Tongan Turmeric vs Ethiopian Turmeric

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Tongan Turmeric

Curcuma longa var. australis

Anti-inflammatory

Curcuma domestica var. ethiopica

Liver Support

Tongan Turmeric

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Ethiopian Turmeric

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Turmeric variety grown throughout Polynesia used in Tongan traditional medicine for anti-inflammatory and digestive conditions.

Turmeric cultivated in Ethiopia used in traditional medicine for liver conditions, skin disorders, and joint pain.

Active Compounds

curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, turmerone

curcumin, turmerone, zingiberene, bisdemethoxycurcumin

Traditional Uses

anti-inflammatory treatment, digestive tonic, skin condition remedy

liver tonic in Ethiopian folk medicine, treatment of jaundice, skin disease remedy

Modern Uses

anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, digestive

hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant

Adult Dosage

400-800mg curcumin extract daily

400-600mg curcumin extract daily

Contraindications

bile duct obstruction, anticoagulants

Side Effects

GI upset at high doses, yellow staining

GI upset, yellow staining

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E