What is turmeric?

Turmeric is a bright yellow spice that is derived from the underground stems, or rhizomes, of the Curcuma longa plant. The plant is part of the ginger family and is grown in warm climates around the world.

Turmeric has long been used for its potential health benefits as well as to enhance flavor in culinary dishes. It can be used in various forms, including ground spice and fresh root, and can also be taken as a dietary supplement.

What is curcumin?

Curcumin is the biologically active compound in turmeric. Turmeric's potential health benefits are primarily due to curcumin.

Turmeric's health benefits

Turmeric has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine to treat conditions such as skin disorders, respiratory problems, joint pain relief, and digestive disorders. More recently, turmeric has become a popular dietary supplement promoted to benefit a variety of conditions including arthritis, digestive disorders, depression, and allergies, among others.

Turmeric has been studied over the past few decades to understand its potential health benefits. One 2020 study found Curcuma to be associated with anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties.

Research has started to show connections between some of these properties and actual health benefits in people. For example, human studies have shown potential for curcumin in managing osteoarthritis pain. More research is needed to better understand other potential benefits of turmeric, as well as the dosage needed to achieve those benefits.