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Evidence-Based Supplement Research
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Turmeric and Reduced Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha

Research synthesisLow evidenceMixed effect size3 studies · 1 beneficial · 2 neutral · 0 harmful

Across 3 randomized controlled trials, 1 study found a moderate beneficial effect of a turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Boswellia serrata combination on TNF-α reduction in chronic low back pain patients after 90 days, while 2 studies reported no significant effect in athletes and knee osteoarthritis patients. The overall effect direction is neutral with mixed effect sizes (small to moderate). Median study duration was 84 days.

  • Studied populations: chronic low back pain patients

Caveats: The only study showing benefit used a combination with Boswellia serrata, not turmeric alone, making it unclear if turmeric alone is effective. Evidence base is small (only 3 studies) and many of the included studies did not reach statistical significance — effect may be smaller than the predominant direction suggests. Conclusions should be considered preliminary.

Generated Jul 15, 2026
Doses used in studies
  • mg/day: 200–500 (median 325, IQR 225–450) — 2 studies
  • g/day: 2 (median 2, IQR 2–2) — 1 study
Time to effect
Median: 2.8 months · IQR 9 weeks–2.9 months · Range 6 weeks–3 months — Reported in 3 of 3 studies
3 of 3 papers
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