Retraction Watch Database – Bharat Aggarwal”. Retraction Watch. Center for Scientific Integrity.

“ANSES warns against the consumption of food supplements that can disrupt the immune response”, National Agency for food, environmental and occupational health safety, April 17, 2020.

“Curcumin and normal functioning of joints: evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 “, EFSA.