Turmeric and Turmeric-containing Tablets and Sebum Production

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a spice that has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory,
antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-neoplastic properties, and even potential to improve mental
illnesses. In western herbalism, Turmeric is primarily used as an anti-inflammatory agent. In
India, turmeric is used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of acne. It has been used
both internally and externally.

Curcumin is a phytochemical derived from turmeric and believed to be one of the key active
components of turmeric. Curcumin is reported to have activity as an antibacterial and
anti-inflammatory agent and has been used as a paste for skin eruptions and infections.
Previous basic science work by Dr. Raja Sivamani's lab has shown that both turmeric and
curcumin inhibit lipid synthesis in human sebocytes, the cells responsible for the production
of sebum

The goal of this study is to evaluate how ingestion of turmeric and tablets that have a
combination of herbs including turmeric may modulate sebum production.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18 to 50 years of age, and

2. Subject must be able to read and comprehend study procedures and consent forms.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Subject should be generally healthy and have no smoking history in the past one year,
and must have no history of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, known cardiovascular
disease, malignancy, kidney disease, or chronic steroid use.

2. Subjects who consume more than 6 servings of caffeine per day, such as coffee and
energy drinks (example - Red Bull).

3. Subjects with known allergies to herbal ingredients.

4. Subjects with known EKG changes.

5. Those who used topical medications in the past two weeks or systemic antibiotics
within one month of starting the study.

6. Subjects who are postmenopausal

7. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

8. Those that are prisoners or cognitively impaired.