Scientists from Chulalongkorn University in Thailand found that the main ingredient found in turmeric may be as useful in treating stomach upset as omeprazole, a drug proven effective in reducing excess stomach acid. The research was published in the journal BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine.
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and has long been used as a medicine in Southeast Asia, including to treat indigestion.
To compare the effects of curcumin with omeprazole, scientists divided 206 patients aged 18 to 70 into three groups to receive different types of treatment for 28 days. Some patients were given curcumin, some were given omeprazole, and some were given a combination of both.
All patients suffered from recurrent indigestion (functional dyspepsia) of unknown cause; this was accompanied by stomach ache, heartburn, heaviness and belching.
The patients’ condition was evaluated using the SODA dyspepsia severity rating scale. Functional dyspepsia symptoms improved in all participants. After 28 days, SODA scores in the combination group dropped by 4.83 points, in the curcumin-only group by 5.46 points, and in the omeprazole-only group by 6.22 points.
The results mean that curcumin may be as effective as omeprazole. However, the authors acknowledged some other limitations, such as the small sample size, short intervention period, and lack of long-term follow-up data. According to them, larger and longer-term studies are needed.
Omeprazole belongs to proton pump inhibitors, which are drugs for the treatment of functional dyspepsia. Although effective, long-term use is associated with an increased risk of fractures, micronutrient deficiencies, and increased risk of infection, scientists continue to seek alternative treatments.