Turmeric may be as effective as a widely used drug at reducing stomach acid associated with dyspepsia (indigestion), suggests a Thai study published in the journal BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine.
Turmeric contains a naturally active compound called curcumin which is known to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and is believed to relieve joint pain. It has long been used as an antacid in southeast Asia. Researchers compared the efficacy of turmeric with omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, in treating functional dyspepsia which is a common gastrointestinal condition that causes stomach pain, bloating, feeling of fullness, nausea, acid reflux, heartburn and excessive burping.
The study randomly assigned 206 patients aged 18-70 with recurrent functional dyspepsia to one of three treatment groups for 28 days: two 250mg capsules of curcumin four times a day; one 20mg omeprazole capsule daily; or a combination of curcumin and omeprazole capsules.
There were no significant differences in the symptoms among the three groups at the end of the study. All three groups reported similar reduction in pain and indigestion symptoms. There were no serious adverse events. “Curcumin and omeprazole had comparable efficacy for functional dyspepsia,” the study concluded.
Patients should consult their medical providers before taking curcumin to make sure it doesn’t interact with other medications they might be taking, researchers cautioned.