Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Curcumin, the primary bioactive compound in turmeric (Curcuma longa), has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and other traditional medicine systems to treat various infections, including those of bacterial origin. Modern scientific research has demonstrated that curcumin possesses antibacterial properties (Gupta et al., 2013). In vitro studies show curcumin's efficacy against a range of pathogenic bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Curcumin's mechanisms include disrupting bacterial cell membranes, inhibiting quorum sensing, and suppressing biofilm formation, which are important in bacterial virulence and resistance. Furthermore, curcumin has been studied in combination with antibiotics, sometimes enhancing their effectiveness against resistant strains.

However, the majority of evidence comes from laboratory studies; robust clinical trials in humans are limited. Some animal studies indicate potential benefits, but issues such as curcumin’s low bioavailability limit its translation into clinical use. A few small clinical trials suggest possible adjunctive benefits in certain infections, but results are inconsistent and further research is needed. Overall, while there is a scientific rationale and preclinical evidence supporting curcumin’s antibacterial effects, clinical evidence is not yet strong. Therefore, the evidence is rated as 2 out of 5, indicating promising but preliminary support for its use in bacterial infections.

More about curcumin
More about Infection (bacterial)

Other ingredients used for Infection (bacterial)

Other health conditions supported by curcumin

Products containing curcumin

Nature's Sunshine Turmeric Curcumin (Formerly CurcuminBP)