Important: TGA review of curcumin supplements
The Therapeutic Goods Administration recently released a consultative review into a couple of “low-negligible risk” herbs including turmeric, due to concerns of possible liver injury in rare cases.
Four species of curcuma (turmeric) are used in Australian made turmeric supplements. The main active ingredient is curcumin.
This video (September 2023) explains what is under review and why
Curcumin product adverse event reports
In the handful of adverse events, these herbs are the probable but not definitive cause. The majority of potential adverse reaction reports for a range of products containing curcumin/turmeric concern older people often on multiple medications. Though the youngest concerns a 21 yo .
The possible adverse events of greatest concern include liver injury or raised liver enzymes, otherwise known as hepatoxicity.
The TGA is not proposing to ban these herbs, rather in future curcumin containing products will likely include new labeling requirements.
The concerns is largely are around standardised or increased bioavailability forms of curcumin products are often practitioner only and should reviewed regularly by the clinician who prescribed them and you keep them up to date regarding your current medication and health concerns.
These are medicines – regardless of where you bought them for and I urge people to not self-prescribe or take after a chat vs full consultation in healthfood store, pharmacy etc
Turmeric as a food is not under review.
If you take supplements containing turmeric/curcumin, please read this article and if you have any concerns please get in touch.
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