Effects of Supplementation with Curcuminoids on Dyslipidemia in Obese Patients: A Randomized Crossover Trial
Phytother Res. 2013; 27(3):374-9
| Obesity is the major health problem and risk factor for diabetes, dyslipidemia, hyperlipidemia and osteoarthritis. Obesity is becoming prevalent in elderly and female subjects around the world so it is important to have measures to prevent the associated complications. Curcumin is the active ingredient of turmeric and used to cure wide varieties of ailments like biliary disorders, anorexia, cough, diabetic wounds, hepatic disorders, rheumatism and sinusitis. In some previous studies in animal models it has been shown that Curcumin is a lipid-lowering compound and can decrease level of total serum cholesterol and lipid peroxides. |
Objective:
To evaluate the hypolipidemic effects of Curcumin in obese subjects.
Study Design:
A randomized, double blind, crossover trial was planned with 30 patients. 16 patients were administered Curcuminoids 1 g/day for 30 days and other 16 patients received placebo of shape and size matched to the Curcuminoids capsules for 30 days. There was a 2 week wash out interval and subjects were crossed over to other regimen. Both Curcumin and placebo capsules contained 5 mg of BioPerine®, a natural bioavailability enhancer. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, together with anthropometric parameters and high sensitivity C-reactive protein were measured before and after each treatment period.
Results and Discussion:
- Curcumin supplementation reduced lipid profile parameters including serum triglycerides (P=0.009)
- Curcumin did not cause a significant change in serum total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, or hs -CRP levels (P>0.05)
- Anthropometric parameters including weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, arm circumference, and body fat remained statistically unchanged by the end of the trial (P>0.05)
- The antihypertriglyceridemic activity of Curcumin that was observed in the present trial was may be due to its insulin sensitizing effects by down regulating JNK phosphorylation and activity
- The crossover design of the trial allowed each patient to serve as their own control and thereby eliminating inter-individual differences and associated bias
- However, detailed studies are required to assess the need of dietary control during Curcumin supplementation
Conclusion
The Curcumin was found to be safe and well tolerated in study patients and showed antihyperglycydemic activity for the supplementation of 1 g/day for 30 days.