Herb & supplement monograph

Javanese Turmeric Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Javanese Turmeric interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Javanese Turmeric is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Javanese Turmeric is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Javanese Turmeric Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Javanese Turmeric drug interaction appears low for most people. Only a couple of medications are flagged, none of the interactions are rated major, and the concern rests on animal research rather than reports in people.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The combination that deserves the most care involves warfarin, a blood thinner with a narrow safety margin. In animal studies, high daily doses of Javanese turmeric raised warfarin levels in the blood, which in theory could increase bleeding risk. Lower doses did not have this effect, and it has not been reported in humans, but because even small changes in warfarin levels can matter, people taking it should treat this combination with extra caution.

What the rest of the list means

The short list of interactions here reflects how little this supplement appears to interfere with medications overall. What has been flagged is theoretical, drawn from animal studies at high doses, and no clinically meaningful problems have been documented in people so far. That does not prove the combination is harmless, but it does mean the concern is precautionary rather than established.

Check your medications against Javanese Turmeric

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Javanese Turmeric interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Javanese Turmeric

2 medications have a known interaction with Javanese Turmeric, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
WarfarinWarfarin› Warfarin SodiumCoumadin, Panwarfin, Sofarin› "phentolamineOraVerse, Rogitine, Ryzumvi› 6-mercaptopurinePurinethol› Ado-trastuzumab EmtansineKadcyla› AbacavirZiagen› Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, LamivudineTriumeq› Abacavir, LamivudineEpzicom› AbaloparatideTymlos› AbametapirXeglyze› AbarelixPlenaxis› AbciximabReoPro› AbemaciclibVerzenio› Abiraterone› Abiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga› AbrocitinibCibinqo› AcalabrutinibCalquence› AcamprosateCampral› AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose› AcebutololRhotral, Sectral› AcenocoumarolSintrom› AcepromazineAtravet› AcetaminophenChildren's Tylenol, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol, Tylenol Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn› Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine› Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu› Acetaminophen, ButalbitalAxocet, Bancap, Bucet, Butex Forte, Esgic CF, Orbivan CF +5 more› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine›
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Javanese Turmeric combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Javanese Turmeric affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Javanese Turmeric is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category Javanese Turmeric interacts with
Warfarin (coumadin)
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Javanese turmeric might increase the risk of bleeding with warfarin.
Animal research suggests that administering high doses of oral Javanese turmeric daily for 7 days prior to a single dose of intravenous warfarin, or for 3 days in combination with intravenous warfarin, increases blood levels of warfarin. This increase did not occur with lower doses. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Javanese Turmeric: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Javanese turmeric (Curcuma zanthorrhiza), known in Indonesia as temulawak, is a ginger-family root traditionally used for digestive and liver complaints. Early lab and animal studies are interesting, but strong human evidence is limited, so it should be viewed as a traditional remedy rather than a proven treatment. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially if you have a health condition or take medications.

Scientific name
Curcuma zanthorrhiza
Family
Zingiberaceae
Part used
Rhizome (root)
Common forms
Capsules, tablets, powder, dried root, tea, liquid extracts
People commonly use it for
  • Digestive upset and bloating
  • Liver and gallbladder support
  • Loss of appetite
  • Joint and inflammation complaints
  • General wellness tonic

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally well tolerated in food-like amounts, but human safety data for concentrated supplements are limited.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Javanese turmeric comes from the rhizome (underground stem) of Curcuma zanthorrhiza, a plant in the ginger family. It is native to Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia, where it is widely known as temulawak. It is a close relative of common turmeric (Curcuma longa).

The bright orange-yellow root is dried and made into powders, capsules, teas, and liquid extracts. In traditional Indonesian medicine (jamu), it has long been used to support digestion, appetite, and liver health. Today it is also sold as a general wellness supplement in many countries.

How it works

Javanese turmeric contains curcuminoids (including curcumin) and an essential oil rich in compounds such as xanthorrhizol. In test-tube and animal studies, these compounds show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity, and may stimulate bile flow, which could help explain its traditional use for digestion and the liver.

It is important to know that these mechanisms are mostly based on laboratory and animal research. Effects seen in a dish or in animals do not always carry over to people, partly because curcumin-type compounds are poorly absorbed by the body.

Effectiveness

Does Javanese Turmeric work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 1 use evaluated
1 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Javanese Turmeric, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 1 condition — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral Javanese turmeric is beneficial for IBS.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

In amounts used in food and cooking, Javanese turmeric is generally considered well tolerated. Safety data for concentrated supplement doses taken over long periods are limited.

Use extra caution if you have gallstones or a bile duct blockage, since herbs that increase bile flow may worsen these conditions. People with liver disease or who are scheduled for surgery should check with their doctor first.

Because there is not enough safety information, pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid it. Do not give it to children without medical advice. Always choose products from reputable brands, as supplements are not tightly regulated and may vary in quality or be contaminated.

Side effects

Reported side effects are usually mild and may include stomach upset, nausea, or digestive discomfort, especially at higher doses. As with related turmeric products, some people may experience an allergic reaction.

Serious side effects appear to be uncommon, but because human data are limited, the full side-effect profile is not well understood. Stop using it and seek care if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or worsening abdominal pain.

Javanese Turmeric: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Javanese Turmeric from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Orally, Javanese turmeric seems to be well tolerated when used short-term.

Most Common Adverse Effects:

Orally: Gastric irritation and nausea.

Reports by condition
Nausea and vomiting Gastrointestinal

Orally, Javanese turmeric can cause gastric irritation and nausea when used in large amounts or for prolonged periods of time.

  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. Wichtl MW. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Ed. N.M. Bisset. Stuttgart: Medpharm GmbH Scientific Publishers, 1994.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no well-established standardized dose for Javanese turmeric. Products vary widely in strength and form, and the active compounds are absorbed differently from one preparation to another.

The safest approach is to follow the directions on the product label and not exceed the recommended amount. Because reliable dosing guidance is lacking, check with a pharmacist or doctor before starting, particularly if you take other medicines or have a health condition.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Javanese Turmeric & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Javanese Turmeric & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 3 references that drive our Javanese Turmeric monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. Wichtl MW. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Ed. N.M. Bisset. Stuttgart: Medpharm GmbH Scientific Publishers, 1994.
  3. Rusdiana T, Mardhiani YD, Putriana NA, et al. The influence of Javanese turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) on the pharmacokinetics of warfarin in rats with single and multiple-dose studies. Pharm Biol. 2021;59(1):639-646.
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Javanese Turmeric

2 brands in our database make a supplement containing Javanese Turmeric.

Product directory

Supplement products with Javanese Turmeric

2 products in our database contain Javanese Turmeric. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Javanese Turmeric: Common Questions

What is Javanese Turmeric used for, and does it work?
People use Javanese Turmeric for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.
Does Javanese Turmeric interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 2 medications with a known interaction with Javanese Turmeric. Use the checker above to see how Javanese Turmeric interacts with a specific drug.
How are Javanese Turmeric interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Javanese Turmeric with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Javanese Turmeric interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Javanese Turmeric used for?
It is most commonly used as a traditional remedy for digestive upset, poor appetite, and liver or gallbladder support. Keep in mind these are traditional uses, and strong human evidence is limited.
Is Javanese Turmeric the same as regular turmeric?
No. It is a close relative (Curcuma zanthorrhiza) from the same ginger family, but it is a different plant from common turmeric (Curcuma longa), with a somewhat different mix of compounds.
Is it safe to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
There is not enough safety information, so it is best avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor before using any herbal supplement at these times.
Does Javanese Turmeric have side effects?
Most reported side effects are mild, such as stomach upset or nausea. Allergic reactions are possible, and people with gallstones or bile duct problems should be cautious.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Javanese Turmeric

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Javanese Turmeric — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 2 products with Javanese Turmeric →
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