Turmeric and Ginger Linked to Better Memory Scores, Data Thin
Graded Moderate — analysis of 18 trials where chance decided who got the supplement; the authors rate certainty as very low because the trials were few, varied widely and some had flaws.
- Design
- Meta-analysis
- Participants
- 18
- Duration
- —
- Funding
- One author is a Frontiers editorial board member, but the journal states this…
People taking turmeric or ginger products scored better on memory tests than those on dummy pills, but not clearly on other thinking skills.
Memory and thinking often decline with age, and interest in supplements keeps growing. An analysis of 18 studies now gives a mixed picture for products made from turmeric, ginger and related plants. People who took them did better on memory tests, on average, than those on a dummy pill. For thinking speed, planning, attention and overall mental performance, no clear difference was found.
The researchers searched four large medical databases. In all 18 studies, adults were chosen at random to get either the supplement or a dummy pill. Neither the participants nor the study teams knew who got which. Results for an area were only combined when at least three studies had measured it. Most trials tested curcumin, a compound in turmeric, in various formulations. Daily doses ranged from 100 milligrams of a ginger extract to 4 grams of curcumin. Stomach and gut complaints were the most common side effect.
The authors themselves call the memory finding very uncertain. Few studies looked at each question, and they differed widely in who took part, which product was used and how memory was tested. Some trials had weaknesses in how they were run. Whether any benefit lasts after stopping is unclear, because most studies did not follow people afterwards.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: One author is a Frontiers editorial board member, but the journal states this did not affect peer review.
Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.
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