Gallbladder Perforation Associated with Consumption of Curcumin Case Report

Alejandro Vega B.A.^1, and Ernie Yap MD¹

¹State University of New York Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA

Cite this paper:
Alejandro Vega B.A. and Ernie Yap MD. Gallbladder Perforation Associated with Consumption of Curcumin Case Report. American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2022; 10(12):311-313. doi: 10.12691/ajmcr-10-12-4

Abstract

Curcumin is an herbal supplement that is consumed for its purported anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor properties as well as the prevention of gallstone formation. There have been few studies that investigate its role in people with current or history of biliary obstruction. Herein we discuss an encounter of a patient who presented with a perforated gallbladder after having ingested 1500-2250mg of curcumin per day for four months. We shall also review the state of known literature on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of curcumin and its role as an herbal supplement. Lastly, we will examine the pitfalls of taking high levels of herbal supplements.

Keywords:
Curcumin adverse events biliary obstruction gallstone perforation

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