Pharmacodynamics of Turmeric
As a natural herb, turmeric is commonly used as a spice in various foods. However, when taken orally, it can be used to treat many clinical complications (Petersen et al., 2021). These comprise indigestion, cancer, amenorrhea, fever, leprosy, fibromyalgia, respiratory infections, and bronchitis among others (Petersen et al., 2021). Turmeric has been used for a long time as an anti-inflammatory treatment for skin. It is also used in treatment of body pain, arthritis, joint pains, infected wounds, oral mucosa inflammation, eye infections, and ringworms (Petersen et al., 2021). Research done reveals that turmeric might be efficient in reducing cholesterol level in the blood thus efficient in preventing of heart disease (Petersen et al., 2021). Finally, turmeric provides an antioxidant benefit, fighting potential damage from free radicals in the body.
Drug to Herb Reaction
Although this spice possesses anti-inflammatory properties, it can also magnify its effect when used together with anti-clotting medicines. Prothrombin time is the amount of time taken for blood to clot (Kunnumakkara et al., 2017). Therefore, turmeric might react with the anti-clotting drugs increasing the time taken for blood to clot. Turmeric might strongly impact the medication taken for blood thinning purposes. These drugs comprise warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and clopidogrel (Plavix) (Kunnumakkara et al., 2017). As an herbal supplement, it interferes with the working of drugs that decrease stomach acidity resulting in increased acid production which might impact a patient adversely. Examples of drugs in gastrointestinal class that might react adversely with turmeric comprise cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), ranitidine (Zantac) and lansoprazole (Prevacid) (Koonrungsesomboon et al., 2018). Finally, turmeric might interact with drug used to decrease blood sugar for diabetic clients cause a higher risk of developing hypoglycemia (Koonrungsesomboon et al., 2018). Therefore, when turmeric is used with some other drugs it might cause adverse effects to a patient.
References
Koonrungsesomboon, N., Hanprasertpong, N., Potikanond, S., Karbwang, J., & Teekachunhatean, S. (2018). Divergent effects of turmeric crude extract on P-Glycoprotein activity in healthy male subjects: A randomized crossover study. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand, 101(3), 313-321.
Kunnumakkara, A. B., Bordoloi, D., Padmavathi, G., Monisha, J., Roy, N. K., Prasad, S., & Aggarwal, B. B. (2017). Curcumin, the golden nutraceutical: Multitargeting for multiple chronic diseases.British Journal of Pharmacology, 174(11), 1325-1348. Web.
Petersen, M. J., Bergien, S. O., & Staerk, D. (2021). A systematic review of possible interactions for herbal medicines and dietary supplements used concomitantly with disease‐modifying or symptom‐alleviating multiple sclerosis drugs.Phytotherapy Research. Web.