Turmeric (curcumin) shows potential to modestly lower blood pressure, especially systolic, in some studies, likely due to its anti-inflammatory effects on blood vessels, but results are inconsistent, with some trials finding no significant change, and it can interact with blood pressure medications, so consulting a doctor is crucial before adding it as a treatment.
In recent decades, several clinical trials have evaluated the role of curcumin/turmeric in BP regulation; however, the results are not fully conclusive Khajehdehi, Zanjaninejad [25] et al. show that the consumption of 1500 mg turmeric (3 capsules daily) for 3 months significantly effect on DBP and SBP.
Conventionally formulated oral turmeric or curcumin (not modified to enhance bioavailability) is likely safe in the recommended amounts for up to 2 or 3 months. Oral turmeric can cause adverse effects such as nausea and vomiting, acid reflux, stomach upset, diarrhea, or constipation.
Can Help Relax Blood Vessels. Some evidence also shows that turmeric can improve the dilation (or widening) of blood vessels, which helps blood move more easily through your body and contributes to decreased blood pressure. 8 However, its ability to reduce blood vessel stiffness may be limited.
Ten medications show notable interactions with turmeric: cancer medications (chemotherapy), blood thinners, blood sugar-lowering agents, amlodipine, estrogen, tamoxifen, hepatotoxic medications, sulfasalazine, tacrolimus, and losartan.
Some people take curcumin supplements to treat migraines, memory loss, and more. Turmeric may not react well, though, with some medications, including blood pressure medication. If you take curcumin supplements regularly and in high doses, they can affect your health in a variety of ways.
Most research shows that taking curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric, by mouth reduces depression symptoms in people already using an antidepressant. High levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia). Taking turmeric by mouth seems to lower levels of blood fats called triglycerides.
While the spice itself is generally regarded as safe, turmeric supplements can cause liver damage if taken at high dosages. “The World Health Organization recommends a daily turmeric dose of no greater than approximately 200 mg daily for a 150-pound individual or 270 mg daily for a 200-pound individual.
Turmeric appears to have become the most common cause of clinically apparent, herbal-related liver injury in the United States. While most cases are attributed to highly bioavailable forms of curcumin, cases also have been described with use of unadulterated ground turmeric powder and even with turmeric herbal teas.
Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure
If you are trying to prevent or treat high blood pressure, the AHA recommends 3,500 mg to 5,000 mg of potassium daily, ideally from diet. For some adults, a health care professional may recommend moderate-dose potassium supplements (<80 mmol per day) if diet is not enough.
Ginger – This spice has long been a staple in alternative medicine and has been touted for offering various medicinal benefits, from calming nausea to fighting germs. Another impressive health benefit of ginger is that it may also help lower blood pressure.
This dose of curcumin is not completely harmless, however, as human studies have shown that curcumin at doses ranging from 0.9 to 3.6 g day−1 for 1–4 months originates some adverse effects including nausea and diarrhea and causes an increase in serum alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase.
It is sometimes called the 'golden spice'. Turmeric is a major source of the polyphenol curcumin which known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which has led to some studies suggesting that it may reduce your risk of heart and circulatory disease.
Turmeric generally takes 4 to 8 weeks of consistent daily use to deliver noticeable benefits. Some people may notice changes sooner, while others may see the effects after several months. The exact timeline depends on factors like: Your overall health.
Additionally, turmeric has been shown to reduce blood pressure, which, when combined with blood pressure medications, could cause an excessive drop. As with cinnamon, these effects are most often linked to high dose supplements, not the small amounts used in food.
How much turmeric you should take daily depends on your overall health. If you're taking supplements, your doctors may suggest 500 milligrams of turmeric twice daily with food. (But more isn't always better, so be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before adding any supplements to your routine.)
Studies show that turmeric, especially its active ingredient curcumin, can help lower cholesterol levels, but results can vary.
10 Medications and Supplements Not To Mix With Turmeric
The Time of Day Does Not Matter
Your body can benefit from turmeric powder whether it's taken in the morning or at night.
Overall, turmeric supplementation does not reduce blood pressure (BP) in healthy adults or those with metabolic syndrome. Small improvements may be seen in women (less than 2 mmHg) and in diastolic BP (less than 1 mmHg) for patients treated over 12 weeks (SOR: A, meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials [RCTs]).
Though turmeric remains a popular treatment in traditional medicine, there's not enough clinical evidence to support claims about its health benefits. This is why turmeric and black pepper supplements are not approved as a medical treatment by the NHS.
Curcumin, also known as diferuloylmethane, is an active component in the golden spice turmeric (Curcuma longa) and in Curcuma xanthorrhiza oil. It is a highly pleiotropic molecule that exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, wound-healing, and antimicrobial activities 1.