NutriStack
Clopidogrel and Turmeric/Curcumin, a caution.
Curcumin inhibits platelet aggregation through thromboxane A2 synthesis inhibition and GPVI-mediated platelet activation blockade in laboratory studies. When combined with clopidogrel's P2Y12 receptor-mediated antiplatelet effect, there is theoretical additive bleeding risk through dual-pathway platelet inhibition. However, a clinical study with a bioavailable curcumin formulation (Meriva) found no significant increase in bleeding time in patients on standard-dose clopidogrel after 10 days.
One pair, every claim cited. The two substances, the type, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
Same shape as the other 1,729 pairs in the public database.
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What the row says.
Every entry follows the same shape: what is happening, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
At a glance
- Substances
- Clopidogrel and Turmeric/Curcumin
- Pair type
- Caution
- Evidence (highest tier)
- Moderate
- Source citations
- 3 sources
- Stack Score effect
- −5 to your Stack Score (per scored caution row).
- Scope
- Supplement × Prescription
- Last verified
- May 30, 2026
Caution · Moderate evidence
Caution
What is happening. Curcumin inhibits platelet aggregation through thromboxane A2 synthesis inhibition and GPVI-mediated platelet activation blockade in laboratory studies. When combined with clopidogrel's P2Y12 receptor-mediated antiplatelet effect, there is theoretical additive bleeding risk through dual-pathway platelet inhibition. However, a clinical study with a bioavailable curcumin formulation (Meriva) found no significant increase in bleeding time in patients on standard-dose clopidogrel after 10 days.
Mechanism. Curcumin inhibits platelet aggregation by blocking thromboxane A2 synthesis, inhibiting GPVI signaling, and modulating calcium mobilization in platelets. Clopidogrel irreversibly blocks P2Y12 ADP receptors. The combination creates dual-pathway platelet inhibition. Curcumin may also inhibit CYP2C9, though its effect on CYP2C19 (needed for clopidogrel activation) is less established.
Recommendation. Use caution with concentrated curcumin supplements while on clopidogrel. Culinary turmeric as a spice is generally safe. If using curcumin supplements, inform your prescriber and watch for signs of increased bleeding (easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, blood in stool or urine). Stop curcumin at least 2 weeks before any planned surgery.
Sources (3)
- Shah BH et al. Inhibitory effect of curcumin on platelet aggregation. Biochem Pharmacol. 1999;58(7):1167-1172. PMID 10484074
- Sacco DP et al. Interaction study between antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, thyroid replacement therapy and a bioavailable formulation of curcumin (Meriva). J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2018;46(4):563-567. PMID 30070343
- Lun R, Dhaliwal S, Zitikyte G, Roy DC et al.. Comparison of Ticagrelor vs Clopidogrel in Addition to Aspirin in Patients With Minor Ischemic Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack: A Network Meta-analysis. JAMA Neurology. 2022. PMID 34870698
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both Clopidogrel and Turmeric/Curcumin are in the same stack, this pair applies −5 to your Stack Score (per scored caution row).
The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are documented at /methodology/stack-score.
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