Clinical Evidence

Antioxidant effects of curcuminoids in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled trial
Inflammopharmacology. 2016. DOI: 10.1007/s10787-016-0301-4
Around 311 million people are diagnosed with type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM), according to the World Health Organization (WHO) report, particularly in developing and low-income countries. Additionally, oxidative stress has been known to play an important role in the development of T2DM and related vascular complications. As a result, diabetic patients are at the risk of cardiovascular disease versus non-diabetics by 2-fold.

Thus, antioxidant therapy has been suggested to be an effective way of managing the detrimental effects of oxidative stress on the development of T2DM and related vascular complications. Curcuminoids (including curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin) are turmeric-extracted polyphenolic pigments that are known for numerous health benefits. Several studies have reported strong antioxidant activity of curcuminoids against lipid peroxidation, hydroxyl and superoxide radicals, and improved activities of enzymatic antioxidants.
Objective:

To investigate the antioxidant properties of bioavailability-improved preparations of curcuminoids in diabetic patients.

Study Design:
  • In this 3-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 118 diabetic patients were randomized to receive Curcumin C3 Complex® (1000 mg/day) and BioPerine® (10 mg/day) or matching placebo
  • Overnight fasting blood samples were collected at baseline and at the end of the study to evaluate change in oxidative indices (e.g. total antioxidant capacity, SOD activity and MDA levels)
Results:
  • A significant increase in serum total antioxidant capacity and SOD activity (p<0.001 both), whereas serum MDA level was found to be significantly decreased (p<0.001) compared to placebo
  • These results remained statistically significant after adjustment for potential confounders (baseline differences in body mass index and fasting serum insulin)
Conclusion

Overall, curcuminoids (Curcumin C3 Complex®) could be a safe and effective antioxidant supplement in managing oxidative stress-mediated progression of T2DM and its long-term complications.