We have a very common saying, “Even roses come with thorns”. Do you know this holds true for the
curcumin extract that is present in turmeric? Turmeric has always been a favourite when it comes to health and healing. Indians have been using it since a very long time. Its benefits have made it popular even in the western countries in the form of Turmeric Latte or what we, Indians, call Haldi milk. During this Covid-19 situation, people have increased their consumption of turmeric as a part of boosting their immunity. A number of people have started taking curcumin (extract present in turmeric) supplements as well. Curcumin is considered to be efficient in treating a number of diseases.
However, a study done in 1993 by the National Toxicology Program (USA) reports that turmeric oleoresin has toxic and carcinogenic properties. The oleoresin extract has 79-85% curcumin present in it.
Another study suggests that curcumin has the potential to affect systemic iron metabolism in people with suboptimal iron status. Also, higher doses of turmeric have resulted in cases of diarrhea and headache, yellow stool and rash.
It is estimated that an average Indian consumes a dose of approx. 0.15g of curcumin per day. This dose is considered safe for consumption and for any dose of curcumin to be safe, it must be devoid of any chances of resulting in long term toxicity in the body upon consumption. The subject of efficiency and safety of curcumin still has to undergo a number of studies and research.
