Clinical Evidence

Effects of curcuminoids on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
   Phytother Res. 2021; 1-11. DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7179
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the third greatest cause of global burden of death and disability. Since it is more prevalent among young people, the economic, medical, and social impact of TBI is very high due to years lost, death or disability. Inflammation and oxidative stress are closely linked in critically ill patients resulting in brain tissue damage and cell death.
Objective:

To investigate the effects of curcuminoids supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, clinical outcomes, and nutritional status in critically ill patients with traumatic brain injury.

Methods:

A total of 62 ICU-admitted adult patients with TBI were randomly allocated to receive either a daily dose of 500 mg curcuminoids or matched placebo for 7 consecutive days.

Results:
  • The inflammatory markers – IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1 and CRP levels were significantly reduced in patients receiving curcuminoids
  • Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHEII) and Nutrition risk in critically ill (NUTRIC) scores were significantly improved in curcuminoids group
Conclusion

A short-term supplementation of curcuminoids may have a beneficial effect on inflammation, clinical outcomes, and nutritional status of critically ill patients with TBI.