Does Turmeric Lower Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is a silent epidemic yet mainly related to lifestyle and daily habits. From a functional medicine perspective, we can't overlook the root causes. However, there is also growing research on the ability of some natural compounds to reduce blood pressure. In doing so, the risk for chronic diseases declines.

Today's article will explore turmeric (Curcuma longa), the yellow spice containing curcumin, and answer the question: Does turmeric lower blood pressure? Keep reading as we explore:

• What are high blood pressure and hypertension?
• What are the functional medicine solutions?
• Does turmeric lower blood pressure?
• Liposomal curcumin

Let's dive in!

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is a general term, and hypertension is a more specific condition of persistently elevated blood pressure. Hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure (the top number) 130 mm Hg or higher and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) 80 mm Hg or more. (Source 1)

Hypertension is one of the most common chronic medical conditions, yet around one-third of people with hypertension don't know they have it. Usually, hypertension doesn't have any symptoms, but over time, it can contribute to serious health issues like cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke. (Source 1, 2)

"Hypertension is one of the most common chronic medical conditions, yet around one-third of people with hypertension don't know they have it."

Functional Medicine Solutions

To understand how to lower blood pressure, we must understand the root causes and contributing factors, such as poor nutrition, smoking, sedentary behavior, etc.

A functional medicine approach to hypertension involves nutrition and lifestyle changes, along with targeted supplements and medication as appropriate. Recommendations may include:

• A Mediterranean eating pattern
• Balancing blood sugar
• Increasing exercise and movement
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Reducing and managing stress
• Prioritizing quality sleep
• Talking about turmeric supplementation with your doctor (Source 2)

Does Turmeric Lower Blood Pressure?

Turmeric is a well-known culinary spice often used in curry and Indian cuisine. Its active constituent, curcumin, is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound with many health benefits. Curcumin supplements contain curcuminoids, natural pigments and plant compounds found in turmeric, that help manage blood sugar levels already in the normal range.

Turmeric has been extensively studied in clinical trials as a blood pressure-lowering agent. A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 studies showed a reduction of systolic blood pressure with 12 or more weeks of supplemental turmeric. (Source 3)

"Turmeric has been extensively studied as a blood pressure-lowering agent."

In a 12-week intervention in people with NADLD (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) comparing turmeric supplementation to placebo, researchers looked at various health and longevity markers. They found that those taking turmeric had higher SIRT1 levels, which are involved in turning "off" genes related to aging. (Read more about SIRTs here). The study also found that participants receiving turmeric lost weight, had a lower BMI (body mass index), and reduced systolic blood pressure at the end of the study. (Source 4)

In a more recent systemic review meta-analysis from 2024 containing data from 35 randomized controlled trials, researchers again found that supplementation with curcumin significantly improves systolic blood pressure. They conclude it's a viable complementary method to improve blood pressure and endothelial (blood vessel) function due to its anti-inflammatory properties. (Source 5)

Remember to always consult with your healthcare provider before beginning new supplements, especially if you take any medications or have a medical condition, including high blood pressure.

What to Know About Liposomal Curcumin

Curcumin is a genuinely remarkable molecule and the one that gives turmeric its many benefits, including blood pressure reduction. However, curcumin is poorly absorbed in the digestive tract. Taking liposomal curcumin solves the issue of poor absorption and increases supplement tolerance and bioavailability. In many cases, you can take a lower dose of a liposomal formula with enhanced benefits.

"Curcumin is a genuinely remarkable molecule and the one that gives turmeric its many benefits, including blood pressure reduction."

Core Med Science is a leader in liposomal technology, where the curcumin molecule is encapsulated in a liposome capsule that mimics the body's cells, allowing it to digest intact and absorb directly into the body. We offer three different liposomal curcumin formulas with antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory effects to meet your needs:

• Core Med Science Liposomal Curcumin + Resveratrol - Liquid
• Core Med Science Liposomal Curcumin 250 mg - Liquid
• Core Med Science Liposomal Curcumin 500 mg - Capsules

When it comes to your health, don't take shortcuts. Start with a foundation of a healthy lifestyle and nutritious diet (you can't skip this part!) Then, layer on supportive strategies with guidance from your functional medicine provider. They can also answer any questions you may have about potential side effects.

Similarly, don't take shortcuts with your supplements. You deserve quality, purity, and effectiveness when you invest in a supplement. Core Med Science is dedicated to quality formulas that drive clinical results.

References:

1. Iqbal, A. M., & Jamal, S. F. (2023). Essential Hypertension. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
2. NIH - National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. High Blood Pressure. Retrieved February 10, 2025, from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/high-blood-pressure
3. Hadi, A., Pourmasoumi, M., Ghaedi, E., & Sahebkar, A. (2019). The effect of Curcumin/Turmeric on blood pressure modulation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pharmacological research, 150, 104505.
4. Kalhori, A., Rafraf, M., Navekar, R., Ghaffari, A., & Jafarabadi, M. A. (2022). Effect of Turmeric Supplementation on Blood Pressure and Serum Levels of Sirtuin 1 and Adiponectin in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Preventive nutrition and food science, 27(1), 37-44.
5. Dehzad, M. J., Ghalandari, H., & Askarpour, M. (2024). Curcumin/turmeric supplementation could improve blood pressure and endothelial function: A grade-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clinical nutrition ESPEN, 59, 194-207.