Evidence supporting the use of: Turmeric
For the health condition: Pain (general remedies for)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Turmeric, and specifically its active compound curcumin, has been used traditionally in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries to address pain and inflammation. Modern scientific research has increasingly investigated its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Multiple clinical studies and systematic reviews suggest that curcumin may reduce pain, particularly in conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory disorders. The mechanisms proposed include inhibition of inflammatory cytokines, suppression of NF-κB activity, and downregulation of COX-2 enzymes, all of which are involved in pain signaling and inflammation.

Randomized controlled trials have found that curcumin supplementation can modestly reduce pain scores compared to placebo, though its effects are generally less pronounced than standard nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Bioavailability of curcumin is an ongoing challenge, but formulations with enhanced absorption are being developed and tested. Side effects are generally mild, making turmeric a relatively safe adjunct for pain management.

Overall, while turmeric’s pain-relieving effects are supported by both traditional use and emerging scientific evidence, the strength of evidence is moderate (rated 3 out of 5). It may be beneficial as part of a comprehensive approach, especially for mild to moderate pain or for patients seeking alternatives to pharmaceuticals.

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Other ingredients used for Pain (general remedies for)

3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
Abies spectabilis
Abrus
Abuta
Acer truncatum
Achyranthes
Aconite
Actaea spicata
Aerva lanata
Agarwood
Agastache
Agmatine
Agonandra
Agrimonia pilosa
Agrimony
Ajuga
Akebia
Albizia
Alchemilla
Alchornea
Alcohol
Allspice
Allyl isothiocyanate
alpha-humulene
alpha-pinene
alpha-terpineol
alpinia galangal
Alseodaphne andersonii
Alstonia macrophylla
Alstonia scholaris
amber
American Liverleaf
American Pawpaw
Amomum
Amor seco
Andrographis
andrographolide
anemarrhena asphodeloides
Anemone
angel\'s trumpet
Angostura
anise
Anserina
antler
Antrodia camphorata
Aquilegia formosa
Aquilegia viridiflora
Aralia
Arani
argan nut oil
Arisaema
arjun tree
arjuna
arjunic acid
arnica
asafoetida
Asam gelugor
asarabacca
Asarum heterotropoides
Ashoka
ashwagandha
aspen
aster root
atractylodes
atractylone
aucubin
Auricularia
ba ji tian
Baccharis dracunculifolia
bael
Baikal Skullcap
Baliospermum
bamboo
banyan
baobab
barbary matrimony vine
barbasco
barberry
Barleria
barrenwort
Bassia scoparia
Bauhinia
bee venom
benegut perilla (proprietary)
benfotiamine
Berberis (unspecified)
Bergenia
bergenin
beta caryophyllene
beta-pinene
betel
bethroot
betony
bindweed
biota seed
birch
bisabolene
bistort
bittersweet
black ginger
black gram
Black Hellebore
black pepper
black root
Black spruce
Black willow
blackthorn
bleeding heart
Blepharis
blubber oil
blue flag
bogbean
boneset
borage
Borassus aethiopum
Boswellia
Boswellic Acid
bottle gourd
Bougainvillea
Brazilian peppertree
breadnut
bromelain
Bryonia
bugbane
Bulnesia sarmientoi
Bupleurum
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
burning bush
butternut
cabbage leaf
cactus
cajuput
calamus
Calendula
California False Hellebore
California poppy
California redbud
Calotropis gigantea
Calycophyllum
camphor oil
Campylandra fimbriata
camu camu
cannabidiol
Cannabidiolic acid
cannabinol
capers
cardamom
Carlina
carrapicho
Casearia esculenta
Casearia sylvestris
cashew
cassia bark
catnip
celandine
Celastrus
celery
Centella asiatica
Centella triterpenes
Cetylated Fatty Acids
Ceylon leadwort
Chaenomeles lagenaria
chaff flower
chen pi
Chenopodium
cherimoya
cherry
Chilean wildnut
Chinese fleeceflower
Chinese Ligustrum berry
Chinese mountain ant
Chinese pond turtle
Chinese salvia root
Chiococca alba
chuchuhuasi
chymotrypsin
cinnamic acid
cinquefoil
Cissus quadrangularis
Cissus sicyoides
cistanche
Cistus
citron
clematis
Clerodendrum indicum
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cnidium
coca
Codonopsis
cola nut
collagen
Collinsonia
colocynth
copaiba oil
cordyceps
corktree
Corydalis
cowslip
cramp bark
cranesbill
Crinum latifolium
cubeb
Cucurbita
culvers Root
cumin
cupuacu
curcumin
currant
Cyanthillium cinereum
Cyathula
Cymbidium goeringii
Cymbopogon martini
Cynanchum
Cynodon dactylon
Cynomorium
cypress
D-phenylalanine
danshen
deer root
dendrobine
dense fruit dittany
devil's claw
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
diallyl trisulfide (DATS)
dianthrone
Dicentra formosa
Didymocarpus
dill
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Dimorphandra gardneriana
Dimorphandra mollis
dioscorea
Dipsacus
divi-divi
dodeca-2E, 4E, 8Z, 10Z/tetraenoic acid isobutylamide
dodeca-2E, 4E-dienoic acid isobutylamide
dog rose
Dolichos
dwarf morning glory
Echinodorus
elemi
elk antler
Embelia
emblicanin
emu oil
English horsemint
enzyme blend
Erigeron
Erythrina
Erythropalum scandens
eugenol
Eupatorium
European Elder
Euryale seed
Evodia
Fagopyrum
fang-feng
fennel
fenugreek
fernbush
Ficus religiosa
fiesta flower
fig
finger-leaf morning glory
fireweed
flaxseed
flowering quince
Fomitopsis pinicola
frankincense
fringetree
fritillary
fruit blend (proprietary)
Fumaria parviflora
fungal enzymes blend (proprietary)
Galbanum
garden cress
Gardenia jasminoides
Gelsemium
Gentiana macrophylla
Gentianella alborosea
geraniol
geranium
giant trillium
ginger
golden eye-grass
golden ragwort
golden shower tree
Golden Willow
goldenrod
goldthread
gooseberry
gotu kola
grains of paradise
Graviola
Guazuma ulmifolia
haliotis
Harpagoside
hartstongue
Heartsease
Hedychium spicatum
Hellebore
Hemidesmus
Hempnettle
Homalomena
honey loquat syrup
honeysuckle
horse gram
huckleberry
Hypericum
Hyperoside
hyssop
Indian frankincense
Indian nightshade
Indian pipe
inula racemosa
Iporuru
iridoid glycosides
isobutylamides
Japanese kadsura
Japanese sophora
Japanese waxtree
Jatoba
Javanese Long Pepper
joe-pye
judastree
jujube
juniper berries
Kalanchoe pinnatum
Khella
Kigelia africana
knotgrass
kudzu
L-phenylalanine
Labdanum
Lactucarium
Lactucopicrin
Lady of the Night
Large-leaved linden
Lavandin
Ledebouriella
Leptadenia
Lespedeza capitata
Lesser speargrass
Lilium polyphyllum
lily
limonene
linden
Lindera
Liquidambar taiwaniana
Lophira lanceolata
loquat
Loranthus
lotus
lotus seed
lovage
lupulinum
Lysimachia
mace
Maclura tricuspidata
madder
magnesium
Malay bush
Manchurian thorn
mandrake
mangostin
manzanita
Marjoram
Marsh Tea
Matapalo Tree
Mate
Matico
Maytenus ilicifolia
Maytenus krukovii
Meadow sage
Meadowsweet
Mentha haplocalyx
Mesua
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Microtea debilis
Millettia
Mimosa
Mint
Mistletoe
Monkey flower
Morus
Mountain mahogany
Mountain pride
Mulberry
Myrcene
Myrobalan
Nardostachys
Nettle
New Jersey Tea
Night jessamine
noni
Nordihydrocapsaicin
Oak
Ocotillo
okra
Oldenlandia diffusa
Operculina turpethum
orange
orchid
Osmanthus
Otoba
Oxindole alkaloids
paederia foetida
paeoniflorin
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Palmyra
Palo Azul
Pareira
Pasuchaca
Patchouli oil
Paullinia tomentosa
Pea
peach
Pellitory
Pentatropis capensis
Pepper Bark Tree
Peppermint
perilla
Persimmon
Petasines
Phlomis umbrosa
Phragmites
Phthalides
Pimpinella
Piper chaba
Piper retrofractum
Piperine
pistacia integerrima gall
Plectranthus amboinicus
Plukenetia volubilis
Plumbago zeylanica
Plumeria lancifolia
pogoda tree
polygala root
Polypodium
poppy
Potentilla
Premna
prickly ash
Prosopis
protease
proteolytic enzymes
Psacalium peltatum
Pterospermum
Pulsatilla
pumpkin
purslane
pussywillow
Pycnogenol
Qin Jiao
quail egg
queen of the meadow
radish
reishi mushroom
Rhododendron
Rhus coriaria
Rooibos
root tuber
Rosa laevigata
Rosa roxburghii
rose
rose oil
Rubia cordifolia
Rubiaceae
Rubus
rutin
Safed musli
saffron
sage
Salicin
Salmon Oil
Sandy Everlasting
Sanguisorba
Sanicle
Sarcandra glabra
Sargassum
sarsaparilla
Sassafras
Savory
Scimitar bean
Scoparia dulcis
Scopoletin
sea salt
Semecarpus anacardium
Shataverins
shepherd's purse
Sichuan pepper
Sida cordifolia
silk tree
Silkmoth
Sinapis arvensis
Skunkvine
Slippery Elm
smilax
Snakeroot
Soft rush
Solanum anguivi
solomon's seal
soursop
Southernwood
Spatholobus
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
Speedwell
Spikenard
Spilanthes
Spiraea
spruce
Stachytarpheta cayennensis
star of Bethlehem
Stephania root
Stone Root
Storax
strawberry
Sumbul
Sweet Bay
Sweet Clover
Sweet Orange alcohol
sweetgums
Swertia
Szechuan lovage
Takuna
Taraxacum
Tasmannia lanceolata
Taxillus chinensis
Taxillus sutchuenensis
teasel
Tetrahydropalmatine
Teucrium marum
Toadflax
Tonka Bean
Trailing Arbutus
Traveler's Joy
Tree of heaven
turmeric
Turtle Head
typhonium
Vanilla
Verbena
Veronica
Vervain
Vetiver
Viburnum
vitamin D
Walnut
Watercress
Waterhyssop
Weak Jumby Pepper
White oak
white willow
Willow
Willow Bracket
Wintergreen
Wood betony
Yarrow
Yellow Dock
Yellow Nut Sedge
Yellow root
Yellow-Fruit Nightshade
Yerba Mansa
Yerba mate
Yucca
Yuzu
Zapilopatle Bean
zhejiang fritillary
Zingibain

Other health conditions supported by turmeric

Abdominal Pain
Abrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Adenitis
Afterbirth Pain
Age Spots
Aging (prevention)
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bladder Infection
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Blood in Stool
Body Odor
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Bursitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Carbuncles
Cartilage Damage
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chest Pain
Chicken Pox
Cholera
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Convulsions
Corns
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cradle Cap
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Crohn's Disease
Cuts
Cystic Breast Disease
Cysts
Dandruff
Debility
Dementia
Denture Sores
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diaper Rash
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Diphtheria
Dislocation
Diverticulitis
Duodenal Ulcers
Dyspepsia
Edema
Endometriosis
Enteritis
Epstein Barr Virus
Eye Infections
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Eyesight (poor)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fever
Fibroids (uterine)
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Fibrosis
Free Radical Damage
Fungal Infections
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
Gangrene
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Giardia
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Glaucoma
Goiter
Gonorrhea
Gout
Halitosis
Hangover
Hashimoto's Disease
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Headache (tension)
Heart (weakness)
Heavy Metal Poisoning
Hemochromatosis
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hernias
Herpes
Impetigo
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Injuries
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Jaundice (adults)
Jaundice (infants)
Jock Itch
Kidney Infection
Knees (weak)
Laryngitis
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leprosy
Lesions
Leucorrhea
Leukemia
Lice
Ligaments (torn or injured)
Liver Detoxification
Lupus
Lyme Disease
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Lymphoma
Macular Degeneration
Malaria
Mastitis
Measles
Melanoma
Memory and Brain Function
Mental Illness
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Mood Swings
Multiple Sclerosis
Mumps
Muscular Dystrophy
Nephritis
Nerve Damage
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Oral Surgery
Ovarian Pain
Overacidity
Pain (general remedies for)
Paralysis
Parasites (general)
Pets (supplements for)
Phlebitis
Pleurisy
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Pneumonia
Polyps
Psoriasis
Rheumatic Fever
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Scabies
Scars / Scar Tissue
Sciatica
Scratches and Abrasions
Senility
Skin (infections)
Slivers
Snake Bite
Sprains
Staph Infections
Stiff Neck
Stye
Tendonitis

Products containing turmeric

Pure Encapsulations AI Formula
Designs For Health ArthroSoothe™
Metagenics Axis Endo™ Mango
Douglas Laboratories Ayur-Curcumin (Turmeric)
Pure Encapsulations Balanced Immune
Integrative Therapeutics Clinical Nutrients HP
Metagenics CoQ10 ST®-100 mg
Metagenics CoQ10 ST-100 mg
Metagenics CoQ10 ST-200 mg
Integrative Therapeutics Curalieve
Integrative Therapeutics Curalieve
Designs For Health Curcum-Evail® 400
Designs For Health Curcum-Evail® 400
Pure Encapsulations CurcumaSorb
Pure Encapsulations CurcumaSorb Mind
Integrative Therapeutics Curcumax Pro
Pure Encapsulations Curcumin
Pure Encapsulations Curcumin
Pure Encapsulations Curcumin 500 with Bioperine
Pure Encapsulations Curcumin 500 with Bioperine
Designs For Health Detox Antiox™
Integrative Therapeutics Detoxication Factors
Integrative Therapeutics Detoxication Factors
Designs For Health Detoxification Support Packets
Pure Encapsulations Digestion GB
Pure Encapsulations Digestion GB
Metagenics EstroFactors®
Pure Encapsulations Glucosamine/MSM with Joint Comfort Herbs
Pure Encapsulations Glucosamine/MSM with Joint Comfort Herbs
Integrative Therapeutics Glutamine Forte Drink Mix
Metagenics Golden Fusion®
Pure Encapsulations Heartburn Essentials
Pure Encapsulations Heartburn Essentials
Designs For Health ImmunoMod-A™
Designs For Health Inflammatone™
Designs For Health Inflammatone™
Designs For Health Inflammatone™
Pure Encapsulations Joint Complex
Pure Encapsulations Joint Complex
Vitabase Life's Essentials Plus
Pure Encapsulations Ligament Restore
Pure Encapsulations Ligament Restore
Pure Encapsulations Lipotropic Detox
Pure Encapsulations Liver G.I. Detox
Pure Encapsulations LVR Formula
Pure Encapsulations LVR Formula
Pure Encapsulations Memory Pro
Pure Encapsulations Memory Pro
Designs For Health Migranol™
Pure Encapsulations NeuroMood Pure Pack
Pure Encapsulations NeuroPure
Designs For Health OcuForce™
Douglas Laboratories Optimized Curcumin With Neurophenol™
Pure Encapsulations Phyto-4
Pure Encapsulations Phyto UltraComfort
Metagenics PhytoGanix® Tropical Fruit
Integrative Therapeutics Pro.Som
Integrative Therapeutics ProThrivers Wellness Flav Complex
Pure Encapsulations PureDefense Collagen with Bone Broth
Vitabase Quercetin Plus
Metagenics Rapid Relief
Metagenics Rapid Relief
Pure Encapsulations SP Ultimate
Pure Encapsulations SP Ultimate
Vitabase Super Fat Burner
Metagenics Testralin®
Integrative Therapeutics Theracumin HP
Integrative Therapeutics Theracurmin HP
Pure Encapsulations Thyroid Support Complex
Vitabase Turmeric Extract
Douglas Laboratories Turmeric Max-V
Douglas Laboratories Ultra Protein Green
Pure Encapsulations Ultra Pure Pack
Pure Encapsulations UltraDetox 10-Day Pure Pack
Metagenics UltraFlora® 3 in 1 Daily Probiotic
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360°® Chocolate/Orange
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Orange
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Original Spice
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient®
Vitabase Vision Support
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Brain Health Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Men's Vitality Daily Packs
Pure Encapsulations Women's Nutrients