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. 2020 Nov 6;9(11):1092.
doi: 10.3390/antiox9111092.

Antioxidant Potential of Curcumin-A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

Karolina Jakubczyk  1 , Aleksandra Drużga  1 , Janda Katarzyna  1 , Karolina Skonieczna-Żydecka  1
Affiliations

Antioxidant Potential of Curcumin-A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

Karolina Jakubczyk et al. Antioxidants (Basel). .

Abstract

Background: Antioxidant potential is defined as the ability to neutralize oxygen free radicals that are generated in excess due to environmental influences. The body's defense mechanisms often require support in preventing the effects of oxidative stress. The literature data suggest that curcumin has antioxidant activity that can significantly reduce oxidative stress levels. The aim was to assess the impact of curcumin on oxidative stress markers.

Methods: PubMed and Embase were searched from database inception until 27 September 2019 for randomized clinical trials in >20 patients treated with curcumin supplements and randomized to placebo/no intervention/physical activity to verify the antioxidant potential of curcumin.

Results: Four studies were included in the meta-analysis, three of which were double-blind and one single-blind. A total of 308 participants took part in the research. A total of 40% of the respondents were men. The average age of participants was 27.60 ± 3.79 years. The average supplementation time was 67 days and the average dose of curcumin administered was 645 mg/24 h. Curcumin significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (SMD = 2.696, Z = 2.003, CI = 95%, p = 0.045) and had a tendency to decrease malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration (SMD = -1.579, Z = -1.714, CI = 95%, p = 0.086).

Conclusions: Pure curcumin has the potential to reduce MDA concentration and increase total antioxidant capacity.

Keywords: Indian saffron; antioxidant; curcumin; meta-analysis; oxidative stress; polyphenol; turmeric.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Study flow chart.
Figure 2
Figure 2
An effect size standardized mean difference, for MDA at endpoint in persons taking curcumin vs. controls (endpoint data). Q = 53.330, df(Q) = 2, p = 0.000, I-squared = 96.250.
Figure 3
Figure 3
An effect size standardized mean difference, for TAC at endpoint in persons taking curcumin vs. controls (endpoint data). Q = 90.804, df(Q) = 2, p = 0.000, I-squared = 97.797.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Funnel plot for endpoint MDA (SMD) in present meta-analysis.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Funnel plot for endpoint TCA (SMD) in present meta-analysis.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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