Research synthesisModerate evidenceModerate effect4 studies · 3 beneficial · 1 neutral · 0 harmful
Across 4 studies, 3 reported beneficial effects of turmeric on reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, with 1 neutral finding and no harmful effects. The predominant effect size was moderate to large, supported by statistically significant results in 3 of the studies. The most-studied population was adults with metabolic conditions (e.g., type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome), and the one study reporting duration showed effects at 365 days.
- Effective dose range: 1500 mg/day
- Studied populations: adults with type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, NAFLD, obesity, or polycystic ovary syndrome
Caveats: Available evidence is overwhelmingly positive — clinical literature in this area is subject to publication bias (null-result studies are less likely to be published or indexed). Evidence base is small (only 4 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary. Most studies lacked form data, so the effect of specific turmeric forms (e.g., curcumin vs. whole turmeric) remains unclear. The only study reporting a specific dose and duration used 1500 mg/day for 365 days; generalizability to other doses or shorter durations is limited.
Generated Jul 10, 2026