Can Turmeric Enhance Sexual Health? What Experts Say

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHormonal EffectsAnti-Inflammatory EffectsCan It Boost Libido?Side EffectsHow to TakeWho Should AvoidTips for Sexual Health

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Hormonal Effects

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Can It Boost Libido?

Side Effects

How to Take

Who Should Avoid

Tips for Sexual Health

Turmericis a spice used in cooking and has also been used for medicinal purposes. It contains a compound calledcurcumin, which is the source of its potential health benefits. Curcumin supplements are under study for their potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

But could turmeric in your food orcurcuminsupplements also be used to spice up your love life? There’s not a simple answer to that question. While some evidence supports various health benefits of curcumin, boosting sex drive is more complicated.

Claims About Turmeric Affecting Hormones

Studies are lacking as to howcurcumin supplementsaffect hormone levels that influence sexual function. While some studies have explored how cancers of the reproductive system respond to curcumin, this research doesn’t address how it may affect sexual health.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties and Sexual Function

Some studies on rats and pigs show that curcumin can help with vasodilation, increasing blood flow and decreasing blood pressure. Increasing blood flow to the penis could potentially help witherectile dysfunction. However, this theory has not yet been studied in humans.

One study in humans looked at a blend of several herbs to treat erectile dysfunction. It included curcumin, but also other herbs thought to have an effect on sexual function. The results showed that the subjects who received the supplement had slightly improved scores on sexual encounter questionnaires. However, this study was preliminary, and the authors noted some challenges in getting good data about the exact effects of this herbal preparation on the people who took it.

At this time, there is little evidence to support the use of turmeric forboosting libido(sex drive).

Studies done on rats have tested the effects of curcumin in treatingerectile dysfunction. Some of this research goes back decades, so there’s been little movement in advancing the theory further.

The research on rats and curcumin is generally focused on managing erectile dysfunction in the setting ofdiabetes. Broadly speaking, curcumin supplements did “enhance” erectile function—but in rats with diabetes, not humans.

Not enough research has been conducted to know the effect turmeric may have on female sexual function. It’s not known ifturmeric supplementscould help people of any sex with their libido.

What Happens If You Take Too Much?

Turmeric or curcumin supplements are generally thought to be safe for most people. Researchers write that for healthy people, taking between 4,000 and 8,000 milligrams (mg) per day hasn’t been associated with many negative long-term effects.

That does not mean thatadverse effectsdo not occur or are not possible. Doses between 500 and 1,200 mg/day have caused diarrhea, headache, rash, and yellow stool in some people. Higher doses of between 500 and 4,000 mg/day give some people nausea and diarrhea.

More concerning, taking this much also caused an increase in blood levels of enzymes calledalkaline phosphataseandlactate dehydrogenase, which could indicate an underlying condition.

Other possible adverse effects of curcumin supplements are:

Supplement Safety

Can You Overdo Turmeric? What Happens If You Take Too Much

How to Take Turmeric for Sexual Health

Because no guidelines exist on the best way to take turmeric supplements for sexual health, people experiencing problems could benefit from speaking to a healthcare provider. A provider can weigh in on the value of taking turmeric, as well as rule out other conditions that could contribute to sexual dysfunction, such as diabetes orheart problems.

Additionally, erectile dysfunction can cause significant stress and impact quality of life. Treatments are available that can help.

What dosage may help with sexual function has not been established. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers a daily dosage of 1.4 mg of curcumin per pound of body weight (0 to 3 mg per kilogram of body weight) acceptable.However, this is based on studies in rats.

As with most supplements, the best time to take them is when it is convenient and easy to remember to do so. Because turmeric and curcumin may cause stomach upset, consider taking this supplement with meals.

Some people may also wonder aboutcombining turmeric with ginger in a supplement.Gingermay have some health effects (such as being anti-inflammatory) that overlap with turmeric’s. There’s not enough evidence on how much of an effect this combination has on health to make any conclusions.

Who Should Avoid Taking Turmeric?

While turmeric is thought to be generally safe when taken as a supplement, it may have an effect on certain medical conditions or medications. It’s recommended that people avoid turmeric supplements and ask their healthcare provider if they:

If you have problems with sexual health, see a healthcare provider to problem-solve and look for solutions. For instance, some medications can affect libido or sexual health.

However, people can take steps to improve their overall sexual health. Some tips are:

Summary

Turmeric is a spice that has been studied for its effects on health. Curcumin supplements contain the active ingredient in curcumin.

Research into using curcumin for health benefits is not yet definitive, and there is little evidence for its use in improving libido or sexual performance. Most studies have been done in rats, not in humans.

Curcumin is generally safe, but it could have adverse effects in people who take certain medications or live with a health condition. The first step in treating sexual dysfunction is to see a healthcare provider to understand its cause and explore solutions to improve quality of life.

15 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS.Curcumin: a review of its effects on human health.Foods. 2017;6:92. doi:10.3390/foods6100092Mohajeri M, Bianconi V, Ávila-Rodriguez MF, et al.Curcumin: a phytochemical modulator of estrogens and androgens in tumors of the reproductive system.Pharmacol Res. 2020;156:104765. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104765Sharifi-Rad J, Rayess YE, Rizk AA, et al.Turmeric and its major compound curcumin on health: bioactive effects and safety profiles for food, pharmaceutical, biotechnological and medicinal applications.Front Pharmacol. 2020;11:01021. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.01021Alidadi M, Liberale L, Montecucco F, et al.Protective effects of curcumin on endothelium: an updated review.Adv Exp Med Biol. 2021;1291:103-119. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-56153-6_6Park NC, Kim SW, Hwang SY, Park HJ.Efficacy and safety of an herbal formula (KBMSI-2) in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: a preliminary clinical study.Investig Clin Urol.2019;60(4):275-284. doi:10.4111/icu.2019.60.4.275Nelson KM, Dahlin JL, Bisson J, Graham J, Pauli GF, Walters MA.The essential medicinal chemistry of curcumin.J Med Chem. 2017;60(5):1620-1637. doi:10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00975Zaahkouk AM, Abdel Aziz MT, Rezq AM, et al.Efficacy of a novel water-soluble curcumin derivative versus sildenafil citrate in mediating erectile function.Int J Impot Res. 2015;27(1):9-15. doi:10.1038/ijir.2014.24Liu S, Liu J, He L, et al.A comprehensive review on the benefits and problems of curcumin with respect to human health.Molecules. 2022;27:4400. doi:10.3390/molecules27144400Vega A, Yap E.Gallbladder perforation associated with consumption of curcumin case report.Amer J of Med Case Rep. 2022;10:311-313. doi:10.12691/ajmcr-10-12-4Patel SS, Acharya A, Ray RS, Agrawal R, Raghuwanshi R, Jain P.Cellular and molecular mechanisms of curcumin in prevention and treatment of disease.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2020;60:887-939. doi:10.1080/10408398.2018.1552244Washington O, Robinson E, Simh D, et al.Oxalate nephropathy and chronic turmeric supplementation: a case report.J Bras Nefrol. 2024;46:99-106. doi:10.1590/2175-8239-JBN-2023-0079enNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Erectile dysfunction (ED).Yannas D, Frizza F, Vignozzi L, Corona G, Maggi M, Rastrelli G.Erectile dysfunction is a hallmark of cardiovascular disease: unavoidable matter of fact or opportunity to improve men’s health?J Clin Med. 2021;10(10):2221. doi:10.3390/jcm10102221Amalraj A, Pius A, Gopi S, Gopi S.Biological activities of curcuminoids, other biomolecules from turmeric and their derivatives - a review.J Tradit Complement Med. 2016;7(2):205-233. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.05.005Moolky A, Moolky N, Ankush M, Usha K, Nagabhushan M.Spices may prevent human cancers.JGO. 2018;4(Supplement 2):195s-195s. doi:10.1200/jgo.18.7860

15 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS.Curcumin: a review of its effects on human health.Foods. 2017;6:92. doi:10.3390/foods6100092Mohajeri M, Bianconi V, Ávila-Rodriguez MF, et al.Curcumin: a phytochemical modulator of estrogens and androgens in tumors of the reproductive system.Pharmacol Res. 2020;156:104765. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104765Sharifi-Rad J, Rayess YE, Rizk AA, et al.Turmeric and its major compound curcumin on health: bioactive effects and safety profiles for food, pharmaceutical, biotechnological and medicinal applications.Front Pharmacol. 2020;11:01021. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.01021Alidadi M, Liberale L, Montecucco F, et al.Protective effects of curcumin on endothelium: an updated review.Adv Exp Med Biol. 2021;1291:103-119. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-56153-6_6Park NC, Kim SW, Hwang SY, Park HJ.Efficacy and safety of an herbal formula (KBMSI-2) in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: a preliminary clinical study.Investig Clin Urol.2019;60(4):275-284. doi:10.4111/icu.2019.60.4.275Nelson KM, Dahlin JL, Bisson J, Graham J, Pauli GF, Walters MA.The essential medicinal chemistry of curcumin.J Med Chem. 2017;60(5):1620-1637. doi:10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00975Zaahkouk AM, Abdel Aziz MT, Rezq AM, et al.Efficacy of a novel water-soluble curcumin derivative versus sildenafil citrate in mediating erectile function.Int J Impot Res. 2015;27(1):9-15. doi:10.1038/ijir.2014.24Liu S, Liu J, He L, et al.A comprehensive review on the benefits and problems of curcumin with respect to human health.Molecules. 2022;27:4400. doi:10.3390/molecules27144400Vega A, Yap E.Gallbladder perforation associated with consumption of curcumin case report.Amer J of Med Case Rep. 2022;10:311-313. doi:10.12691/ajmcr-10-12-4Patel SS, Acharya A, Ray RS, Agrawal R, Raghuwanshi R, Jain P.Cellular and molecular mechanisms of curcumin in prevention and treatment of disease.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2020;60:887-939. doi:10.1080/10408398.2018.1552244Washington O, Robinson E, Simh D, et al.Oxalate nephropathy and chronic turmeric supplementation: a case report.J Bras Nefrol. 2024;46:99-106. doi:10.1590/2175-8239-JBN-2023-0079enNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Erectile dysfunction (ED).Yannas D, Frizza F, Vignozzi L, Corona G, Maggi M, Rastrelli G.Erectile dysfunction is a hallmark of cardiovascular disease: unavoidable matter of fact or opportunity to improve men’s health?J Clin Med. 2021;10(10):2221. doi:10.3390/jcm10102221Amalraj A, Pius A, Gopi S, Gopi S.Biological activities of curcuminoids, other biomolecules from turmeric and their derivatives - a review.J Tradit Complement Med. 2016;7(2):205-233. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.05.005Moolky A, Moolky N, Ankush M, Usha K, Nagabhushan M.Spices may prevent human cancers.JGO. 2018;4(Supplement 2):195s-195s. doi:10.1200/jgo.18.7860

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS.Curcumin: a review of its effects on human health.Foods. 2017;6:92. doi:10.3390/foods6100092Mohajeri M, Bianconi V, Ávila-Rodriguez MF, et al.Curcumin: a phytochemical modulator of estrogens and androgens in tumors of the reproductive system.Pharmacol Res. 2020;156:104765. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104765Sharifi-Rad J, Rayess YE, Rizk AA, et al.Turmeric and its major compound curcumin on health: bioactive effects and safety profiles for food, pharmaceutical, biotechnological and medicinal applications.Front Pharmacol. 2020;11:01021. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.01021Alidadi M, Liberale L, Montecucco F, et al.Protective effects of curcumin on endothelium: an updated review.Adv Exp Med Biol. 2021;1291:103-119. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-56153-6_6Park NC, Kim SW, Hwang SY, Park HJ.Efficacy and safety of an herbal formula (KBMSI-2) in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: a preliminary clinical study.Investig Clin Urol.2019;60(4):275-284. doi:10.4111/icu.2019.60.4.275Nelson KM, Dahlin JL, Bisson J, Graham J, Pauli GF, Walters MA.The essential medicinal chemistry of curcumin.J Med Chem. 2017;60(5):1620-1637. doi:10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00975Zaahkouk AM, Abdel Aziz MT, Rezq AM, et al.Efficacy of a novel water-soluble curcumin derivative versus sildenafil citrate in mediating erectile function.Int J Impot Res. 2015;27(1):9-15. doi:10.1038/ijir.2014.24Liu S, Liu J, He L, et al.A comprehensive review on the benefits and problems of curcumin with respect to human health.Molecules. 2022;27:4400. doi:10.3390/molecules27144400Vega A, Yap E.Gallbladder perforation associated with consumption of curcumin case report.Amer J of Med Case Rep. 2022;10:311-313. doi:10.12691/ajmcr-10-12-4Patel SS, Acharya A, Ray RS, Agrawal R, Raghuwanshi R, Jain P.Cellular and molecular mechanisms of curcumin in prevention and treatment of disease.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2020;60:887-939. doi:10.1080/10408398.2018.1552244Washington O, Robinson E, Simh D, et al.Oxalate nephropathy and chronic turmeric supplementation: a case report.J Bras Nefrol. 2024;46:99-106. doi:10.1590/2175-8239-JBN-2023-0079enNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Erectile dysfunction (ED).Yannas D, Frizza F, Vignozzi L, Corona G, Maggi M, Rastrelli G.Erectile dysfunction is a hallmark of cardiovascular disease: unavoidable matter of fact or opportunity to improve men’s health?J Clin Med. 2021;10(10):2221. doi:10.3390/jcm10102221Amalraj A, Pius A, Gopi S, Gopi S.Biological activities of curcuminoids, other biomolecules from turmeric and their derivatives - a review.J Tradit Complement Med. 2016;7(2):205-233. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.05.005Moolky A, Moolky N, Ankush M, Usha K, Nagabhushan M.Spices may prevent human cancers.JGO. 2018;4(Supplement 2):195s-195s. doi:10.1200/jgo.18.7860

Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS.Curcumin: a review of its effects on human health.Foods. 2017;6:92. doi:10.3390/foods6100092

Mohajeri M, Bianconi V, Ávila-Rodriguez MF, et al.Curcumin: a phytochemical modulator of estrogens and androgens in tumors of the reproductive system.Pharmacol Res. 2020;156:104765. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104765

Sharifi-Rad J, Rayess YE, Rizk AA, et al.Turmeric and its major compound curcumin on health: bioactive effects and safety profiles for food, pharmaceutical, biotechnological and medicinal applications.Front Pharmacol. 2020;11:01021. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.01021

Alidadi M, Liberale L, Montecucco F, et al.Protective effects of curcumin on endothelium: an updated review.Adv Exp Med Biol. 2021;1291:103-119. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-56153-6_6

Park NC, Kim SW, Hwang SY, Park HJ.Efficacy and safety of an herbal formula (KBMSI-2) in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: a preliminary clinical study.Investig Clin Urol.2019;60(4):275-284. doi:10.4111/icu.2019.60.4.275

Nelson KM, Dahlin JL, Bisson J, Graham J, Pauli GF, Walters MA.The essential medicinal chemistry of curcumin.J Med Chem. 2017;60(5):1620-1637. doi:10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00975

Zaahkouk AM, Abdel Aziz MT, Rezq AM, et al.Efficacy of a novel water-soluble curcumin derivative versus sildenafil citrate in mediating erectile function.Int J Impot Res. 2015;27(1):9-15. doi:10.1038/ijir.2014.24

Liu S, Liu J, He L, et al.A comprehensive review on the benefits and problems of curcumin with respect to human health.Molecules. 2022;27:4400. doi:10.3390/molecules27144400

Vega A, Yap E.Gallbladder perforation associated with consumption of curcumin case report.Amer J of Med Case Rep. 2022;10:311-313. doi:10.12691/ajmcr-10-12-4

Patel SS, Acharya A, Ray RS, Agrawal R, Raghuwanshi R, Jain P.Cellular and molecular mechanisms of curcumin in prevention and treatment of disease.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2020;60:887-939. doi:10.1080/10408398.2018.1552244

Washington O, Robinson E, Simh D, et al.Oxalate nephropathy and chronic turmeric supplementation: a case report.J Bras Nefrol. 2024;46:99-106. doi:10.1590/2175-8239-JBN-2023-0079en

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Erectile dysfunction (ED).

Yannas D, Frizza F, Vignozzi L, Corona G, Maggi M, Rastrelli G.Erectile dysfunction is a hallmark of cardiovascular disease: unavoidable matter of fact or opportunity to improve men’s health?J Clin Med. 2021;10(10):2221. doi:10.3390/jcm10102221

Amalraj A, Pius A, Gopi S, Gopi S.Biological activities of curcuminoids, other biomolecules from turmeric and their derivatives - a review.J Tradit Complement Med. 2016;7(2):205-233. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.05.005

Moolky A, Moolky N, Ankush M, Usha K, Nagabhushan M.Spices may prevent human cancers.JGO. 2018;4(Supplement 2):195s-195s. doi:10.1200/jgo.18.7860

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