Curcumin alleviates postprandial glycaemic response in healthy subjects: A cross-over, randomized controlled study

Sci Rep. 2018 Sep 12;8(1):13679. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-32032-x.

Abstract

In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of a single dose of curcumin and/or fish oil on postprandial glycaemic parameters in healthy individuals. This was a randomised, placebo-controlled and crossover study. Sixteen (n = 16) volunteers were randomised to receive placebo, curcumin (180 mg) tablets, fish oil (1.2 g long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) capsules and curcumin + fish oil prior to a standard meal on 4 test days separated by a week. Blood glucose, serum insulin and triglycerides were measured at intervals between 0-120 min. Difference between the treatments was measured using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance and pair-wise comparisons using Wilcoxon signed-rank or paired t-test as appropriate. Postprandial glucose concentrations were significantly lower in the curcumin (60.6%, P = 0.0007) and curcumin + fishoil group (51%, P = 0.002) groups at 60 min from baseline. Compared with placebo, area under the curve (AUC) for change in blood glucose concentration was reduced by curcumin (36%, P = 0.003) and curcumin + fishoil (30%, 0.004), but not fish oil alone (p = 0.105). Both curcumin (P = 0.01) and curcumin + fishoil (P = 0.03) treatments significantly lowered postprandial insulin (AUC) by 26% in comparison with placebo. Curcumin, but not fish oil, reduces postprandial glycaemic response and insulin demand for glucose control.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Glucose / drug effects*
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Curcumin / therapeutic use*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / metabolism
  • Female
  • Fish Oils / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Insulin / metabolism
  • Male
  • Postprandial Period / drug effects*
  • Triglycerides / metabolism

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Fish Oils
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin
  • Triglycerides
  • Curcumin