Meta Information
ID:curcumin
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/intervention/piperine
Target name:
Piperine (Black Pepper Extract)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Piperine inhibits the UGT enzymes that rapidly metabolize and eliminate curcumin in the liver and intestinal wall, increasing its bioavailability by up to 2000%.
Actionable advice:
Take curcumin with piperine or as a formulation that includes it for effective absorption.
Target id:
/dietary/high-fat-meal
Target name:
Meal Containing Fats or Oils
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Curcumin is a lipophilic (fat-soluble) compound, and its absorption from the gut is significantly enhanced when consumed with dietary fats.
Actionable advice:
Always take curcumin with a meal that includes healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, or nuts.
Target id:
/class/anticoagulants-antiplatelets
Target name:
Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Curcumin has antiplatelet properties that can add to the effects of these medications, significantly increasing the risk of bleeding and bruising.
Actionable advice:
Avoid taking curcumin if you are on anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications unless approved by your doctor.
Target id:
/procedure/surgery
Target name:
Scheduled Surgery
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
336
Hours after target:
null
Description:
Due to its antiplatelet effects, curcumin can increase the risk of excessive bleeding during and after surgical procedures.
Actionable advice:
Stop taking curcumin supplements at least 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery.
Target id:
/condition/gallbladder-disease
Target name:
Gallstones or Bile Duct Obstruction
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Curcumin stimulates gallbladder contractions to release bile, which could cause pain or complications in individuals with gallstones or a blocked bile duct.
Actionable advice:
Avoid curcumin if you have active gallbladder disease, gallstones, or a bile duct obstruction.
Target id:
/class/immunosuppressants
Target name:
Calcineurin Inhibitors (e.g., Tacrolimus, Cyclosporine)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Curcumin can inhibit enzymes (CYP3A4) and transporters (P-gp) that metabolize these drugs, leading to dangerously high blood levels and increased toxicity.
Actionable advice:
Avoid curcumin completely if you are taking calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressants.
Target id:
/class/chemotherapy-radiation
Target name:
Cytotoxic Cancer Therapies (Chemotherapy & Radiation)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Curcumin's antioxidant properties and metabolic interactions may interfere with the efficacy of certain chemotherapy drugs (e.g., cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin) and radiation therapy.
Actionable advice:
Do not take curcumin during active cancer treatment unless specifically approved by your oncologist.
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Curcumin supplements may stimulate uterine contractions, and their safety during pregnancy has not been established. Dietary amounts in food are considered safe.
Actionable advice:
Avoid curcumin supplements completely during pregnancy.
Target id:
/class/antidiabetic-medications
Target name:
Diabetes Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Curcumin may lower blood glucose levels, potentially enhancing the effect of diabetes medications and increasing the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Actionable advice:
Monitor blood sugar closely and consult your doctor before using curcumin if you take diabetes medication.
Target id:
/class/cyp3a4-substrates
Target name:
CYP3A4 Substrates
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Curcumin can inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme, which may slow the breakdown of many common medications, increasing their levels and risk of side effects.
Actionable advice:
Consult a pharmacist or doctor to check for interactions if you take any medications metabolized by CYP3A4.
Target id:
/class/cyp2c9-substrates
Target name:
Drugs Metabolized by CYP2C9
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Curcumin may inhibit the CYP2C9 enzyme, potentially increasing levels of drugs like warfarin, phenytoin, and some NSAIDs, raising the risk of toxicity.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and consult a healthcare professional if taking medications metabolized by CYP2C9.
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:
4
Description:
Curcumin is a natural iron chelator, meaning it can bind to iron in the digestive tract and reduce its absorption.
Actionable advice:
Separate curcumin and iron supplement doses by at least 2-4 hours.
Target id:
/class/p-glycoprotein-substrates
Target name:
P-glycoprotein (P-gp) Substrates
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Curcumin inhibits the P-glycoprotein efflux pump, which can increase the absorption and decrease the elimination of certain drugs (e.g., digoxin, talinolol), raising their concentration and risk of toxicity.
Actionable advice:
Consult a pharmacist about potential interactions if taking drugs that are P-gp substrates.
Target id:
/condition/hormone-sensitive-cancers
Target name:
Hormone-Sensitive Cancers
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Curcumin may exert weak phytoestrogenic effects, and its impact on hormone-sensitive cancers (e.g., breast, uterine, ovarian) is complex and not fully understood. Caution is warranted.
Actionable advice:
Consult your oncologist before using curcumin supplements if you have a history of hormone-sensitive cancer.
Target id:
/class/selective-estrogen-receptor-modulators
Target name:
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Curcumin's potential phytoestrogenic activity could theoretically interfere with the action of SERMs like tamoxifen or raloxifene, potentially reducing their effectiveness.
Actionable advice:
Avoid high-dose curcumin supplements if you are taking SERMs.
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 medications, potentially causing dizziness or hypotension.
Actionable advice:
Monitor blood pressure if combining curcumin with blood pressure-lowering medications.
Target id:
/class/acid-suppressors
Target name:
Gastric Acid Suppressors
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Medications that reduce stomach acid, like proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers, may decrease the absorption of curcumin, as it is more stable in an acidic environment.
Actionable advice:
Be aware that acid-suppressing medication may slightly reduce curcumin's effectiveness.
Target id:
/class/ugt1a1-substrates
Target name:
UGT1A1 Substrates
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Curcumin can inhibit the UGT1A1 enzyme, which is involved in metabolizing certain drugs and bilirubin. This could theoretically increase levels of affected medications.
Actionable advice:
Be aware of this theoretical interaction if you are taking medications primarily cleared by UGT1A1.