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Abstract Background Curcumin, which is derived from turmeric root and is widely utilized in Asian cuisines, exhibits notable anti-inflammatory effects. Its consumption has proven beneficial in alleviating inflammation-related disorders such as ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and esophagitis. These anti-inflammatory properties might also provide advantages in reducing cardiovascular complications, such as atherosclerosis, which is particularly prevalent among diabetic individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin in decreasing the risk of atherogenesis in obese patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods The study employed a rigorous randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial design with 265 participants who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either curcumin capsules or a placebo over 12 months. The key metrics used to assess atherogenic risk reduction included pulse wave velocity and various metabolic profiles. These profiles included low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein ratio, uric acid, waist circumference, total body fat, and visceral fat. Measurements were recorded at baseline and at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month intervals throughout the treatment phase. Results After 12 months, participants receiving curcumin exhibited a significant reduction in pulse wave velocity (P < 0.001). Furthermore, this group also showed significantly reduced levels of various cardiometabolic risk biomarkers. These included low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein ratio, uric acid, waist circumference, and total body fat, all with P values less than 0.001. Additionally, visceral fat levels were reduced, with a P value of 0.01. Markers of inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) were also significantly lower in the curcumin group than in the placebo group, with P values less than 0.001. Conclusions The 12-month administration of curcumin to patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity significantly reduced pulse wave velocity and improved cardiometabolic risk profiles. It also demonstrated substantial anti-inflammatory effects with minimal adverse outcomes. These findings suggest that curcumin treatment may effectively reduce atherogenic risks in obese patients with type 2 diabetes. Trial registration Thai Clinical Trials Registry: TCTR20140303003 Clinical Perspective What Is New? Individual patient data from randomized trials of curcumin extract versus placebo, spanning a 12-month period and including a rather large sample size (n=227), are analyzed collectively. Curcumin extract use resulted in a significant reduction in pulse wave velocity and showed a significant improvement in cardiometabolic risk profiles. What Are the Clinical Implications? The efficacy and safety data from randomized clinical trials supports the use of curcumin extract over placebo for mitigating inflammation and improving cardiometabolic risk factors. Curcumin supplementation shows promise in protecting against atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases in patients with T2DM and obesity.
Yaikwawong et al. (Fri,) studied this question.