1. Home
  2. / CL Answers
  3. / What are the effects of curcumin on the liver?

Our Members Asked:

What are the effects of curcumin on the liver?

Reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D. cooperman.png

Last updated Sep. 19, 2018 | Initially Posted Jan. 20, 2018

Answer:

Some short-term studies suggest that moderate doses of curcumin may be helpful for people with certain liver conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). For details, see information about NAFLD in the Turmeric/Curcumin Supplements Review.

However, be aware that long-term use of turmeric/curcumin may adversely affect the liver in a small percentage of people. It can also stimulate the gall bladder and worsen pain during stone passage in people with gallbladder disease, as noted in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Turmeric/Curcumin Supplements Review.

Join today to unlock all member benefits including full access to all CL Answers and over 1,300 reviews.

Join Now

Join now at www.consumerlab.com/join/

1 Comments

Related CL Answers (14)

Is it safe to take curcumin or turmeric supplements for a long period of time?

Information on the long-term effects of curcumin or turmeric supplements. Find out if curcumin and turmeric is safe to take for long periods. ConsumerLab explores these questions.

Is it true that taking turmeric/curcumin with food can reduce iron absorption from food?

Learn more about how to take turmeric/curcumin and if they limit iron absorption from food. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

I read that turmeric may be a GI irritant. I have GI problems and wonder if I should avoid turmeric and curcumin?

Find out if turmeric/curcumin supplements can cause gastrointestinal irritability. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

After taking a curcumin supplement, I started getting chronic diarrhea which went away when I stopped taking it. Can curcumin supplements cause diarrhea?

Learn more about the side effects of curcumin supplements, including diarrhea and other gastrointestinal discomfort. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Can turmeric or curcumin with black pepper extract cause constipation? I had this problem, but it resolved when I switched to a curcumin supplement without piperine (black pepper extract).

Learn more about black pepper extract, why it is added to turmeric/curcumin supplements, and if it can cause gastrointestinal effects. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Can drinking coffee can prevent gallstones? Can supplements help?

Information about the impact coffee has on gallstone disease. Plus, supplements that have been proposed to help with gallstone pain. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

What is TUDCA (tauroursodeoxycholic acid)? Does it have any proven health benefits, and is it safe?

TUDCA information, including its potential health benefits, safety, possible interactions, and cost. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

I've heard that curcumin is a MAO inhibitor. Is this true, and does that mean it is not safe to take if you eat amine-rich foods like cheese and dark chocolate?

Find out if turmeric and curcumin are MAO inhibitors, if they can be taken with amine-rich foods like cheese and dark chocolate, and more. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

I take ubiquinol to replenish CoQ10 depleted by my statin. I also take curcumin (from turmeric). Since they both manage free radicals, do I need to take the curcumin?

Learn more about the effects of curcumin (turmeric) and ubiquinol (CoQ10), including their shared antioxidant properties and many differences. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

What is phytosomal curcumin? Does it have better absorption than other curcumin formulations?

Learn more about phytosomal curcumin, its absorption, and bioavailability in comparison to other formulations. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

How should curcumin dose be adjusted if using formulations with enhanced bioavailability such as Meriva, BCM-95, CurcuWin, Theracurmin, Bioperine, and C3?

Info on how much curcumin to take when also using formulations with enhanced bioavailability such as Meriva, BCM-95, CurcuWin, Theracurmin, Bioperine, and C3. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

Can taking N-acetylcysteine (NAC) supplements reduce my risk of liver damage from acetaminophen?

Information on taking NAC supplements (N-acetylcysteine) to reduce the risk of liver damage from acetaminophen. ConsumerLab's answer explains.

What are the side effects of curcumin and turmeric?

Do curcumin and turmeric supplements have possible side effects? Get information about drug interactions with curcumin and turmeric supplements and more. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

I heard that Theracurmin, a form of curcumin, was shown to help with memory, but it's expensive. Does Theracurmin really improve memory and is it worth it?

Find out if Theracurmin curcumin really improves memory, how it compares to other curcumin formulations, such as Meriva, BCM-95 and CurcuWin, and if it's worth paying more Theracurmin. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Related Reviews (1)

Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices

Recent CL Answers

Join the conversation

Diane18585
October 30, 2019

What about turmeric powder or tumeric rhizome extract that is included along with many other ingredients (fruits & vegetables, etc) in some superfood reds or greens powder drinks? Would that be considered safe to take?

ConsumerLab.com
December 30, 2019

Hi Diane - Any product containing turmeric/curcumin extract could potentially cause adverse effects in some people, as described above, regardless of whether it contains additional ingredients.

Join today to unlock all member benefits including full access to CL Answers

Join Now

Join now at www.consumerlab.com/join/