Evidence supporting the use of: Turmeric
For the health condition: Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Turmeric, particularly its active compound curcumin, has been studied for its antimicrobial properties. Laboratory and animal studies indicate that turmeric exhibits antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activities against a range of pathogens. These effects are primarily attributed to curcumin’s ability to disrupt microbial cell membranes, inhibit quorum sensing, and interfere with biofilm formation. Some in vitro studies have shown that turmeric can inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and others. However, most of this evidence comes from laboratory settings, with very limited clinical trials in humans.
Turmeric has also been used traditionally in Ayurvedic and other systems of medicine to treat infections, which aligns with its modern exploration as a potential antibiotic alternative. Nevertheless, the bioavailability of curcumin is low when consumed orally, and no robust clinical trials have confirmed its efficacy as a standalone alternative to conventional antibiotics. Current evidence suggests turmeric may have adjunctive benefits, potentially enhancing the effects of antibiotics or supporting immune function, but it should not replace standard antibiotic therapy for serious infections. Overall, the scientific evidence supporting turmeric as a direct alternative to antibiotics is preliminary and warrants further investigation.
More about turmeric
More about Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Other ingredients used for Antibiotics (alternatives to)
2'-Fucosyllactoseajoene
astragalus
bacillus clausii
bacillus subtilis
berberine
black cumin
black walnut
caprylic acid
caterpillar mushroom
clove
colostrum
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
curcumin
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
gooseberry
green tea
horseradish
Indian tinospora
honeysuckle
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lactococcus lactis
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lentinula edodes mycelia
LH01-myoviridae
mastic gum
monolaurin
oregano
oregon grape
oyster mushroom
phenolic acids
plantain
butyric acid
rhizome
sage
shiitake mushroom
thyme
vitamin C
wasabia japonica
zinc
yellow root
papaya
neem tree
clerodendrum indicum
pistacia integerrima gall
paederia foetida
pau d'arco
myrrh
morinda
oriental arborvitae
melaleuca alternifolia
algae
geranium
10-Hydroxy-2-Decanoic Acid
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
3-Phenyllactic Acid
Alpha-terpineol
Azelaic acid
Allicin
Anamu
Alchornea
Aucubin
Andrographolide
Andrographis
Alsonia scholaris
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
Acemannan
Algal protein
Alliin
Alantolactone
Bee Propolis
Bacillus indicus
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Betulinic acid
Butea monosperma
Brazillian peppertree
Bee hive
Basidiomycota
Bacillus licheniformis
Brevibacillus laterosporus
Bee products
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
Bacteria
Blue-Green Alage
Bacillus
benzyl isothiocyanate
Baicalin
Coconut
Capric Acid
Calotropis gigantea
coconut oil
Carvacrol
Chinese Raisintree
Cinnamic Acid
Citral
Centipeda
Chalcone
Clostridium butyricum
Cinnamaldehyde
Copaiba Oil
Dichrostachys glomerata
European Elder
Embelia
Eugenol
Garlic
Other health conditions supported by turmeric
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Adenitis
Afterbirth Pain
Age Spots
Aging (prevention)
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bladder Infection
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Blood in Stool
Body Odor
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Bursitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Carbuncles
Cartilage Damage
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chest Pain
Chicken Pox
Cholera
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Convulsions
Corns
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cradle Cap
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Crohn's Disease
Cuts
Cystic Breast Disease
Cysts
Dandruff
Debility
Dementia
Denture Sores
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diaper Rash
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Diphtheria
Dislocation
Diverticulitis
Duodenal Ulcers
Dyspepsia
Edema
Endometriosis
Enteritis
Epstein Barr Virus
Eye Infections
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Eyesight (poor)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fever
Fibroids (uterine)
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Fibrosis
Free Radical Damage
Fungal Infections
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
Gangrene
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Giardia
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Glaucoma
Goiter
Gonorrhea
Gout
Halitosis
Hangover
Hashimoto's Disease
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Headache (tension)
Heart (weakness)
Heavy Metal Poisoning
Hemochromatosis
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hernias
Herpes
Impetigo
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Injuries
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Jaundice (adults)
Jaundice (infants)
Jock Itch
Kidney Infection
Knees (weak)
Laryngitis
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leprosy
Lesions
Leucorrhea
Leukemia
Lice
Ligaments (torn or injured)
Liver Detoxification
Lupus
Lyme Disease
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Lymphoma
Macular Degeneration
Malaria
Mastitis
Measles
Melanoma
Memory and Brain Function
Mental Illness
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Mood Swings
Multiple Sclerosis
Mumps
Muscular Dystrophy
Nephritis
Nerve Damage
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Oral Surgery
Ovarian Pain
Overacidity
Pain (general remedies for)
Paralysis
Parasites (general)
Pets (supplements for)
Phlebitis
Pleurisy
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Pneumonia
Polyps
Psoriasis
Rheumatic Fever
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Scabies
Scars / Scar Tissue
Sciatica
Scratches and Abrasions
Senility
Skin (infections)
Slivers
Snake Bite
Sprains
Staph Infections
Stiff Neck
Stye
Tendonitis
Products containing turmeric
Nature's Sunshine Alpha Lipoic Acid
Nature's Sunshine Artemisia Combination
Nature's Sunshine Blood Sugar Formula (Ayurvedic)
Nature's Sunshine Skin Detox (Ayurvedic)
Nature's Sunshine Blood Stimulator TCM
Nature's Sunshine Calcium-Magnesium (SynerPro)
Nature's Sunshine CardioxLDL®
Nature's Sunshine Chinese TCM Positive Pack
Nature's Sunshine Chinese TCM Negative Pack
Nature's Sunshine Detox Basics (Best used by 7/31/25)
Nature's Sunshine Glandular System
Nature's Sunshine Grapine With Protectors (SynerPro)
Nature's Sunshine IF Relief
Nature's Sunshine LOCLO
Nature's Sunshine MultiVitamin & Mineral (SynerPro)
Nature's Sunshine MultiVitamin & Mineral (Time Release)
Nature's Sunshine Nervous System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine Para-Cleanse
Nature's Sunshine Perfect Eyes
Nature's Sunshine Power Beets Pouch
Nature's Sunshine Power Beets To-Go Packs
Nature's Sunshine Power Greens
Nature's Sunshine Power Greens To-Go
Nature's Sunshine Power Meal
Nature's Sunshine Power Meal
Nature's Sunshine Stress Relief
Nature's Sunshine Stress Relief TCM
Nature's Sunshine Structural System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine Super Antioxidant
Nature's Sunshine Super ORAC
Nature's Sunshine Super Trio
Nature's Sunshine Turmeric Curcumin (Formerly CurcuminBP)