Turmeric (Curcumin) produced a marked increase of serotonin and noradrenaline levels at 10 mg/kg in both the frontal cortex and hippocampus. Dopamine levels were also increased in the frontal cortex and the striatum. Curcumin was found to inhibit monoamine oxidase activity in the mouse brain. These findings suggest that the antidepressant-like effects of curcumin may involve the central monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems.

– Eur J Pharmacol. 2005 Jul 25;518(1):40-6. — The effects of curcumin on depressive-like behaviors in mice. — Xu Y, Ku BS, Yao HY, Lin YH, Ma X, Zhang YH, Li XJ.

Turmeric may increase the risk of bleeding or potentiate the effects of warfarin therapy.

– Am J Health Syst Pharm 2000 Jul 1;57(13):1221-7; quiz 1228-30 —
Potential interactions between alternative therapies and warfarin. — Heck AM, DeWitt BA, Lukes AL. — School of Pharmacy and Pharmacal Sciences, Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, USA.

Do not use as a supplement if you have gallstones or during pregnancy.

Allergic contact dermatitis from turmeric.

– Contact Dermatitis 1997 Feb;36(2):107-8 — Allergic contact dermatitis from curcumin (turmeric). — Hata M, Sasaki E, Ota M, Fujimoto K, Yajima J, Shichida T, Honda M.

Use caution when taking turmeric if indigestion occurs or if you suffer from liver problems or gallbladder disease.

– Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. — Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs — pg.379–384.