Turmeric is cultivated across India and has been used in the traditional practice of Ayurveda for thousands of years. Turmeric might increase how much docetaxel the body absorbs. Taking turmeric while taking docetaxel might increase the effects and side effects of docetaxel.

Huang, M. T., Deschner, E. E., Newmark, H. L., Wang, Z. Y., Ferraro, T. A., and Conney, A. H. Effect of dietary curcumin and ascorbyl palmitate on azoxymethanol- induced colonic epithelial cell proliferation and focal areas of dysplasia. Cancer Lett. 6-15-1992;64(2):117-121. View abstract. Scientists now believe that chronic low-level inflammation can play a role in some health conditions and diseases. These include:Kositchaiwat, C., Kositchaiwat, S., and Havanondha, J. Curcuma longa Linn. in the treatment of gastric ulcer comparison to liquid antacid: a controlled clinical trial. J Med.Assoc.Thai. 1993;76(11):601-605. View abstract.

So, what are the side effects of taking turmeric? While they’re considered to be rare, some side effects when taken in large amounts can include: 6 You can also use it, or different variations of it, like face cleansers, skin masks and night creams within your skincare regimes. This can regulate oil production, cleanse the skin, and even, manage facial hair. 15Sharifi-Rad J, et al. (2020). Turmeric and Its Major Compound Curcumin on Health: Bioactive Effects and Safety Profiles for Food, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnological and Medicinal Applications. Jayasekera, R., Freitas, M. C., and Araujo, M. F. Bulk and trace element analysis of spices: the applicability of k0-standardization and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence. J Trace Elem.Med.Biol. 2004;17(4):221-228. View abstract. Hu, G. X., Liang, G., Chu, Y., Li, X., Lian, Q. Q., Lin, H., He, Y., Huang, Y., Hardy, D. O., and Ge, R. S. Curcumin derivatives inhibit testicular 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3. Bioorg.Med.Chem.Lett. 4-15-2010;20(8):2549-2551. View abstract. That said, it’s important to note that turmeric won’t be prescribed by your GP as a traditional medicine, and although it’s usually relatively well tolerated, some side effects might occur if you use it long term. But whether or not you take turmeric’s benefits with a pinch of salt, there’s still a wide range of turmeric capsules, powders, pills and liquids available for your daily dose of the golden stuff. To help you choose the right one for you, we’ve put together a list of the best turmeric supplements available, along with a guide explaining the facts behind turmeric’s popularity.

Osteoarthritis. Taking turmeric extracts, alone or together with other herbal ingredients, can reduce pain and improve function in people with knee osteoarthritis. Turmeric might work about as well as ibuprofen for reducing pain. But it doesn't seem to work as well as another drug, called diclofenac. Depression. Most research shows that taking curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric, by mouth reduces depression symptoms in people already using an antidepressant.Korutla, L. and Kumar, R. Inhibitory effect of curcumin on epidermal growth factor receptor kinase activity in A431 cells. Biochim.Biophys.Acta 12-30-1994;1224(3):597-600. View abstract. Dandekar, P. P., Jain, R., Patil, S., Dhumal, R., Tiwari, D., Sharma, S., Vanage, G., and Patravale, V. Curcumin-loaded hydrogel nanoparticles: application in anti-malarial therapy and toxicological evaluation. J Pharm Sci 2010;99(12):4992-5010. View abstract. Kumar, A. and Singh, A. Possible nitric oxide modulation in protective effect of (Curcuma longa, Zingiberaceae) against sleep deprivation-induced behavioral alterations and oxidative damage in mice. Phytomedicine. 2008;15(8):577-586. View abstract.

Fortunately, there are lots of ways to use turmeric. Some people believe that the best way to take turmeric is to mix the powder with liquid to form a drink. You can do this with water (but it may not taste great) or you could add it to a smoothie so that it’s a little easier on the palette. Chainani-Wu, N., Madden, E., Lozada-Nur, F., and Silverman S Jr. High-dose curcuminoids are efficacious in the reduction in symptoms and signs of oral lichen planus. J Am Acad Dermatol 2012;66(5):752-760. View abstract. Ji, H. F. and Shen, L. Interactions of curcumin with the PfATP6 model and the implications for its antimalarial mechanism. Bioorg.Med.Chem.Lett. 5-1-2009;19(9):2453-2455. View abstract.

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However, although studies have had some positive results, these have not been consistent, and in some cases have been small, short in duration or based on animals (not humans), which makes it difficult to draw reliable conclusions. Fan, C., Wo, X., Qian, Y., Yin, J., and Gao, L. Effect of curcumin on the expression of LDL receptor in mouse macrophages. J Ethnopharmacol. 4-21-2006;105(1-2):251-254. View abstract.