The effects of curcumin supplementation on type 2 diabetes physiological and biochemical markers in healthy volunteers.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the current study is to examine the effects of 7 day 1.9g curcumin supplementation on blood pressure, glucose disposal, cholesterol, arterial stiffness and endothelial function, which are characterised as the key biochemical and physiological markers of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, in healthy volunteers. Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder which is thought to contribute to over a million deaths each year. The disease is currently incurable, therefore, the aim of current research is to help prevent and manage the disease. Curcumin has been used therapeutically for decades due to its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Preclinical studies show that curcumin could act as a pre-diabetic and help control the co-morbidities that accompany the disease such as high cholesterol, hypertension, insulin resistance, arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction. However, its research in a clinical population is relatively limited. Trial Design & Methods: This double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled trial included healthy individuals (n = 14) which met the screening requirements. All subjects were randomly assigned to receive either 1.9g/day curcumin (n= 7) or placebo (n= 7) supplementation for a period of 7 days. Baseline blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose disposal, arterial stiffness and endothelial function were measured for each participant. After 7 days of either placebo or intervention, participants were asked to return to repeat the tests performed at the baseline visit. The results from the two visits were compared and analysed to evaluate if the intervention had an effect on the parameters investigated. Results: The placebo had no effect on the parameters investigated. There was a significant improvement in glucose disposal after 7 days of 1.9g/day curcumin treatment (p=0.02). However, post-intervention results were not significantly different between the groups. Whilst there was a decrease in systolic blood pressure and arterial stiffness it was not significant. Endothelial function did slightly decrease, however, not significantly. A significant increase in diastolic blood pressure was seen (p=0.04), yet when compared to the placebo there was not a significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: Seven days of curcumin supplementation effectively improved glucose disposal in healthy individuals. No side effects or adverse events were reported during the duration of the trial. Thus, this study demonstrated that curcumin could be a safe and effective intervention in a pre-diabetic or diabetic population. Key words: Type 2 Diabetes, Curcumin, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Physiological, Biochemical.