September 12, 2023 – Turmeric, a yellowish spice that some people use to ease the inflammation of osteoarthritis, can have one other purpose: treating indigestion.
In a study published in BMJ Evidence-based medicine150 individuals with dyspepsia, also often known as indigestion, took the drug omeprazole, curcumin or a mix of each.
After 28 and 56 days, study participants responded to dyspepsia severity assessments based on their level of digestive disorder. There were no significant differences in symptoms between the groups taking omeprazole, curcumin or a mix of each, the study said.
Turmeric comprises the biologically energetic compound curcumin. Omeprazole is used to treat stomach and esophageal problems equivalent to acid reflux disorder and ulcers.
“In addition to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant purposes, curcumin/turmeric may be an option for the treatment of dyspepsia with comparable efficacy to omeprazole,” said study leader Krit Pongpirul, MD, associate professor within the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand , loud CNN.
In Southeast Asia, turmeric has been used to treat digestive problems for hundreds of years. In addition to treating inflammation, turmeric is usually utilized in the United States to treat depression, type 2 diabetes, viral infections, premenstrual syndrome, high cholesterol, Alzheimer's disease, and other conditions. However, for many of those uses, there is no such thing as a good scientific evidence supporting the usage of turmeric.
People considering taking turmeric should seek the advice of their doctor to make sure there aren’t any interactions with other medications you could be taking.
“Consumers should be aware of the side effects of curcumin extracts such as allergies and bleeding risk, especially for those taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications,” Pongpirul told CNN.