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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- "Archives of Medical of Research"; Effects of Curcumin on Lung Histopathology and Fungal Burden in a Mouse Model of Chronic Asthma and Oropharyngeal Candidiasis; Meral Karaman, et al.; February 2011
- "Chemical and Chemical Toxicology"; Chemoprevention by Essential Oil of Turmeric Leaves (Curcuma Longa L.) on the Growth of Aspergillus Flavus and Aflatoxin Production; S. Sindhu, et al.; May 2011
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Turmeric
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Turmeric for Fungus
Fungi have emerged as a major threat to humans, causing a wide range of infections such as oral thrush, vaginitis, nail infections and septicemia. These infections are more common in individuals with reduced immunity, and may even be life-threatening. Symptoms vary, depending on the organs affected. Your doctor may prescribe antifungal medications and surgery to treat your fungal infection. Certain supplements and herbs such as turmeric may also help prevent or treat fungal infections.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Turmeric
Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, is a perennial plant native to southern Asia. Boiling, drying and powdering the roots and underground stems of the plant create a flavorful yellow powder. Used in food for centuries, turmeric powder contains a polyphenolic antioxidant called curcumin, which has immense medicinal value. In fact, the Ayurvedic and Chinese schools of medicine have used turmeric to treat a variety of conditions, including indigestion, ulcers, arthritis, heart disease, infections and certain types of cancers. Turmeric supplements are available in powders, capsules, liquid extracts and tinctures, but dosages vary. Talk to a health-care provider to establish a treatment regimen that is right for you.
- Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, is a perennial plant native to southern Asia.
- Used in food for centuries, turmeric powder contains a polyphenolic antioxidant called curcumin, which has immense medicinal value.
Fungal Infections
Turmeric Powder & Yeast Infection
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The curcumin in turmeric prevents the attachment of fungi like candida to the oral cavity in HIV patients, according to a study published in the February 2009 issue of the “Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.” Another study in the February 2011 issue of the “Archives of Medical Research” revealed that curcumin can inhibit the growth of fungi in the oral cavity, and thereby reduce the risk of fungal infections. A study published in the May 2011 issue of “Food and Chemical Toxicology” also pointed out that the essential oils extracted from the leaves of the turmeric plant may suppress the growth of fungi such as Aspergillus, which can cause serious respiratory tract infections in humans 2. The benefits of turmeric for fungal infections have been proven in the laboratory only, and actual clinical trials are lacking.
Side Effects
Curcumin supplements are generally safe to use, although side effects such as upset stomach and ulcers may occur if you take high doses. They may also cause an unusual drop in blood glucose when taken along with diabetes medications. In addition, turmeric supplements may interfere with certain antiplatelet and antacid medications.
Precautions
Can Turmeric Cause Blood Sugar Levels to Drop?
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Always talk to a health-care provider before using turmeric to treat fungal infections. The Food and Drug Administration does not monitor the turmeric supplements sold in the United States. Make sure that the product has been tested for safety and received a seal of approval from an independent testing agency such as the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention.
Related Articles
References
- "Archives of Medical of Research"; Effects of Curcumin on Lung Histopathology and Fungal Burden in a Mouse Model of Chronic Asthma and Oropharyngeal Candidiasis; Meral Karaman, et al.; February 2011
- "Chemical and Chemical Toxicology"; Chemoprevention by Essential Oil of Turmeric Leaves (Curcuma Longa L.) on the Growth of Aspergillus Flavus and Aflatoxin Production; S. Sindhu, et al.; May 2011
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Turmeric
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Turmeric. Updated November 27, 2018.
- Gupta SC, Patchva S, Aggarwal BB. Therapeutic roles of curcumin: lessons learned from clinical trials. AAPS J. 2013;15(1):195-218. doi:10.1208/s12248-012-9432-8
- Daily JW, Yang M, Park S. Efficacy of turmeric extracts and curcumin for alleviating the symptoms of joint arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. J Med Food. 2016;19(8):717-29. doi:10.1089/jmf.2016.3705
- Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS. Curcumin: A review of its effects on human health. Foods. 2017;6(10). doi:10.3390/foods6100092
- Cavaleri F. Presenting a new standard drug model for turmeric and its prized extract, curcumin. Int J Inflam. 2018;2018:5023429.
- Khayat S, Fanaei H, Kheirkhah M, Moghadam ZB, Kasaeian A, Javadimehr M. Curcumin attenuates severity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Complement Ther Med. 2015;23(3):318-24. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2015.04.001
- Maulina T, Diana H, Cahyanto A, Amaliya A. The efficacy of curcumin in managing acute inflammation pain on the post-surgical removal of impacted third molars patients: a randomised controlled trial. J Oral Rehabil. 2018;45(9):677-683. doi:10.1111/joor.12679
- Buhrmann C, Mobasheri A, Busch F, et al. Curcumin modulates nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB)-mediated inflammation in human tenocytes in vitro: role of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway. J Biol Chem. 2011;286(32):28556-66. doi:10.1074/jbc.M111.256180
- Fusar-poli L, Vozza L, Gabbiadini A, et al. Curcumin for depression: a meta-analysis. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2019;1-11. doi:10.1080/10408398.2019.1653260
- Kunnumakkara AB, Bordoloi D, Padmavathi G, et al. Curcumin, the golden nutraceutical: multitargeting for multiple chronic diseases. Br J Pharmacol. 2017;174(11):1325-1348. doi:10.1111/bph.13621
- Burge K, Gunasekaran A, Eckert J, Chaaban H. Curcumin and intestinal inflammatory diseases: molecular mechanisms of protection. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20(8). doi:10.3390/ijms20081912
- Bai X, Oberley-deegan RE, Bai A, et al. Curcumin enhances human macrophage control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Respirology. 2016;21(5):951-7. doi:10.1111/resp.12762
- Lee SW, Nah SS, Byon JS, et al. Transient complete atrioventricular block associated with curcumin intake. Int J Cardiol. 2011;150(2):e50-2. doi:10.1016/j.ijcard.2009.09.530
- Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Possible interactions with: turmeric. Updated January 5, 2015.
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Can spices cause allergic reactions?
- Tayyem RF, Heath DD, Al-delaimy WK, Rock CL. Curcumin content of turmeric and curry powders. Nutr Cancer. 2006;55(2):126-31. doi:10.1207/s15327914nc5502_2
- Gupta SC, Kismali G, Aggarwal BB. Curcumin, a component of turmeric: from farm to pharmacy. Biofactors. 2013 Jan-Feb;39(1):2-13. DOI: 10.1002/biof.1079.
- Gupta SC, Patchva S, Koh W, Aggarwal BB. Discovery of curcumin, a component of golden spice, and its miraculous biological activities. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2012 Mar;39(3):283-99. DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1681.2011.05648.x.
- Patrick K, Stanbrook MB. Take turmeric with a grain of salt. CMAJ. 2018;190(43):E1270. doi:10.1503/cmaj.181358
Writer Bio
A freelance writer and blogger since 2007, Shamala Pulugurtha's work has appeared in magazines such as the "Guide to Health and Healing" and prominent websites like Brain Blogger and NAMI California. Pulugurtha has a postgraduate degree in medical microbiology from Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India and has completed course work in psychology and health education.