Meta Information
ID:curcumin-and-piperine
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/class/cyp3a4-substrates
Target name:
Drugs Metabolized by CYP3A4
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Piperine strongly inhibits the CYP3A4 enzyme, which can dangerously increase the concentration of many common medications, including some statins, calcium channel blockers, and immunosuppressants.
Actionable advice:
Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking if you are on any prescription medications, especially statins or blood pressure drugs.
Target id:
/class/anticoagulants-antiplatelets
Target name:
Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets (e.g., Warfarin, Aspirin, Clopidogrel)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Curcumin has antiplatelet properties, which can add to the effects of blood-thinning medications, significantly increasing the risk of bleeding and bruising.
Actionable advice:
Avoid taking curcumin if you are on any blood-thinning medication, unless specifically approved by your doctor.
Target id:
/procedure/surgery
Target name:
Surgery
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
336
Hours after target:
null
Description:
Due to its blood-thinning effects, curcumin can increase the risk of excessive bleeding during and after surgical procedures.
Actionable advice:
Stop taking this supplement at least 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery.
Target id:
/condition/bleeding-disorders
Target name:
Bleeding Disorders
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Due to its antiplatelet effects, curcumin can worsen bleeding tendencies in individuals with conditions like hemophilia or von Willebrand disease.
Actionable advice:
Avoid completely if you have a diagnosed bleeding disorder.
Target id:
/condition/gallbladder-disease
Target name:
Gallbladder Disease or Bile Duct Obstruction
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Curcumin can stimulate gallbladder contractions, which may cause pain or complications in people with gallstones or a bile duct obstruction.
Actionable advice:
Avoid this supplement if you have gallstones or other gallbladder problems.
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
High doses of curcumin may stimulate uterine contractions, and the safety of piperine and concentrated curcumin during pregnancy has not been established.
Actionable advice:
Avoid supplemental curcumin and piperine during pregnancy.
Target id:
/class/immunosuppressants
Target name:
Calcineurin Inhibitors (e.g., Tacrolimus, Cyclosporine)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Piperine inhibits the metabolism of these critical immunosuppressants, which can lead to dangerously high levels, increasing the risk of kidney damage and other toxicities.
Actionable advice:
Absolutely avoid this supplement if you are taking immunosuppressants after an organ transplant.
Target id:
/intervention/phenytoin
Target name:
Phenytoin
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Piperine significantly inhibits the metabolism of phenytoin, which can lead to toxic levels of the drug in the body, increasing the risk of severe side effects.
Actionable advice:
Avoid completely if you are taking phenytoin for seizure control.
Target id:
/intervention/theophylline
Target name:
Theophylline
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Piperine can slow the clearance of theophylline, a drug with a narrow therapeutic window, increasing the risk of toxicity (nausea, palpitations, seizures).
Actionable advice:
Avoid this combination due to the high risk of theophylline toxicity.
Target id:
/class/chemotherapy-radiation
Target name:
Chemotherapy and Radiation
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Curcumin may interfere with the action of certain chemotherapy drugs, and piperine can alter their metabolism, leading to unpredictable toxicity or reduced effectiveness.
Actionable advice:
Do not take this supplement during chemotherapy or radiation therapy unless directed by your oncologist.
Target id:
/dietary/high-fat-meal
Target name:
Meal Containing Fats
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Curcumin is a fat-soluble compound, and its absorption from the gut is significantly improved when consumed with dietary fats.
Actionable advice:
Take your dose with a meal that includes healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, or nuts.
Target id:
/class/antidiabetic-medications
Target name:
Diabetes Medications (e.g., Metformin, Insulin, Sulfonylureas)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Curcumin may lower blood glucose levels, and when combined with diabetes medications, it can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar).
Actionable advice:
Monitor blood sugar closely and consult your doctor before using; your medication dosage may need adjustment.
Target id:
/class/cyp2c9-substrates
Target name:
Drugs Metabolized by CYP2C9
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Piperine inhibits the CYP2C9 enzyme, potentially increasing levels of drugs like warfarin and some NSAIDs, which can heighten their effects and side effects.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and medical supervision if taking medications like warfarin or certain anti-inflammatory drugs.
Target id:
/class/p-glycoprotein-substrates
Target name:
P-glycoprotein Substrates
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Piperine inhibits the P-glycoprotein transporter, which can increase the absorption and decrease the elimination of certain drugs like digoxin and some chemotherapy agents, leading to toxicity.
Actionable advice:
Avoid this supplement if you are taking drugs known to be P-glycoprotein substrates, such as digoxin, without medical approval.
Target id:
/class/ugt1a1-substrates
Target name:
UGT1A1 Substrates
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Piperine inhibits the UGT1A1 enzyme, which is responsible for glucuronidation. This can increase levels of drugs like irinotecan (chemotherapy) and some statins.
Actionable advice:
Consult a healthcare professional before use if you are taking medications metabolized by the UGT1A1 pathway.
Target id:
/intervention/iron-bisglycinate
Target name:
Iron Supplements
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Curcumin can bind to (chelate) iron in the gut, potentially reducing its absorption. This is most relevant for individuals with or at risk for iron deficiency.
Actionable advice:
Separate curcumin doses from iron supplements by at least 2 hours.
Target id:
/class/herbal-anticoagulants
Target name:
Other Supplements with Blood-Thinning Effects (e.g., Ginkgo, Garlic, Fish Oil)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Combining curcumin with other supplements that have antiplatelet effects (like ginkgo, high-dose fish oil, garlic) can increase the overall risk of bleeding.
Actionable advice:
Use caution and be aware of increased bleeding or bruising risk when combining with other blood-thinning supplements.
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
It is unknown if curcumin and piperine pass into breast milk or what effects they might have on an infant; it is best to avoid them.
Actionable advice:
Do not use this supplement while breastfeeding.
Target id:
/condition/hepatic-impairment
Target name:
Liver Disease
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
While often studied for liver benefits, high doses of curcumin have been linked to liver injury in rare cases. The impact of piperine on drug metabolism is also a concern in those with impaired liver function.
Actionable advice:
Consult your doctor before use if you have any form of liver disease.
Target id:
/class/selective-estrogen-receptor-modulators
Target name:
Hormone-Sensitive Therapies (e.g., Tamoxifen)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Curcumin may have weak hormonal effects that could potentially interfere with medications like tamoxifen used for hormone-sensitive cancers.
Actionable advice:
Avoid if you are on hormone-based therapies for conditions like breast cancer.
Target id:
/class/antihypertensives
Target name:
Antihypertensive Medications
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Curcumin may have a mild blood pressure-lowering effect, which could be additive with antihypertensive drugs, potentially causing dizziness or hypotension.
Actionable advice:
Monitor your blood pressure if you choose to combine this supplement with blood pressure medication.
Target id:
/condition/gerd
Target name:
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
In some individuals, curcumin and especially piperine can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, potentially worsening symptoms of acid reflux.
Actionable advice:
Discontinue use if you notice a worsening of GERD or heartburn symptoms.