How much Turmeric is needed to be effective for MS?

Question:
How much turmeric is needed to be effective?

Answer:
We do not as yet know the ideal dose of Turmeric acid, since we do not know if it is an effective treatment for MS. It has been studied in a number of human inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, and reported to have some positive effects. Most authorities recommend 400 to 600 mg capsules or tablets three times a day. It is usually mixed with black pepper or piperine to enhance absorption, so make sure one of these components are listed in the ingredients on the supplement bottle. 

Turmeric is generally well tolerated although some people report mild nausea. There are potential drug interactions so make sure you tell your doctor if you are planning to take this supplement. These interactions include but are not limited to the following:

1. Turmeric acid may cause an increased risk of bleeding especially if taken in combination with anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin or heparin) or anti platelet agents (aspirin or ibuprofen). Most authorities recommend that you stop taking Turmeric supplements at least 2 weeks before major surgery
2. Turmeric acid may interfere with some anti cancer drugs  including cyclophosphamide and Doxorubicin
3. Turmeric acid  may slow the elimination of several common drugs leading to an increase in the amount in your system on any given dose; some of these drugs include verapamil, phenytoin, propranolol and theophylline

Hope this information helps.

Revere (Rip) Kinkel MD
Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program
Professor of Clinical Neurosciences
University of California San Diego

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