Turmeric and curcumin are often linked with immunity, but does the evidence support the claim? Karen Evennett examines what research says about inflammation, immune pathways and respiratory infections.
š 6 min read
Can turmeric support the immune system?
Curcumin, one of the main active compounds in turmeric, has been widely studied for its effects on inflammation and different parts of the immune response. However, this is not the same as showing that turmeric supplements can "boost" immunity or prevent infections.
Laboratory and mechanistic research suggests that curcumin can interact with immune cells including T cells, B cells, macrophages, neutrophils, natural killer cells and dendritic cells, as well as signalling molecules involved in inflammation.1
This is why curcumin is often described as an immunomodulatory compound: something that can influence immune-system activity rather than simply switching it "up".
What does the human evidence show?
Human research has more consistently investigated the effects of curcumin on inflammatory and oxidative-stress markers than whether people taking turmeric actually experience fewer infections.
A 2024 meta-analysis of previous meta-analyses found that curcumin supplementation was associated with reductions in several markers involved in inflammatory signalling, including C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-Ī±).2
These findings support continued research into curcumin and immune-related pathways, but a change in inflammatory biomarkers does not automatically mean that a person has a "stronger" immune system or will be less likely to develop an infection.
What about respiratory infections and viruses?
Curcumin has also been studied in people with viral respiratory infections, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
An updated 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis included 23 randomised controlled trials involving 1,407 people with COVID-19. It reported potentially beneficial clinical effects from turmeric and curcumin formulations used alongside standard care, particularly bioavailability-enhanced forms.3
However, the studies used different formulations and doses, most involved people being treated in hospital, and several trials had a high risk of bias. The findings therefore do not show that taking an everyday turmeric supplement prevents COVID-19, colds, flu or other respiratory infections.
Turmeric supplements should not be used in place of vaccination, prescribed medicines or appropriate medical care for an infection.
What about glandular fever and Epstein-Barr virus?
Curcumin has also been investigated in laboratory research involving viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the virus that can cause glandular fever.
However, laboratory findings are very different from clinical evidence in people. There is currently not good human evidence showing that taking turmeric supplements prevents EBV infection, prevents glandular fever or stops EBV from being reactivated.
Research has explored curcumin's interaction with several components of the immune system.1
T and B lymphocytes
Lymphocytes are white blood cells with important roles in immune defence. T cells help coordinate immune responses and can destroy infected cells, while B cells produce antibodies that recognise specific pathogens.
Macrophages
Macrophages are immune cells that engulf microorganisms and damaged cells and help coordinate other parts of the immune response.
Natural killer cells
Natural killer cells can recognise and destroy some infected or abnormal cells as part of the body's innate immune response.
Dendritic cells
Dendritic cells help recognise potential threats and present information about them to other immune cells, helping to activate an appropriate immune response.
Much of the research into curcumin and these individual immune cells is mechanistic or laboratory-based, so it should not be interpreted as proof that taking a turmeric supplement improves resistance to infection.
Adding turmeric to your diet
Turmeric can easily be added to curries, soups, stews and other foods. However, the quantities of curcumin used in clinical research are often different from those obtained through normal culinary use.
Another challenge is that standard curcumin is poorly absorbed by the body. Different supplements use different approaches to improve its bioavailability. These include combining curcumin with piperine, a compound in black pepper, or using specialist formulations designed to improve absorption.
You can compare the different formulations available in our turmeric supplements range.
Read more: How Opti technology makes turmeric 185x better absorbed
Find out how liquid micellar technology makes turmeric 185x better-absorbed and 7x faster-acting.
It is also worth remembering that immune health depends on much more than a single food or supplement. A varied diet, regular activity, sufficient sleep and nutrients such as vitamin C all contribute to normal immune function. You can explore more options in our immune support range.
Opti-TurmericĀ®
Advanced liquid curcumin formulation
- 500mg NovaSOLĀ® curcumin per capsule
- 185 times better absorbed and 7 times faster-acting than standard powdered turmeric
- 20mg vitamin C, which contributes to the normal function of the immune system
Does vitamin C support the immune system?
Yes. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system. This is an authorised health claim in Great Britain.4
Opti-TurmericĀ® provides 20mg of vitamin C per capsule, alongside its NovaSOLĀ® curcumin formulation. This is an important distinction: while curcumin continues to be researched for its effects on immune and inflammatory pathways, vitamin C has an authorised claim for normal immune-system function.
Are turmeric supplements suitable for everyone?
Using turmeric as a culinary spice is different from taking a concentrated turmeric or curcumin supplement.
If you are taking prescribed medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a medical condition, speak to a healthcare professional before taking a turmeric supplement. Always follow the directions on the individual product and do not exceed the recommended intake.
The UK Committee on Toxicity has also reviewed reports of liver injury associated with turmeric and curcumin supplements. Such reactions appear to be uncommon, but they reinforce the importance of using supplements as directed and seeking medical advice if you experience an adverse reaction.5
Frequently asked questions
Does turmeric boost the immune system?
Research suggests that curcumin can interact with inflammatory and immune pathways, but there is not enough clinical evidence to say that taking turmeric "boosts" the immune system or prevents infections in healthy people.
Is curcumin anti-inflammatory?
Human trials have found effects on several inflammatory biomarkers, including CRP, IL-6 and TNF-Ī±. However, changes in these biomarkers do not necessarily mean that a turmeric supplement will prevent illness or infection.
Can turmeric prevent colds or flu?
There is not good clinical evidence showing that turmeric supplements prevent colds or flu. Maintaining normal immune function depends on factors including diet, sleep, physical activity and adequate intake of essential nutrients.
Can turmeric help with COVID-19?
Clinical trials have investigated curcumin as an addition to standard COVID-19 care, and systematic reviews have reported some promising findings. This does not show that everyday turmeric supplements prevent COVID-19 or should replace vaccination, medicines or medical treatment.
Does black pepper make turmeric easier to absorb?
Piperine, a compound in black pepper, is one method used to increase curcumin's bioavailability. Other supplements use different absorption technologies, so turmeric does not have to contain black pepper to be formulated for improved absorption.
Which nutrient in turmeric supplements can support immunity?
Some turmeric supplements contain added vitamin C. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system, an authorised health claim in Great Britain.
