BACKGROUND Curry powder is a blend of spices that is extensively consumed worldwide and mainly in Central Asia. Its preparation is strictly related to each locality and, because of the health benefits of its constituents, eight commercial forms of this condiment were biologically and chemically investigated. This study aimed to compare their chemical profile as well as their anti‐inflammatory, cytotoxic, and antiparasitic activities. RESULTS Curry samples 1 and 7 inhibited leukocyte influx and myeloperoxidase activity, while only 7 was active on protein exudate and NOx species. 2, 6, and 8 displayed trypanocidal effect against Trypanosoma cruzi amastigote, whereas 6 showed antileishmanial activity on Leishmania amazonensis amastigote. 2, 6, and 8 also inhibited the growth of THP‐1 cells used as the parasite's host. Among the cytotoxic samples (4 and 6), curry sample 6 induced apoptosis in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Nevertheless, 4 and 6 were unselectively cytotoxic to non‐tumoral and tumoral cells. The anti‐inflammatory, cytotoxicity, and antiparasitic assays were respectively performed by carrageenan‐induced pleurisy test, Alamar blue assay, and intracellular parasite–host cell model. Ultra‐performance liquid chromatographic–electrospray ionization mass spectrometric data from the spices revealed both similar and different metabolites in their composition. CONCLUSION The results obtained indicate that different formulations can contribute different health benefits as a result of their chemical composition. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry