The kitchen spice rack could hide a remedy for indigestion as effective as omeprazole. This is the conclusion of a study published this Monday in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), which compared the effects of this popular medication and curcumin – a compound present in turmeric – in 206 people with dyspepsia or stomach upset.
Curcumin is the majority component of this spice widely used in Eastern and Southeast Asian cuisines and has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. But its effectiveness against dyspepsia had not been compared with that of other conventional medications until now.
The authors of this study led by Dr. Krit Pongpirul, from Bangkok University, divided the patients, ranging in age from 18 to 70 years, into several groups.
The members of the first took four capsules with 250 milligrams of curcumin and one with placebo per day, while those of the second ingested four pills of 20 milligrams of omeprazole and two of placebo per day. A third group was given both options in different doses.
The patients, who presented similar symptoms (stomach pain, bloating, nausea, early satiety, etc.), were evaluated after 28 days of the study and, again, after 56 days. The experts found no significant differences between each group, nor serious problems derived from adverse events. Thus, they were able to conclude that curcumin and omeprazole could similarly treat dyspepsia.
However, the researchers have pointed out that this study has limitations, such as a low number of participants and a short intervention. “Future work should examine the long-term benefits and harms (at least 6 to 12 months) of curcumin in functional dyspepsia, its long-term on-demand use, and its efficacy in other gastrointestinal disorders,” they conclude.
All types of turmeric supplements are sold on the market, but professionals insist that before consuming them it is advisable to consult a doctor. Likewise, the possibility of suffering adverse effects when combining these products with medications or ingesting inappropriate doses should not be taken lightly.
Taking turmeric in excess can present some risks and, for example, cause iron malabsorption. Other problems that have been observed in relation to high consumption of this spice is that, as it contains oxalates, there is a danger of developing kidney stones.
