IV Curcumin (IV Turmeric): The 2017 Death, What FDA Found, and What Research Shows About Curcumin

Intravenous curcumin, sometimes advertised as IV turmeric, has been promoted by some naturopathic and integrative clinics as a more powerful way to deliver turmeric’s main active compound. Proponents argue that curcumin is poorly absorbed when swallowed, so infusing it directly into the bloodstream bypasses that problem and delivers anti-inflammatory benefits for conditions ranging from arthritis to eczema and cancer.

In 2017, the dangers of this practice became national news when a healthy 30-year-old woman died after receiving an IV curcumin infusion for eczema at a naturopathic clinic in California. An FDA investigation identified problems with the compounded product. This article explains what IV curcumin is, what happened in that case, what research shows about curcumin, and why experts urge caution about intravenous supplements.

Is IV curcumin (IV turmeric) safe or effective? No. Intravenous curcumin has no proven benefit and carries real risks: a patient died in 2017 from a reaction during an IV turmeric infusion, and such products can cause allergic reactions, infections, and contamination. Turmeric used in cooking is safe for most people, and even oral curcumin supplements have only limited, inconsistent evidence. IV turmeric should be avoided.

What Is IV Curcumin (IV Turmeric)?

IV curcumin is an intravenous infusion of curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, marketed by some clinics as a treatment for conditions from inflammation to cancer, without approval or solid evidence. Curcumin is the yellow compound that gives turmeric its color and is the most studied of turmeric’s curcuminoids. It does not dissolve well in water, so to prepare it for intravenous use, compounding pharmacies combine it with emulsifiers or solvents that allow it to be suspended in fluid. Clinics then dilute the product in an IV bag and infuse it over an hour or more. Because these are compounded preparations rather than approved drugs, they have not gone through FDA review for safety, effectiveness, dosing, or manufacturing quality, though compounding pharmacies are subject to certain regulations.

The 2017 Death and FDA Investigation

On March 10, 2017, the FDA received a report about a 30-year-old woman who experienced cardiac arrest after receiving an intravenous curcumin emulsion product compounded by the pharmacy ImprimisRx, according to an FDA alert reprinted by the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Local authorities identified an adverse reaction to the infused curcumin solution as a cause of death. In May 2017, FDA received a second report of a 71-year-old man who developed a hypersensitivity reaction after receiving the same product. The FDA’s investigation found that the curcumin emulsion contained polyethylene glycol (PEG) 40 castor oil, an emulsifier known to cause hypersensitivity reactions, and the agency noted the absence of a label warning about such reactions. ImprimisRx recalled all unexpired products containing the ungraded PEG 40 castor oil in June 2017.

San Diego station KGTV reported that the woman, Jade Erick, had sought the infusion from an Encinitas naturopathic doctor to treat eczema, and that the castor oil used was labeled “CAUTION: for manufacturing or laboratory use only.” The pharmacy stated that its castor oil came from an FDA-registered supplier and was suitable for pharmaceutical use. FDAnews reported in 2019 that the FDA issued a warning letter to the compounder, stating that analysis of samples showed curcuminoid concentrations substantially less than intended and labeled, and that the castor oil contained diethylene glycol, a known manufacturing impurity. The pharmacy disputed that the impurity caused the death.

What Research Shows About Curcumin

Curcumin has been the subject of thousands of laboratory studies reporting anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects, which helped fuel its popularity. Translating these effects to people has proven difficult. A 2007 review in Molecular Pharmaceutics by Preetha Anand and colleagues described curcumin’s poor bioavailability: when taken by mouth, it is poorly absorbed, rapidly metabolized, and quickly eliminated, so blood levels remain very low. Formulations with piperine from black pepper, nanoparticles, or phospholipids have been developed to improve absorption.

A 2017 review in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry by Kathryn Nelson and colleagues examined curcumin’s chemistry and concluded that it is an unstable, reactive, non-bioavailable compound that frequently produces false-positive results in laboratory screening assays, classifying it as a pan-assay interference compound. The authors noted that no double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of curcumin had been successful and described curcumin as a highly improbable lead for drug development. Some later trials have reported modest benefits for conditions such as osteoarthritis pain with specific formulations, but evidence remains limited and inconsistent.

Importantly, the bioavailability problem does not mean intravenous delivery is the solution. Curcumin is chemically unstable in the body, and delivering it intravenously introduces new risks without evidence of benefit.

Why Are IV Supplements So Risky?

Injecting supplements bypasses the body’s natural barriers, so contaminants, dosing errors, or allergic reactions can go straight into the bloodstream, causing severe reactions, infections, or death, as in the 2017 case. Allergic and hypersensitivity reactions. Intravenous products bypass the body’s digestive barriers, so reactions to the active ingredient or to emulsifiers can be rapid and severe.

Product quality. Compounded products are not FDA-approved, and quality problems, such as incorrect concentrations or impurities, can occur.

Infection. Any IV procedure carries risks of infection and vein inflammation, especially outside hospital settings.

Lack of evidence. Without clinical trials, appropriate doses, infusion rates, and safety monitoring are unknown.

Delayed effective treatment. Patients may forgo proven treatments for conditions such as eczema, arthritis, or cancer.

Do Oral Turmeric Supplements Work?

Evidence for oral curcumin is limited and inconsistent; some formulations show modest benefits for certain conditions like arthritis, but curcumin is poorly absorbed and results are far from the dramatic claims often made. Although the overall evidence for curcumin is weak, some clinical trials of oral turmeric extracts have reported benefits for joint pain. A 2016 systematic review and meta-analysis in the Journal of Medicinal Food by James Daily and colleagues analyzed eight randomized trials in people with arthritis and found that turmeric extracts or curcumin reduced pain scores and improved a standard osteoarthritis index compared with placebo. The authors cautioned that the trials were small, of limited quality, and short, so the evidence was not sufficient to draw firm conclusions. No comparable evidence exists for intravenous curcumin.

Can Turmeric Supplements Damage the Liver?

Yes. Concentrated turmeric or curcumin supplements, especially with added black pepper extract or high doses, have been linked to cases of liver injury, unlike the small amounts of turmeric used in cooking. As turmeric supplements have grown in popularity, reports of liver injury have increased. A 2023 report in the American Journal of Medicine by Dina Halegoua-DeMarzio and colleagues described ten cases of turmeric-associated liver injury from the U.S. Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network, all enrolled since 2011 and six since 2017. Injury typically appeared one to four months after starting turmeric and was strongly linked to a particular immune gene variant, HLA-B*35:01. The authors suggested that liver injury from turmeric appears to be increasing, perhaps reflecting greater use or combination with black pepper extract to boost absorption. People who take turmeric supplements and develop symptoms such as fatigue, dark urine, abdominal pain, or yellowing of the skin or eyes should stop the supplement and seek medical care.

Turmeric in Food Versus Concentrated Products

Form	Typical use	Safety notes
Turmeric spice in food	Curries, rice, soups, golden milk	Safe for most people; choose reputable brands to avoid lead-adulterated products
Oral curcumin supplements	Capsules, often with piperine	Generally well tolerated; rare liver injury reported; may interact with blood thinners
Intravenous curcumin	Infusions at some clinics	No approved products; serious reactions and a death reported; no proven benefit

Turmeric used in cooking is part of many cuisines and is safe for most people, though some spice products have been found adulterated with lead chromate to enhance color, as explained in our article on lead and contamination in spices. Oral curcumin supplements are generally well tolerated, though cases of liver injury have been reported with some products, particularly those formulated for higher absorption, and curcumin may interact with blood thinners. For more on turmeric preparations, see our article on golden paste.

Turmeric Quality and Lead Adulteration

Quality problems affect not only compounded IV products but also turmeric powders and supplements. A 2024 study in Science of the Total Environment by Jenna Forsyth and colleagues assessed lead chromate adulteration of turmeric in four South Asian countries that produce more than 80 percent of the world’s turmeric and found evidence of adulteration in parts of the region, where the bright yellow pigment is added to improve color. Earlier work in Bangladesh linked such adulteration to elevated blood lead levels, and enforcement there sharply reduced the practice. Buying turmeric and turmeric supplements from reputable brands that test for heavy metals helps reduce this risk.

Other IV Supplement Therapies

IV curcumin is part of a broader trend of intravenous vitamin and supplement infusions, such as the “Myers’ cocktail” of magnesium, calcium, B vitamins, and vitamin C, and hydration drips marketed for hangovers, fatigue, or immunity. Evidence for most of these uses is limited. A 2009 placebo-controlled pilot trial in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine by Ather Ali and colleagues tested weekly Myers’ cocktail infusions in people with fibromyalgia. Both the treatment and placebo groups improved, partly because of a high placebo response, and there were no statistically significant differences between groups, leaving efficacy uncertain. For healthy people, oral fluids and a balanced diet usually meet needs without the risks of IV access, such as infection, vein irritation, fluid overload, and allergic reactions.

Recognizing a Severe Allergic Reaction

Anaphylaxis can develop within minutes of an infusion or injection. Warning signs include hives or flushing, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or wheezing, a feeling of throat tightness, dizziness or fainting, a rapid or weak pulse, and nausea or vomiting. Any facility offering infusions should have staff trained to recognize these signs, epinephrine and other emergency medications on hand, and a plan to call emergency services. Anyone experiencing these symptoms during or after an infusion needs immediate emergency care.

What Should I Ask Before Getting Any IV Therapy?

Ask what evidence supports the therapy, whether it is FDA-approved, what the risks are, who prepares and administers it, and whether a licensed physician oversees it; be wary of clinics selling unproven IV “wellness” infusions. IV vitamin and supplement infusions are offered by a growing number of clinics and mobile services. Before agreeing to one, ask: Is the product FDA-approved for this use, or compounded? What evidence shows it works for my condition? Who prepared it, and is the pharmacy accredited? What are the risks, and how will reactions be handled? Is a physician or nurse trained in emergency care present, with emergency medications available? What does my own doctor think? A trustworthy provider will answer these questions clearly.

Evidence-Based Treatment for Eczema

The patient in the 2017 case sought IV curcumin for eczema, a common condition that can be frustrating and distressing. Effective, evidence-based treatments exist. The foundation is daily skin care with fragrance-free moisturizers and gentle cleansing to restore the skin barrier, along with avoiding known triggers. Topical corticosteroids remain a mainstay for flares, and non-steroid topical options such as calcineurin inhibitors and newer topical drugs are available. For moderate to severe eczema, phototherapy and systemic treatments, including biologic drugs that target specific immune pathways and oral medications approved in recent years, have shown substantial benefits in clinical trials. A dermatologist can tailor treatment to the severity and pattern of eczema. People frustrated with conventional care may be drawn to alternative treatments, which is why clear information about effective options matters.

Drug Interactions and Precautions

Even oral turmeric and curcumin supplements can interact with medications. Curcumin may have antiplatelet effects and could increase bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulants such as warfarin or antiplatelet drugs. Supplements containing piperine, added to improve absorption, can alter how the liver processes many medications. Turmeric may affect blood sugar and could add to the effects of diabetes medications. People with gallbladder disease are often advised to avoid high doses. Those undergoing cancer treatment should discuss supplements with their oncology team because of possible interactions with chemotherapy. Anyone taking prescription medications should consult a pharmacist or physician before starting turmeric supplements.

Why Unproven IV Therapies Spread

Intravenous infusions can seem more powerful or scientific than pills, and clinics often market them with appealing claims about detoxification, immune support, or anti-aging. Patients may experience a placebo effect, and the clinical setting adds credibility. Social media and testimonials amplify these perceptions. Yet the more direct the route into the body, the greater the potential for harm if a product is contaminated, incorrectly dosed, or triggers an allergic reaction. Evaluating these therapies requires the same standards applied to any medical treatment: evidence from well-designed trials and assurance of product quality.

Compounding Pharmacies and Their Oversight

Compounding pharmacies prepare customized medications, such as a drug in a different dose or form for a patient who cannot take a commercial product. Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved, and their oversight increased after a 2012 outbreak of fungal meningitis linked to contaminated steroid injections from a Massachusetts compounding pharmacy sickened hundreds of people and caused dozens of deaths. The Drug Quality and Security Act of 2013 created a category of outsourcing facilities subject to stricter FDA standards, while traditional compounding pharmacies remain primarily regulated by state boards of pharmacy. The IV curcumin case highlighted ongoing concerns about compounded products made from ingredients that lack pharmaceutical-grade standards.

Naturopathic Practice and IV Therapies

The scope of practice for naturopathic doctors varies by state. In some states, licensed naturopaths can administer intravenous therapies, while in others they cannot, and many states do not license naturopaths at all. IV vitamin and supplement infusions are also offered by medical spas and mobile services, sometimes with limited medical supervision. Patients considering any IV therapy should verify the provider’s credentials, ask whether the product is FDA-approved, and ensure that trained staff and emergency medications are available in case of allergic reactions.

Common Myths

“IV delivery is always more effective.” For unproven substances, bypassing the gut adds risks without proven benefit.

“Natural substances are safe in any form.” Turmeric in food differs greatly from concentrated extracts or injected preparations.

“Compounded products are equivalent to approved drugs.” Compounded products do not undergo FDA approval for safety, effectiveness, or quality.

“Curcumin is a proven anti-inflammatory drug.” Laboratory findings have not translated into consistent clinical benefits.

Key Terms

Curcumin: The main yellow compound in turmeric.

Bioavailability: The proportion of a substance that reaches the bloodstream.

Compounding: Preparing customized medications that are not FDA-approved.

Hypersensitivity reaction: An exaggerated immune response, including severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis.

PEG 40 castor oil: An emulsifier used to suspend water-insoluble substances, known to cause hypersensitivity reactions in some people.

Key Facts at a Glance

In March 2017, a 30-year-old woman suffered cardiac arrest during an IV curcumin infusion ordered by a naturopathic doctor for eczema; a second patient, aged 71, had a serious hypersensitivity reaction to the same compounded product. The FDA found the product contained PEG 40 castor oil labeled for manufacturing or laboratory use only, with a diethylene glycol impurity and curcuminoid levels below the labeled amount. The compounder recalled affected products in June 2017 and received an FDA warning letter in 2019. There are no FDA-approved IV curcumin products. A 2017 review noted that no double-blind, placebo-controlled curcumin trial had been clearly successful, and a 2023 report described increasing liver injury from turmeric supplements.

The Bottom Line

IV curcumin is an unapproved, unproven therapy that has caused serious harm, including a death in 2017 linked to a compounded product with quality problems. Curcumin’s poor oral absorption has fueled interest in IV delivery, but the compound is unstable in the body and lacks convincing clinical evidence even in oral form, aside from modest results in small arthritis trials. Turmeric in food is safe for most people; oral supplements carry rare risks such as liver injury and drug interactions; and intravenous curcumin should be avoided. People with conditions such as eczema have effective, evidence-based treatment options that a qualified clinician can provide.

Further Reading

The FDA publishes information on compounded drugs and safety alerts through its MedWatch program. The National Institutes of Health’s LiverTox database describes reported liver injury from turmeric and other supplements. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health summarizes research on turmeric. Professional dermatology organizations provide guidance on eczema treatment.

How Curcumin Behaves in the Body

When curcumin is taken by mouth, only a small fraction reaches the bloodstream unchanged. Most is converted in the intestine and liver into compounds such as curcumin glucuronide and sulfate, which have different properties, and curcumin also breaks down chemically at the neutral pH of body fluids. These features help explain why laboratory effects seen with curcumin applied directly to cells do not reliably occur in people. Researchers have debated whether metabolites or degradation products might have their own effects, but this remains uncertain. Injecting curcumin does not avoid its chemical instability and adds the risks of the carrier ingredients needed to suspend it.

The Placebo Problem in Supplement Research

Many studies of supplements and alternative therapies show improvements in both treatment and placebo groups, as in the Myers’ cocktail trial. Conditions such as pain, fatigue, and skin symptoms fluctuate naturally and respond to attention and expectation. Without a placebo comparison and blinding, it is easy to attribute improvements to the treatment. This is why well-designed, placebo-controlled trials are essential before recommending therapies, particularly invasive ones such as IV infusions.

How to Report a Problem

Patients and health professionals can report serious reactions to drugs, compounded products, and supplements through the FDA’s MedWatch program, online or by phone. Reports help the agency identify patterns, as happened when two reports about the compounded curcumin product prompted an investigation. Patients can also file complaints with state medical, naturopathic, or pharmacy boards about providers or pharmacies. Keeping records of the product name, lot number, provider, and symptoms helps investigators.

Common Myths

“If a licensed provider offers it, it must be proven.” Providers may offer treatments that lack evidence; ask about the research behind any therapy.

“Allergic reactions only happen with drugs, not natural products.” Natural substances and their carriers can cause severe reactions.

“More curcumin is better.” Higher doses and absorption enhancers have been linked to liver injury in some people.

Lessons From the Case

The 2017 death highlighted several lessons that apply beyond curcumin. First, natural origin does not make a substance safe in every form or route; turmeric in food differs fundamentally from an injected emulsion. Second, product quality matters, and compounded products can carry risks from ingredients, contaminants, and dosing errors. Third, the credentials and oversight of providers vary, so patients should verify who is administering treatments and under what standards. Finally, treatments without evidence of benefit offer only risk, no matter how promising laboratory findings appear. Regulators, professional organizations, and patient advocates have used the case to call for stronger oversight of compounded products and IV therapy clinics.

Questions Readers Often Ask

Is IV curcumin still offered? Some clinics continue to market it, sometimes using products from different compounders. Patients considering it should ask about product sources and evidence, and recognize that no IV curcumin product has FDA approval. Is turmeric tea or golden milk safe? For most people, yes, in normal food amounts. Can curcumin help eczema? There is no reliable evidence that curcumin, by any route, treats eczema; established treatments are more effective.

Choosing Safer Turmeric Products

People who want to use turmeric can take several steps to reduce risk. Use turmeric primarily as a spice in cooking, where amounts are modest and long experience suggests safety. If choosing supplements, select products verified by independent organizations such as USP or NSF, which test for identity, contaminants, and label accuracy. Be cautious with high-dose, high-absorption formulations, particularly those combining curcumin with piperine, and stop taking them if symptoms of liver problems develop. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about turmeric supplements, especially if you take blood thinners, diabetes medications, or cancer treatments. Avoid injected or intravenous turmeric products entirely.

These steps allow people to enjoy turmeric’s flavor and cultural role in cooking while avoiding the risks associated with concentrated and injected forms.

A Note on Turmeric in Traditional Medicine

Turmeric has a long history in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, where it has been used in food, pastes applied to the skin, and herbal preparations. Traditional uses did not involve injecting purified curcumin; they relied on whole turmeric in modest amounts, often combined with fats and other spices. Modern research has tried to identify active compounds and test them in controlled studies, with limited success so far. Respecting traditional culinary uses of turmeric is compatible with skepticism toward new, unproven, and invasive forms marketed with claims that go far beyond the evidence.

Readers who already take turmeric supplements and have concerns can ask a pharmacist to review all their medications and supplements for interactions, a free service at many pharmacies that can identify issues such as combined effects on bleeding risk or liver function. Bringing the actual supplement bottles to the appointment helps, since products with similar names can contain very different ingredients and doses.

Pharmacists can also help identify whether a supplement brand carries independent quality verification, and can advise on reputable products for people who decide to continue using turmeric after weighing the evidence and risks with their clinician.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IV curcumin safe?

Its safety has not been established, and it carries serious risks. In 2017 a patient died and another was seriously harmed after receiving intravenous turmeric (curcumin) infusions, which the FDA investigated. Injecting supplements can cause severe allergic reactions, infections, and problems from contaminants or improper preparation, without any proven benefit to justify the risk.

Does IV turmeric work better than oral turmeric?

No. There is no clinical evidence that IV curcumin provides benefits over oral turmeric or any benefit at all. While curcumin is poorly absorbed when taken by mouth, that does not make intravenous infusion safe or effective, and no rigorous trials support the dramatic health claims some clinics make for IV turmeric.

What caused the 2017 death from IV turmeric?

Authorities attributed the death to a severe adverse reaction during an intravenous turmeric (curcumin) infusion given at a clinic. The product was reportedly mixed with an ingredient that may have contributed to the reaction. The case prompted an FDA warning and highlighted the dangers of unproven intravenous supplement therapies offered outside mainstream medical care.

Is turmeric in food safe to eat?

Yes, for most people. Turmeric used as a spice in cooking is safe and has been consumed for centuries. The safety concerns involve concentrated supplements, high doses, and especially intravenous products, not the modest amounts used in food. People taking blood thinners or with gallbladder or liver issues should check with a clinician about supplements.

Are oral curcumin supplements effective?

The evidence is limited and inconsistent. Some studies suggest modest benefits of certain curcumin formulations for conditions like osteoarthritis or inflammation, but curcumin is poorly absorbed and many claims outrun the data. Supplements are also unregulated for quality and have been linked to rare liver injury, so they should be used cautiously and discussed with a clinician.

Are other IV “wellness” infusions worth getting?

Most IV vitamin and supplement “wellness” infusions lack solid evidence of benefit for healthy people and carry risks of infection, vein damage, and reactions. They are generally unnecessary unless prescribed for a diagnosed medical condition, such as a documented deficiency or malabsorption. Anyone considering IV therapy should ensure it is medically justified and supervised by a licensed physician.

References

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (via American Society of Anesthesiologists). Compounded Curcumin Emulsion Product for Injection by ImprimisRx: FDA Investigation – Serious Adverse Events Associated with Use. August 2017. asahq.org
2. KGTV 10News. Woman who died after turmeric infusion may have reacted to castor oil. 2017. 10news.com
3. FDAnews. FDA Warns California Compounder for Unapproved Drugs. April 30, 2019. fdanews.com
4. Anand P, Kunnumakkara AB, Newman RA, Aggarwal BB. Bioavailability of curcumin: problems and promises. Molecular Pharmaceutics. 2007;4(6):807–818. PMID 17999464
5. Nelson KM, Dahlin JL, Bisson J, et al. The Essential Medicinal Chemistry of Curcumin. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. 2017;60(5):1620–1637. PMID 28074653
6. Daily JW, Yang M, Park S. Efficacy of Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin for Alleviating the Symptoms of Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2016;19(8):717–729. PMID 27533649
7. Halegoua-DeMarzio D, Navarro V, Ahmad J, et al. Liver Injury Associated with Turmeric – A Growing Problem: Ten Cases from the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network [DILIN]. American Journal of Medicine. 2023;136(2):200–206. PMID 36252717
8. Forsyth JE, Mistree D, Nash E, et al. Evidence of turmeric adulteration with lead chromate across South Asia. Science of the Total Environment. 2024;949:175003. PMID 39053552
9. Ali A, Njike VY, Northrup V, et al. Intravenous micronutrient therapy (Myers’ Cocktail) for fibromyalgia: a placebo-controlled pilot study. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2009;15(3):247–257. PMID 19250003

Last updated: October 6, 2026