Clinical Evidence

Curcuminoids modify lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled trial
Complement Ther Med.  2017 Aug;33:1–5
People with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are known to be at greater risk of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. Curcuminoids are bioactive principles obtained from turmeric and have been showing different pharmacological effects. Supplementation of curcuminoids has been reported to lower the incidence of T2DM in the paediatric population, lower the glucose levels in patients with established T2DM, lower the pro-inflammatory mediators in blood circulation, as well as lower of serum lipids. However, the curcumin is poorly absorbed upon oral administration due to its hydrophobic nature. Thus, several techniques were adopted to improve the bioavailability of curcuminoids for enhancing and availing its health benefits.

Objective:

To investigate the efficacy of piperine, an absorption-enhancer adjuvant, co-supplementation with curcuminoids on serum lipids level improvement in patients with T2D.

Methodology:

Adult subjects (N=118; aged 18-65 years) diagnosed with T2DM were randomized and allocated to either curcuminoid (500 mg of curcumin C3 complex® with 5 mg of Bioperine®, manufactured by Sami Labs Limited) or placebo capsule-receiving group for a period of 12 weeks. Anthropometric indices were measured by collecting overnight fasting blood samples.

Results and Discussion:
  • A total of 100 subjects (i.e., 50 in each group) had completed the study successfully and were available for analysis
  • At the end of the study, group of patients who received curcuminoids showed a significant reduction in body weight (p<0.001) and body mass index (p<0.001) while they were increased in the placebo group
  • Both the groups had shown a significant reduction in serum lipids – total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density and very-low-density lipoproteins
  • However, there was a significant reduction of serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and increase of high-density lipoprotein levels in curcuminoids received group only but not it the placebo group
Conclusion

The results concluded that supplementation of curcuminoids plus piperine in patients with T2DM for 12 weeks increased high-density lipoproteins and decreased serum Lp(a) levels, suggesting the benefits in cardiovascular risk reduction in such patients.