Is turmeric good for erectile dysfunction?

If you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED), you may be looking for natural or prescription remedies that can help. Is turmeric good for erectile dysfunction? It's a fair question — turmeric has gained attention as a potential natural remedy, but the evidence may not be what you're hoping for.

No, we do not have any solid scientific evidence to say that turmeric is effective for ED.

Turmeric may indirectly support erectile health by improving overall health over time, particularly when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Some studies suggest curcumin (the main active component of the plant) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may help address some underlying causes of ED.  

However, we don’t have the necessary human studies to prove that turmeric alone can treat or cure ED. The only direct research on turmeric and ED was done on animals — and research on mice doesn’t necessarily translate to humans.

So if you're asking whether turmeric helps with erectile dysfunction, the short answer is: not directly, at least based on the current scientific literature.

Personalized ED treatment for you.

Get started

Turmeric benefits sexually 

Some of curcumin’s general health benefits could translate to sexual benefits, including:

• May reduce inflammation: Chronic, low-grade inflammation is a risk factor for erectile dysfunction. Research suggests that curcumin supplementation can help reduce inflammation over time. If inflammation is playing a role in your ED, curcumin could potentially help.

• May reduce oxidative stress: Oxidative stress is another risk factor for erectile dysfunction. Curcumin acts as an antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals and combat oxidative stress to protect against cell damage. 

• May improve blood flow: Good blood flow is key for erections. Researchers suggest curcumin may help improve endothelial function, which is linked to blood vessel health. It may also boost nitric oxide availability, supporting better blood flow.

• May improve sperm motility: A couple of small studies suggest that curcumin, one of the main compounds in turmeric, might support sperm motility, or the sperm’s ability to swim, in some individuals. While this doesn’t directly impact erectile function, it could benefit fertility. While most of these studies were performed in lab-based settings outside the human body, one study of 60 men with infertility did find improved sperm motility in the group receiving curcumin (one of the active compounds in turmeric).

If you decide to take a turmeric  or curcumin supplement, research shows that up to 8,000 mg per day of curcumin has been tolerated in the short term. Commercially available supplements typically range from 500 mg–2,000 mg per dose.

Since there is no research specifically backing turmeric for erectile dysfunction, there are no official guidelines for how much you should take to experience sexual benefits.

Regardless of your motive for taking turmeric supplements, check with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on what dose might be safe for you, since everyone’s body is different. 

If you take too much turmeric, you may experience some unpleasant side effects, most commonly related to the digestive system. 

In rare cases, prolonged use of high-dose, highly bioavailable curcumin has been associated with liver injury. 

While turmeric is generally safe in moderation when taken from reputable sources, there's no scientifically proven added benefit to taking more than recommended — especially for benefits that remain unproven by research, such as sexual benefits.

Follow dosage guidelines on the supplement bottle and check with your healthcare provider before starting a high-dose turmeric supplement (or any other new supplement, for that matter). You can also ask your provider for advice on whether you should opt for a high bioavailability supplement formulation or not. 

Turmeric side effects

Does turmeric cause side effects? Yes, you might experience side effects from turmeric, most commonly:

• Diarrhea 

• Nausea 

• Vomiting

• Acid reflux

• Constipation

These side effects usually go away with time, but if they are persistent, stop taking turmeric and contact a healthcare provider.

Turmeric interactions

Certain medications don’t mix well with turmeric, including (but not limited to):

• Anticoagulants and antiplatelets: If you take anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin or any antiplatelet medications, it’s best to avoid taking turmeric or curcumin supplements, as they can increase the risk of bleeding. 

• Medications that lower blood sugar: If you have diabetes and are taking medications to lower your blood sugar, it’s best to avoid curcumin since it might also lower your blood sugar, risking hypoglycemia. 

There are additional medications that might not mix well with turmeric, including certain antidepressants, antihistamines, and antibiotics. Always consult a healthcare provider to determine if a supplement is safe to take with your existing medications and any other supplements you take.

Who should avoid taking turmeric?

You should not take turmeric if:

• You have liver disease: Due to the potential risk of liver injury from high doses of turmeric, it’s best to avoid turmeric supplements if you have liver disease, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. 

• You’re iron deficient/anemic: Based on animal studies, curcumin might further impact your body’s iron, so it’s best to avoid it if you’re iron deficient or anemic.

• You have an increased risk of bleeding: Those with an increased bleeding risk — including people taking medications such as aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel, rivaroxaban, and apixaban — should discuss with their healthcare provider before adding this supplement to their routine.

In general, if you have any pre-existing health conditions, check with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements, since they could potentially affect your condition. 

If you're looking for more research-backed options to address erectile dysfunction, here are some lifestyle changes and medications worth discussing with your healthcare provider.

Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly

Obesity is a known risk factor for erectile dysfunction. Research suggests that people with a high BMI have up to a three-fold higher risk of ED compared to people who do not. Studies show that weight loss can improve erectile function, and eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help you achieve a calorie deficit and lose weight. 

Exercise also supports erectile function independent of weight, for many reasons — including improved circulation, reduced cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure and cholesterol, and positive impacts on overall mood.

Take care of your mental health

Stress, anxiety, and depression can all affect sexual function, including your ability to get and maintain an erection. If mental health symptoms are a frequent concern, they could be contributing to your ED. 

Another clue that psychological factors are playing a role in your ED is if you are still getting normal nighttime and morning erections but have difficulty with erections when it comes time for intercourse. Working with a mental health professional, such as a therapist or psychiatrist, can help manage symptoms.

If your mental health concerns are more specific to your sexual experience — such as performance anxiety — a sex therapist can help. ED medications are also an option and can be helpful, especially because addressing mental health takes time.

Consider prescription medications

Medications known as PDE5 inhibitors (phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors) are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ED. These medications are often a first-line treatment, helping relax blood vessels and increase blood flow to the penis when aroused. Common PDE5 inhibitors include:

• Viagra (sildenafil)

• Cialis (tadalafil) 

• Vardenafil

• Stendra (avanafil)

Other options include Ro Sparks (under-the-tongue dissolving pills that contain both sildenafil and tadalafil) and Ro’s Daily Rise Gummies (once-daily gummies containing tadalafil). 

While Sparks and Daily Rise Gummies are not specifically FDA-approved for the treatment of ED, their active ingredients have each been individually FDA-approved for that purpose.

Speak with your healthcare provider to see if these medications might be right for you.

Try injections

Erectile dysfunction injections are an additional prescription option when traditional oral ED meds aren’t the best fit. Medications in the injections include prostaglandin E1 (alprostadil), papaverine, and phentolamine. 

These injections — administered directly into the penis — dilate blood vessels, allowing for better blood flow and supporting the ability to get and maintain an erection. With a prescription from a healthcare provider, you can administer the injections yourself at home. Unlike PDE5 medications, injections don’t depend on your level of arousal to work.

Give penis pumps a try

While some people think of penis pumps as a tool to increase penis size — they won't have any permanent effects — they can help with getting an erection. A penis pump (also known as a vacuum erection device) uses gentle vacuum pressure to draw blood into the penis, helping create and maintain an erection.

A recent meta-analysis found that vacuum erection devices can help improve intercourse success rates for those with erectile dysfunction that doesn't respond to oral medications such as Viagra. 

If you are trying a penis pump, use it carefully. Bruising can occur, especially with improper use or too much pressure. 

Daily Rise Gummies

Help treat BPH symptoms with daily tadalafil gummies

Learn more

So, does turmeric help with erectile dysfunction? We don’t have enough evidence to say yes. While curcumin supplements may improve aspects of your overall health, which might in turn lead to sexual benefits over time, we can’t say for sure that turmeric can help treat ED.

• We don’t have solid research: We don't yet have studies specifically examining whether turmeric can help with erectile dysfunction in humans. Based on current evidence, turmeric or curcumin is unlikely to be considered a short-term treatment option for ED.

• Opt for clinically proven treatments.If you have ED, it may be worth pursuing clinically proven treatments — such as prescription medications like Viagra (sildenafil) or Cialis (tadalafil) — through your healthcare provider.

• Address the underlying causes: A healthcare provider can help identify the specific underlying cause of your ED and how to address it — whether that's exercising more, eating a healthy diet, tending to your mental health, or all of the above.