Turmeric (Curcumin)

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Specifically for Psoriasis

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Why it works for Psoriasis:

Turns down key inflammatory pathways in psoriasis. Curcumin inhibits NF-κB signaling and the IL-23/Th17 axis (drivers of keratinocyte hyperproliferation and inflammation in psoriasis). Mechanistic and translational reviews document effects on TNF-α, IL-17/IL-22, oxidative stress, and keratinocyte signaling. SpringerLink

May reduce phosphorylase kinase (PhK) activity in plaques, a protein linked to rapid skin-cell turnover; this mechanism has been proposed in topical trials. MJI UI

Antioxidant/anti-angiogenic effects could also contribute to PASI improvements seen in human studies. RCA Storage

How to use for Psoriasis:

Topical options

Turmeric “tonic” for scalp psoriasis

What: A curcumin tonic applied to the scalp.
How used in the RCT: Twice daily for 9 weeks.
Results: Greater PASI/DLQI improvement than placebo; no serious AEs reported.
Source: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial; trial record and summaries. IRCT

Curcumin gel/microemulgel for plaque psoriasis

What: ~1% curcumin gel, applied to plaques.
How used in trials: Twice daily for 8–9 weeks.
Results: Larger PASI reductions vs. placebo; local irritation/dryness possible.
Source: double-blind RCTs summarized in a 2023 systematic review; one trial explicitly 1% gel. SpringerLink

Oral options (as add-on therapy)

Bioavailable curcumin (Meriva®) + topical steroid

Dose used: 2 g/day Meriva in divided doses for 12 weeks, alongside methylprednisolone aceponate 0.1% topical.
Results: Mean PASI ↓ ~75% with curcumin vs ~47% with steroid + placebo; IL-22 decreased.
Sources: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (full text) and systematic review summary. RCA Storage

Nanocurcumin + acitretin (moderate–severe disease)

Finding: Adding oral nanocurcumin to acitretin increased high-level responses (PASI-90 in 36% vs 13% with acitretin alone).
Notes: Dose/formulation varied; this is adjunct to a prescription retinoid and requires dermatology supervision.
Sources: RCT + systematic review summary. OUP Academic

Bioavailability tips (general)

Curcumin is poorly absorbed; formulations with phospholipids (e.g., Meriva) or piperine can increase uptake. (Note that piperine may also raise interaction risks; see safety.) Restorative Medicine

Scientific Evidence for Psoriasis:

Systematic reviews/meta-analyses (human + preclinical):

2022 Frontiers in Pharmacology review/meta-analysis (7 RCTs + 19 preclinical) concluded curcumin (oral or topical) improved PASI vs controls; also surveyed safety. Frontiers
2023 Archives of Dermatological Research systematic review on dermatologic uses summarized multiple RCTs for psoriasis (topical and oral adjuvant), generally showing benefit on PASI/DLQI with mild AEs. SpringerLink

Key RCTs you can read about:

Oral curcumin (Meriva) 2 g/day + topical steroid vs. steroid alone (12 weeks): Significant extra PASI improvement and IL-22 reduction. RCA Storage
Topical curcumin tonic for scalp psoriasis (9 weeks, BID): Improved clinical scores vs placebo. Caldic
Topical curcumin gels/microemulgels (8–9 weeks, BID): Better PASI reduction than vehicle; mild local irritation possible. SpringerLink
Nanocurcumin + acitretin (moderate–severe): Higher PASI-90 rates than acitretin alone. OUP Academic
Older open-label oral trial (4.5 g/day curcuminoids): Tolerability data; uncontrolled design. ScienceDirect

Guidelines context: Main psoriasis guidelines (AAD/NPF; NPF site) focus on approved topicals, phototherapy, and systemics; curcumin is not standard of care, but is discussed in reviews as a possible adjunct. JAAD

Specific Warnings for Psoriasis:

Liver injury (rare but documented):

Australia’s TGA safety alert: rare risk of liver injury from medicinal-dose turmeric/curcumin; risk may be higher with enhanced-bioavailability products and higher doses, or in people with pre-existing liver disease. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
DILIN case series and other reports describe turmeric-associated drug-induced liver injury. American Journal of Medicine
ANSES (France): nutrivigilance reports including hepatitis linked to turmeric supplements. Anses
UK Committee on Toxicity review: cautions about exceeding acceptable intakes and highlights higher risk with other medicines and in those with liver/gallbladder/bile-duct disorders. cot.food.gov.uk

Drug interactions (clinically important):

Anticoagulants/antiplatelets (e.g., warfarin, DOACs, clopidogrel): possible increased bleeding; warfarin levels may be affected. Avoid/seek medical advice before combining. Welsh Medicines Advice Service
Piperine-enhanced products (often combined with curcumin) boost absorption and may increase interaction/adverse-effect risk. ZOE

Who should not use supplement-strength turmeric/curcumin (unless cleared by a clinician):

Gallbladder or biliary disease, active liver disease, bile-duct obstruction—may trigger biliary colic or worsen labs. Welsh Medicines Advice Service
Pregnancy/breastfeeding: safety data for high-dose supplements are insufficient. (General caution echoed across safety reviews.) Welsh Medicines Advice Service
Before surgery or if you bruise/bleed easily: stop supplements in advance due to theoretical bleeding risk (standard peri-op herbal caution reflected in interaction advisories). Welsh Medicines Advice Service

Topical cautions: may cause irritation, contact allergy, or staining of skin/fabrics; patch-test a small area first. (Topical RCTs reported dryness/burning similar to vehicle.) SpringerLink

Back to Psoriasis

General Information (All Ailments)

Note: You are viewing ailment-specific information above. This section shows the general remedy information for all conditions.

What It Is

Turmeric is a yellow-orange culinary spice derived from the root of Curcuma longa, a plant in the ginger family. Its best-studied active component is curcumin, a polyphenol responsible for many of its biological effects. Supplements may contain turmeric powder, curcumin extract (standardized to ~95% curcuminoids), or curcumin combined with absorption enhancers like piperine (from black pepper) or formulated as nanoparticles/phytosomes to increase bioavailability.

How It Works

Curcumin is not “one mechanism” but influences multiple biological pathways. The major known actions include:

• Anti-inflammatory action – It inhibits NF-κB and COX-2 signaling pathways, which are core drivers of chronic inflammation.

• Antioxidant action – Curcumin directly scavenges reactive oxygen species and up-regulates endogenous antioxidant enzymes (e.g., SOD, catalase, glutathione-related enzymes).

• Immune modulation – It shifts immune activity away from excessive pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6).

• Metabolic & vascular effects – Curcumin improves endothelial function, reduces oxidative lipid damage, and may improve insulin sensitivity in some settings.

• Cellular signaling in degeneration & repair – Curcumin can influence apoptosis and autophagy pathways, and has been studied for effects on joint cartilage, neuroinflammation, and even cancer cell biology (as an adjunct, not a primary therapy).

These effects are multi-target and generally modulatory, not extreme or drug-like in strength when taken in typical supplemental doses.

Why It’s Important

Curcumin is studied because chronic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress are common final pathways in many conditions considered “diseases of aging” — such as osteoarthritis, metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis, neurodegeneration, and some autoimmune states. By acting upstream on inflammation and oxidative signaling, curcumin is explored for:

• Relief of joint pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis

• Support of cardiovascular health markers

• Improvement of glycemic and lipid parameters in metabolic disorders

• Adjunctive support in conditions with chronic inflammation (research-phase, not curative)

Its importance is less “this cures X” and more “this reliably pushes systems in a protective direction when used correctly, consistently, and with proper delivery”.

Considerations

Bioavailability is low in raw spice form. Most benefit in trials comes from concentrated extracts or specialized delivery forms. Taking turmeric powder in food has culinary and mild physiologic value but is not equivalent to studied extracts.

Drug interactions matter. Curcumin can affect platelet function and interact with anticoagulants/antiplatelets. It may raise levels of certain drugs by modulating liver enzymes or p-glycoprotein.

Dose is not trivial. Effective studied doses often range from ~500–1000 mg/day of standardized curcumin extract (not turmeric powder). Higher is not necessarily better; tolerability and interactions cap the useful range.

GI effects are common. Nausea, bloating, or loose stools can occur, especially at higher doses or on an empty stomach.

Cancer context caution. While there is mechanistic and adjunctive interest in oncology, self-medication in place of evidence-based care is unsafe. In some phases of treatment or with certain agents, antioxidants/anti-inflammatories can theoretically blunt desired therapeutic stress responses.

Pregnancy and surgery contexts. Use is commonly paused prior to surgery due to bleeding-risk concerns. Data in pregnancy/breastfeeding is incomplete; medical guidance is advised.

Helps with these conditions

Turmeric (Curcumin) is most effective for general wellness support with emerging research . The effectiveness varies by condition based on clinical evidence and user experiences.

Crohn's Disease 0% effective

Stomach Ulcers 0% effective

Flu 0% effective

COVID-19 0% effective

Arthritis 0% effective

Back Pain 0% effective

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Crohn's Disease

0% effective

Anti-inflammatory Action: Curcumin inhibits nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), a protein complex that plays a central role in regulating the immune respo...

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