What Are the Dangers of Curcumin?

Curcumin is a type of chemical contained in the spice turmeric, which is commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking. Despite its use by herbalists to treat a variety of conditions like arthritis and cancer, curcumin poses a risk of side effects in some patients.

Types of Side Effects

• The most common side effects of curcumin typically pose no long term health effects and involve the stomach, like nausea and vomiting, reports RxList. Some people develop mild skin rashes from touching curcumin.

Dosing

• The recommended dose of curcumin for use as a supplement is 1 to 3 g of powdered root per day or 30 to 90 drops of fluid extract per day, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Taking more than the recommended amount poses a risk of stomach ulcers and easy bruising or bleeding, particularly if you use the herb at such levels for months or years.

Drug Interactions

• When taken with blood-thinning or anti-clotting medications, curcumin increases your risk of developing prolonged bleeding following an injury or surgery, explains RxList. Medications that curcumin may affect include aspirin, clopidogrel, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, dalteparin, enoxaparin, heparin and warfarin.

Allergic Reactions

• Some patients develop severe allergic reactions to curcumin, causing shortness of breath, chest pains and swelling of the face, tongue, throat or extremities, warns the Physician's Desktop Reference.

Considerations

• Because its effects upon fetal development are unknown, avoid using curcumin as a supplement if you are pregnant or nursing. If you have a history of gallbladder disease, gallstones, blocked bile ducts or diabetes, it may not be safe for you to use curcumin medicinally, cautions the University of Maryland Medical Center.