Warning over turmeric and curcumin supplements after rare fatality
Australia’s medical watchdog has issued a warning over medicines and herbal supplements containing turmeric and curcumin.
The TGA says it has had 18 reports of liver problems from Aussies who had taken products containing either or both of the substances..
It said nine cases had enough information to suggest a liver injury may have been caused by the turmeric, known as Curcuma longa, or curcumin which is found in turmeric.
In four cases there were no other ingredients likely to have contributed to the liver injury, it said, and of two “severe” cases, one person died.
“Consumers and health professionals are advised that medicines and herbal supplements containing the herb Curcuma longa (turmeric) and/or curcumin may cause liver injury in rare cases,” the TGA said.
“This risk also relates to other ingredients from the Curcuma species as they contain naturally occurring curcumin: Curcuma aromatica, Curcuma zanthorrhiza and Curcuma zedoaria.”
The products can be bought in in supermarkets, health food shops and pharmacies without a prescription.
No particular brands have been named.
There are over 600 listed medicines included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods that contain the ingredients is said.
The TGA is now considering if warning labels are needed, with a consultation underway.
“Available evidence shows that there is a rare risk of liver injury from taking Curcuma longa (turmeric) and/or curcumin in medicinal dosage forms,” the TGA said
“The risk may be higher for products with enhanced absorption or bioavailability and/or higher doses.
“People with existing or previous liver problems may be more likely to develop this rare adverse event.
“However, there is not enough information at this time to conclusively identify which medicines are higher risk.”
It said normal amounts of turmeric in food are safe.
Curcuma longa, or turmeric is a plant that has been used as a food spice for over 4000 years, as well for medicinal purposes in traditional Indian and Chinese medicines.
Curcumin is a naturally occurring component in turmeric and can be isolated and used as an active ingredient in medicines.
Symptoms of liver problems include yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, nausea vomiting and unusual tiredness and weakness.
