Turmeric is best known as a deep yellow spice, but it also has a long history as a medicinal plant. Early research suggests that compounds in turmeric may have anticancer effects, but it is not known whether turmeric supplements can relieve symptoms of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) such as polycythemia vera (PV).

Many myMPNteam members are interested in dietary supplements as part of a healthy lifestyle alongside their prescribed MPN treatment. “I take vitamin D3 and turmeric with curcumin C3 complex, among others,” one member wrote.

Turmeric supplements can cause side effects and interact with medications. Always talk with your doctor before taking turmeric or any other supplement.

Here’s what to know about turmeric’s possible benefits, risks, and role in managing PV symptoms.

Health Benefits Associated With Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin, the substance that gives the spice its yellow color. Curcumin is a polyphenol, which is a type of plant compound.

What Research Says About Curcumin

Laboratory and early human research suggests that curcumin may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, anticancer, and blood-sugar-related effects. However, there is not enough evidence to show that turmeric or curcumin supplements provide these benefits or treat any health condition.

Curcumin and Abnormal Blood Cells

In polycythemia vera, the bone marrow makes too many red blood cells. Some people also have high levels of white blood cells and platelets. This process, called clonal proliferation, occurs when a clone of abnormal blood-forming stem cells makes too many blood cells.

Laboratory studies suggest that curcumin may slow clonal proliferation in some abnormal cells. It may also trigger apoptosis, the natural process the body uses to remove cells that are damaged or no longer needed. However, researchers have not shown that turmeric supplements have these effects in people with PV.

Some laboratory research has focused on cells with JAK2 V617F, the most common of the JAK2 mutations (changes) linked to PV. Curcumin affected the growth and survival of these cells in the laboratory, but it has not been shown to suppress JAK2-mutated cells or treat PV in people.

The JAK2 V617F mutation is found in about 95 percent of people with PV. JAK2 mutations are also common in related blood cancers, including primary myelofibrosis and essential thrombocythemia.

Turmeric and MPN Symptoms

Standard treatments for PV can help control blood cell counts, reduce an enlarged spleen, and ease symptoms. These may include medicines such as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. Turmeric should not replace prescribed treatment, and its role in managing MPN symptoms remains uncertain.

What Research Says About Turmeric

Research on turmeric and curcumin for PV and other MPNs is still limited. There are no established guidelines for using either one as an MPN treatment, and researchers have not shown that they improve symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, weight loss, bone pain, infections, or an enlarged liver or spleen.

One study looked at dietary supplement use among 384 people with PV, essential thrombocythemia, or myelofibrosis. Participants reported taking supplements such as vitamin D, multivitamins, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and turmeric. Those who reported using omega-3 supplements also reported fewer symptoms, less fatigue, and better quality of life.

However, the study did not show that omega-3 caused these improvements, and it did not find similar benefits linked to turmeric. More research is needed to understand whether any supplement can safely and effectively improve MPN symptoms.

What Members Say About Turmeric

While some myMPNteam members have reported improved symptoms while taking turmeric supplements, others haven’t felt a difference.

One member shared their experience: “After one month of being really careful, platelets came down to 579, and legs and arms felt so much better. Circulation really seems to improve. I have nothing against animal products. I like eating them, but I have found so much relief by eliminating them from my diet. I think the ginger, cinnamon, garlic, and turmeric help also. Plus they taste good!!!”

Another member explained their use of turmeric: “I have really come to understand how important it is to control systemic inflammation. I believe that it not only causes a host of symptoms but also increases the risk of progression of the MPN. I am very fortunate to have found some things that help,” they said. “I use a liposomal curcumin/turmeric blend called CurcuWin. It is contained in a number of different brand names.”

Someone else said, “I took turmeric plus curcumin years ago for a while but didn’t notice too much improvement with pain.”

These personal experiences do not show that turmeric caused the reported changes or can prevent an MPN from progressing.

Risks Associated With Turmeric Supplements

Turmeric used as a spice in food is generally considered safe. Supplements contain much higher amounts of turmeric or curcumin and may cause side effects.

Possible Side Effects

Turmeric and curcumin supplements may cause:

• Nausea or stomach upset
• Acid reflux
• Diarrhea or constipation
• An increased risk of kidney stones
• Rare but potentially serious liver injury
• An increased risk of bleeding, especially if you are already on blood thinners

The risk of liver injury may be higher with products designed to help the body absorb more curcumin. Stop taking the supplement and contact your doctor if you develop dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, loss of appetite, or unusual tiredness.

People who are pregnant should avoid turmeric supplements unless their doctor recommends them. There is not enough information to know whether these supplements are safe while breastfeeding.

Medication Interactions

Turmeric and curcumin supplements may interact with some medicines, including:

• Blood thinners
• Drugs that lower blood sugar
• Some cancer treatments
• Tacrolimus

The type and seriousness of an interaction can vary, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using a supplement.

People with PV already have an increased risk of both blood clots and bleeding. Turmeric may further increase bleeding risk when combined with blood-thinning medicines.

One myMPNteam member wrote, “I read that turmeric can interfere with a blood thinner, and I take Xarelto for my [atrial fibrillation], so I would not try turmeric.”

Supplements can also cause unexpected reactions, especially when several products are taken together. Another member wrote, “I was itching like clockwork at 9 p.m. I’ve started taking turmeric and glutathione. I’m not sure if that is the reason.”

Always Talk to Your Doctor Before Trying Dietary Supplements

Dietary supplements are regulated differently from medications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them for safety or effectiveness before they are sold. Manufacturers are responsible for making sure their products meet applicable safety and labeling requirements, and the FDA can take action if a supplement is found to be unsafe or unlawfully marketed.

Always talk with your oncologist or another member of your healthcare team before taking turmeric or any other dietary supplement. They can help you understand whether a supplement is appropriate for you, whether it may interact with your medications, and how to use it as safely as possible.

Join the Conversation

On myMPNteam, people share their experiences with myeloproliferative neoplasms like PV, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you added turmeric as a spice or supplement to your diet? Share your experience in the comments below.