Curcuma longa extract improves serum inflammatory markers and mental health in healthy participants who are overweight: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Nutr J. 2021 Nov 13;20(1):91. doi: 10.1186/s12937-021-00748-8.

Abstract

Background: The dietary spice Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, has various biological effects. Both a water extract and a supercritical carbon dioxide extract of C. longa showed anti-inflammatory activities in animal studies. However, the anti-inflammatory effect in humans of a mixture of these two C. longa extracts (CLE) is poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the effect of CLE containing anti-inflammatory turmeronols on chronic inflammation and general health.

Methods: We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in healthy subjects aged 50 to 69 years with overweight. Participants took two capsules containing CLE (CLE group, n = 45) or two placebo capsules (placebo group, n = 45) daily for 12 weeks, and serum inflammatory markers were measured. Participants also completed two questionnaires: the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) scale. Treatment effects were analyzed by two way analysis of variance followed by a t test (significance level, p < 0.05).

Results: After the intervention, the CLE group had a significantly lower body weight (p < 0.05) and body mass index (p < 0.05) than the placebo group and significantly lower serum levels of C-reactive protein (p < 0.05) and complement component 3 (p < 0.05). In addition, the CLE group showed significant improvement of the MOS SF-36 mental health score (p < 0.05) and POMS anger-hostility score (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: CLE may ameliorate chronic low-grade inflammation and thus help to improve mental health and mood disturbance.

Trial registration: UMIN-CTR, UMIN000037370. Registered 14 July 2019, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000042607.

Keywords: 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36); Bisacurone; Body mass index (BMI); C-reactive protein (CRP); Chronic inflammation; Complement component 3 (C3); Profile of mood states (POMS); Turmeric (Curcuma longa); Turmeronol.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Curcuma*
  • Healthy Volunteers
  • Humans
  • Mental Health*
  • Overweight / drug therapy
  • Plant Extracts

Substances

  • Plant Extracts
  • turmeric extract

Associated data

  • UMIN-CTR/UMIN000037370