Turmeric Root: Curcuma longa 1:3 45%

Curcuma longa (Turmeric)

Family: Zingiberaceae

Traditional Uses (According to Major Herbal Monographs)

Relief of mild digestive disturbances, including: Bloating, Flatulence, Slow digestion,

Support of liver and gallbladder function

Adjunct for minor biliary tract complaints

Loss of appetite

Supportive use in inflammatory conditions (traditional, not licensed)

Note: Modern research investigates anti-inflammatory effects, but these are not considered traditional monograph-approved indications.

Mechanisms of Action

Curcuma longa contains curcuminoids (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin) and volatile oils (e.g., turmerones), which underlie most actions.

1. Anti-inflammatory Activity

Inhibits NF-κB, a major regulator of inflammation

Decreases inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α)

Inhibits COX-2 and LOX pathways

Reduces prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis

2. Antioxidant Effects

Strong free radical scavenging

Upregulates endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase)

3. Digestive and Biliary Effects

Choleretic and cholagogic actions: increases bile production and flow

Enhances digestion of fats

Supports liver detoxification enzymes

4. Antimicrobial Effects

Mild antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity

Mainly supportive rather than therapeutic

5. Metabolic Effects

May improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity

May reduce systemic oxidative stress involved in metabolic syndrome

6. Neuroprotective Actions

Reduces neuroinflammation

Antioxidant protection of neuronal cells

Adverse Reactions

Turmeric is generally safe but can cause digestive or gallbladder-related reactions.

Gastrointestinal upset

Diarrhoea

Nausea

Yellowing of stools

Gallbladder Effects: May worsen gallstones or bile duct obstruction due to increased bile flow

Contraindicated in biliary obstruction, acute gallstone colic, or severe liver disease

Kidney Oxalate Caution: High intake (especially powders) may raise urinary oxalates and risk kidney stones in predisposed pets

Interactions With Other Supplements

1. Supplements That Affect Blood Clotting

Curcumin has mild antiplatelet effects.

Use caution when combined with:

Ginkgo

Garlic (high-dose)

Ginger (high-dose)

Fish oil / omega-3s

Vitamin E (high-dose)

Nattokinase / serrapeptase

Willow bark

2. Hypoglycemic Supplements

Curcumin can modestly enhance insulin sensitivity.

Caution with:

Berberine

Gymnema

Cinnamon extract

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)

Fenugreek

Combined use may produce additive blood sugar–lowering effects.

3. Anti-inflammatory Supplements

Curcumin may exhibit synergistic effects with:

Boswellia

Omega-3 fatty acids

Resveratrol

Quercetin

4. Antioxidant Supplements

Additive or synergistic antioxidant effects with:

Vitamin C

Vitamin E

ALA

Glutathione

CoQ10

Generally safe, but may theoretically diminish therapeutic oxidative signaling for immune activity.

5. Supplements Affecting CYP450 Enzymes

Curcumin may inhibit:

CYP1A2

CYP3A4

CYP2C9

So potential interactions with herbs metabolized through these pathways:

St. John’s wort

Goldenseal

Milk thistle

6. Iron Absorption

Curcumin may inhibit iron absorption slightly.

Use caution if combined with:

Iron supplements

Iron-rich herbal formulas