Written from the studies on PubMed, searched on 11 Nov 2026. Every number below comes from a study listed under Sources.
The claim
Posts online say that curcumin (turmeric) helps with polycystic kidney disease.
Where research stands
We found 6 published papers on curcumin (turmeric) and polycystic kidney disease in PubMed. They were published between 2011 and 2022. 2 of them are studies in people. 2 of them compared people who got it with a group that did not. 2 were studies in animals, and none was only in cells in the lab. 1 paper is a review that sums up other studies.
- 2In people2 with a comparison group
- 2In animals
- 0Only in the lab
What the studies found
We have not summed up these studies in words yet. The most important papers are listed under Sources.
Verdict
Curcumin (turmeric) has been tested in randomised trials in people with polycystic kidney disease.
What this means for you: A study in people is not proof that it helps you. Do not stop or change your medicines because of it. Ask your doctor before you start taking it.
Sources
- Curcumin Therapy to Treat Vascular Dysfunction in Children and Young Adults with ADPKD: A Randomized Controlled Trial.2022 · Clin J Am Soc Nephrol · Randomised trial
- Curcumin therapy to treat vascular dysfunction in children and young adults with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: Design and baseline characteristics of participants.2020 · Contemp Clin Trials Commun · Randomised trial
- Curcumin supplementation in pediatric patients: A systematic review of current clinical evidence.2022 · Phytother Res · Review
- Combination of curcumin and ginkgolide B inhibits cystogenesis by regulating multiple signaling pathways.2021 · Mol Med Rep · In animals
- Curcumin inhibits cystogenesis by simultaneous interference of multiple signaling pathways: in vivo evidence from a Pkd1-deletion model.2011 · Am J Physiol Renal Physiol · In animals
- Correction: Curcumin Therapy to Treat Vascular Dysfunction in Children and Young Adults with ADPKD: A Randomized Controlled Trial.2022 · Clin J Am Soc Nephrol · Other paper
