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Efficacy of a curcumin extract (Curcugen™) on gastrointestinal symptoms and intestinal microbiota in adults with self-reported digestive complaints: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Lopresti, Adrian L., Smith, Stephen J., Rea, Alethea, Michel, Shavon·2021·BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies
DOI 10.1186/s12906-021-03220-6
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Abstract

Background: There is preliminary evidence to suggest curcumin can alleviate digestive symptoms in adults with self-reported digestive complaints and irritable bowel syndrome. However, in all these trials, curcumin was used as a component of a multi-herbal combination and there were consistent concerns associated with risk of bias in most studies. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of a curcumin extract (Curcugen™) on gastrointestinal symptoms, mood, and overall quality of life in adults presenting with self-reported digestive complaints. Moreover, to determine the potential therapeutic mechanisms of action associated with curcumin, its effects on intestinal microbiota and small intestinal bowel overgrowth (SIBO) were examined. Methods: In this 8-week, parallel-group, double-blind, randomised controlled trial, 79 adults with self-reported digestive complaints were recruited and randomised to receive either a placebo or 500 mg of the curcumin extract, Curcugen™. Outcome measures included the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), intestinal microbial profile (16S rRNA), Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale – 21 (DASS-21), Short Form-36 (SF-36), and SIBO breath test. Results: Based on self-report data collected from 77 participants, curcumin was associated with a significantly greater reduction in the GSRS total score compared to the placebo. There was also a greater reduction in the DASS-21 anxiety score. No other significant between-group changes in self-report data were identified. An examination of changes in the intestinal microbial profile and SIBO test revealed curcumin had no significant effect on these parameters. Curcumin was well-tolerated with no significant adverse events. Conclusions: The curcumin extract, Curcugen™, administered for 8 weeks at a dose of 500 mg once daily was associated with greater improvements in digestive complaints and anxiety levels in adults with self-reported digestive complaints. Compared to the placebo, there were no significant changes in intestinal microbiota or SIBO; however, further research using larger samples and testing methods that allow more detailed microbial analyses will be important. An investigation into other potential mechanisms associated with curcumin’s gastrointestinal-relieving effects will also be important such as examining its influence on the intestinal barrier function, inflammation, neurotransmitter activity, and visceral sensitivity. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, Trial ID.ACTRN12619001236189. Registered 6 September 2019.

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Metadata

Authors
Lopresti, A. L., Smith, S. J., Rea, A., & Michel, S.
ORCID
Lopresti, Adrian L.
Venue
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2021-01-21
Volume
21
Issue
1
ISSN
2662-7671
DOI
10.1186/s12906-021-03220-6
Cited by
72
References
8
Language
en
Licence
Funders
Dolcas-Biotech

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CoChat. (2026). Citation check: Efficacy of a curcumin extract (Curcugen™) on gastrointestinal symptoms and intestinal microbiota in adults with self-reported digestive complaints: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. https://app.cochat.ai/papers/10.1186/s12906-021-03220-6
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Lopresti, A. L., Smith, S. J., Rea, A., & Michel, S. (2021). Efficacy of a curcumin extract (Curcugen™) on gastrointestinal symptoms and intestinal microbiota in adults with self-reported digestive complaints: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-021-03220-6

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