A new study suggests that turmeric, the spice responsible for curry's yellow colour, could be as effective as the common indigestion drug omeprazole. The research, published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, compared the effects of curcumin—the active compound in turmeric—with omeprazole in treating functional dyspepsia, a recurrent upset stomach.
The trial involved 206 patients aged 18 to 70 from hospitals in Thailand, who were randomly assigned to receive either curcumin capsules, omeprazole, or a combination of both for 28 days. Results showed significant reductions in symptom severity across all groups after 28 days, with even greater improvements after 56 days.
Lead author Professor Krit Pongpirul from Chulalongkorn University noted that while curcumin users reported little change in satisfaction scores—possibly due to taste or smell—no serious side effects were observed. However, liver function tests indicated some deterioration in overweight curcumin users.
The researchers acknowledge the study's limitations, including its small size and short duration, but argue that the findings justify further investigation into curcumin's clinical use for indigestion. Omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, has been linked to long-term risks such as bone fractures and nutrient deficiencies.
