The effects of curcumin supplementation on glycemic status, lipid profile and hs-CRP levels in overweight/obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the current study was to assess the effects of curcumin supplementation on glycemic status, lipid profile and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) serum levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Design: This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 60 women who were randomly assigned to the intervention or control groups using block randomization.

Setting: Infertility referral center.

Interventions: Curcumin (500 mg/d) or placebo twice daily for 6 weeks.

Main outcome measures: Serum evaluation of lipid profile (triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol concentrations, LDL/HDL-C and TG/HDL-C ratios), glycemic index (fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin concentrations, homeostasis model of assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI)) and hs-CRP levels.

Results: Glycemic index, lipid profile and hs-CRP serum levels were measured at first and at the end of trial. Serum insulin (p = 0.020) and Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) (p = 0.003) were improved significantly, while Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) (p = 0.067) improved marginally in curcumin treated group (within group analysis).

Conclusions: Curcumin supplementation might be beneficial for improving serum insulin and QUICKI, however, future investigations are suggested in order to draw a firm link between curcumin and glycemia control.

Keywords: Curcumin; Hyperlipidemia; Infertility; Insulin resistance; PCOS; hs-CRP.