Tacrolimus is a widely used immunosuppressant for the prevention of rejection after transplantation. In vitro studies suggest that interactions exist between spices and tacrolimus. We present the case of a renal transplant patient aged around 70 years who was treated with prednisone, mycophenolate-mofetil and tacrolimus. The patient had a pre-transplant dietary habit of consuming foods spiced with turmeric, curry and ginger. The following protocol was implemented in parallel with close monitoring of plasma tacrolimus concentrations: administration of 10 g/day of turmeric for 4 days, then 10 g/day of curry for 4 days and then 10 g/day of ginger for 4 days. No change in tacrolimus plasma concentrations during and after the implementation of the protocol was observed. The impact of turmeric, curry and ginger on plasma tacrolimus concentrations seems negligible in vivo although further studies are needed. A shared decision to test the impact of spice consumption in a patient with dietary habits involving these spices seems reasonable.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10800271PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/ejhpharm-2023-003871DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

turmeric curry
12
curry ginger
12
renal transplant
8
transplant patient
8
plasma tacrolimus
8
tacrolimus concentrations
8
4 days 10 g/day
8
tacrolimus
7
spice-drug interactions
4
interactions case
4

Similar Publications

COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced the dietary habits of humans, emphasizing the incorporation of natural ingredients to enhance immunity towards viral and bacterial infections. Curcumin (Cur), a widely used traditional medicine in various Asian countries and a natural coloring agent, has gained popularity, leading to surge in its usage specially in post COVID-19 era. This surge has led to increased scrutiny of the potential side effects of excessive Cur use, with recent reports suggesting it may result in inactivation of DNA and reduce adenosine triphosphate levels, leading to health risks.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Effect of Curcuma longa extract on reproduction function in mice and testosterone production in Leydig cells.

J Cell Mol Med

April 2024

Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource and Chemistry, Hubei Shizhen Laboratory, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China.

Curcuma longa, best known for its culinary application as the main constituent of curry powder, has shown potential impact on the reproductive system. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Curcuma longa extract (CLE) on Kidney-Yang deficiency mice induced by hydrocortisone and the possible roles in testosterone secretion in Leydig cells. We evaluated male sexual behaviour, reproductive organ weight, testosterone levels, and histological tissue changes in hydrocortisone-induced mice.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Curcumin, found in turmeric, is recognized for its potential health benefits, including anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, but its absorption in the body may be too low to be effective.
  • Dietary sources alone may not provide sufficient curcumin levels, leading researchers to explore methods to enhance its bioavailability, such as using nanoparticles.
  • Increasing curcumin levels might boost its health benefits, particularly its antioxidant effects, but it also requires careful monitoring to avoid negative impacts on cellular functions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Targeted therapies of curcumin focus on its therapeutic benefits in cancers and human health: Molecular signaling pathway-based approaches and future perspectives.

Biomed Pharmacother

January 2024

Department of Applied Bioscience, College of Life and Environmental Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; Department of Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, India. Electronic address:

The curry powder spices turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), which contains curcumin (diferuloylmethane), an orange-yellow chemical. Polyphenols are the most commonly used sources of curcumin.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!