Curcuma longa - Turmeric - Monograph

Alternative Medicine Review, Sept, 2001

Safety and Dosage

No significant toxicity has been reported following either acute or chronic administration of turmeric extracts at standard doses. At very high doses (100 mg/kg body weight), curcumin may be ulcerogenic in animals, as evidenced by one rat study. (34) Because of its numerous protective benefits, regular addition of turmeric to animal feed may be beneficial. For a specific therapeutic effect, the typical canine dosage of curcumin is 50-250 mg three times daily, depending on the size of the animal. (36) If using whole turmeric, the average canine dosage is one-half teaspoon twice daily. Feline dosages are in the range of 50-100 mg daily of curcumin and approximately one-quarter teaspoon daily if using whole turmeric. Equine dosages of curcumin are much higher due to the size of the animal, and range between 1,200 and 2,400 mg daily. Curcumin and turmeric research in these animals is limited and the dosages stated above are estimates only.

References

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