A pharmaceutical expert has issued a warning to anyone taking certain medications that eating food containing some spices could interfere with it. Dipa Kamdar Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice, Kingston University, explained that spices such as cinnamon, tumberic and ginger have many health benefits and help with issues such as inflammation, blood sugar, dementia and heart disease.
Since ancient times people have used these spices for health reasons – and because of their powerful nutrients they can interfere with some prescription medicines Ms Kamdar said. She explained on The Conversation website: “For centuries, spices haven’t just been used to flavour food but also valued in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for their healing properties. But could something as innocent as a spoonful of spice interfere with your medication?”
On the subject of cinnamon she explained it contains active compounds like cinnamaldehyde, eugenol and coumarin. Cinnamon oil, derived from the bark or leaves, is often used in food flavouring, fragrances and herbal remedies.
Cinnamon
She said: “Cinnamon has been linked to a range of potential health benefits: it’s rich in antioxidants, it may reduce inflammation, it helps regulate blood sugar levels, it lowers the risk of heart disease, and even improves brain function. Traditionally, it’s also been used to ease digestion and ward off infections.
“But a recent study from the University of Mississippi has raised concerns that cinnamon could reduce the effectiveness of certain medications. In lab tests, cinnamaldehyde was found to activate receptors that speed up how drugs are cleared from the body – potentially making them less effective. While this research is still in the early stages and hasn’t yet been tested in humans, it raises important questions about how cinnamon interacts with modern medicines.”
Ms Kamdar said some case reports have suggested that cinnamon supplements could increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulants. She added: “This is probably due to coumarin affecting liver enzymes responsible for breaking down drugs like warfarin. Some research also suggests cinnamon could potentially interact with other medications, including painkillers, antidepressants, anti-cancer drugs and diabetes medications.
“But before you throw out your spice rack, it’s important to remember: the risks come from high doses, particularly in supplement form. A light sprinkle of cinnamon on your porridge is unlikely to cause problems.”
Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound praised for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Ms Kamdar said: “Information on turmeric’s interactions with medications is still limited. Most of what we know comes from lab and animal studies, which don’t always translate directly to humans. Still, there’s evidence that curcumin can affect how some drugs are metabolised, particularly by interfering with liver enzymes. This means it could potentially interact with antidepressants, blood pressure medications, chemotherapy drugs and certain antibiotics.”
She said that because turmeric also has natural blood thinning properties, it could amplify the effects of medications like warfarin or aspirin. Ms Kamdar added: “Animal studies suggest turmeric may also lower blood sugar, meaning it could increase the effects of anti-diabetic drugs or insulin. Additionally, turmeric has been shown to reduce blood pressure, which, when combined with blood pressure medications, could cause an excessive drop.
“As with cinnamon, these effects are most often linked to high dose supplements, not the small amounts used in food.”
Ginger
Ginger is known for anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory effects. But Ms Kamdar said active compounds, including gingerol, may also influence how your body handles medications.
She said: “Ginger can act as a mild blood thinner, which means combining it with anticoagulants could raise the risk of bleeding. The evidence is mixed when it comes to ginger and diabetes: while some studies suggest it may lower blood sugar, more research is needed to fully understand the effect it may have when taken alongside anti-diabetic medications.”
She advised that if people are taking medications, especially blood thinners, diabetes medicines, or chemotherapy drugs, it’s worth having a quick chat with their doctor or pharmacist before starting any new herbal supplements. She added: “But for most people, using spices in typical culinary amounts is safe – and a delicious way to add both flavour and potential health benefits to your meals. So go ahead: sprinkle, pinch, or dash – just be mindful of what’s in your medicine cabinet – and be wary of taking any herbal supplement in high does.”
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