Curcumin Dosage

Among the many popular spices, indigenous to the Indian subcontinent, is turmeric. It is primarily used to impart a yellow color to most dishes. But besides adding color to food, turmeric provides many health benefits, when included as a regular part of the diet, as well. And one of the active components of this Indian spice is what is known as curcumin. There has been a lot of research and studies on the working of this stuff once it gets into the body. Some studies show that it is effective in treating high cholesterol, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, cystic fibrosis and even cancer. And there are many purported benefits of this component, which we would have a brief study on, as we reach the second half of the article.

What Should You Know About Curcumin Dosage?

As I have already mentioned at the beginning of this article, curcumin does not come under the classification of drugs, how much of it is safe for health and how much is excess to cause any side effects, has not been specified yet. Now, there might be a reason dosage of curcumin and many other herbs have not been established in the medical mainstream. If we talk of medications, such stuffs come under the control of the Food and Drug Association (FDA). All medications need to be approved by this association, before they can be used. However, since herbs do not have to follow any such protocol, studies to determine their correct dosage are rarely performed. So, as obvious it is, considering this situation, anything like curcumin daily dose, weekly dose or monthly dose is something that is not a definite entity.

However, there have been some studies on the subject of curcumin dosage, but only for a couple of specific medical disorders. One of them was cancer of the large intestine, or colon cancer. The dosage of curcumin that was used for the treatment of this disease was 36 mg to 180 mg once a day. And another ailment was heartburn, for which, the dosage was 500 mg. This was supposed to be used four times daily.

What Else is it Used for?

• Curcumin is supposed to help in the treatment of cancer. This benefit comes from the fact that this component of turmeric is a strong antioxidant. And being an antioxidant, it fights free radicals in the body thus, helping in the prevention of cancer. This benefit, however, is based on studies conducted on animals. What effects it may cause on humans, is a part of ongoing medical studies.
• Another purported benefit of curcumin is its efficacy in the treatment of high cholesterol, indigestion, and reducing the symptoms of diabetes.
• Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation of the eyes, boosting immune system, and detoxification of the body are some more benefits curcumin is supposed to provide.
• When used topically, this product is helpful in treating certain infections.

Side Effects

Although it is not a kind of medication, but a natural product, curcumin may cause certain side effects. The common ones may include nausea and diarrhea, and a few skin symptoms when used topically. Increased risk of bleeding, easy bruising, stools (black or tarry), vomiting of blood, and stroke in the brain could be rare and serious side effects .

To put down the concluding lines, curcumin use during pregnancy is also that has not been studied extensively. Its label as a 'natural' product should not in any way relay the message that it would be less harmful than drugs, especially during pregnancy. So if you are expecting, or planning for a child, then it is better to err on the side of caution, and avoid the drug.