Is curcumin beneficial for blood pressure reduction? Study sheds light

Curcumin is reported to have several biological activities and pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, capabilities, and hepatoprotective effects. Arash Karimi, Ardabil University, Of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran, and colleagues summarized data from available clinical trials on the effects of curcumin supplementation on systolic BP and diastolic BP by conducting a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.

For this purpose, the researchers searched multiple databases using related keywords till November 2022. They chose the studies that examined the effects of curcumin on diastolic blood pressure and systolic blood pressure. The meta-analysis included seventeen eligible studies with a total sample size of 1,377 participants.

The authors revealed the following findings:

• The findings of the meta-analysis did not indicate any significant effect of curcumin on SBP (WMD = -0.06 mmHg) and DBP (WMD = -0.18 mmHg).
• In the dose-response analysis, the dose and duration of curcumin supplementation were found to be non-significantly associated with the reduction of SBP and DBP.
• Subgroup analysis revealed a significant reduction only in DBP levels (WMD: -0.76 mmHg) but not SBP in studies with ≥12-week supplementation.
• A significant reduction in SBP (WMD: -1.55 mmHg) and DBP (WMD: -1.73 mmHg) was noticed by curcumin supplementation in studies performed on women.
• Curcumin supplements in doses of 80 to 2400 mg/day over 6 and 24 weeks did not significantly change systolic blood pressure in comparison with the control group.
• Curcumin supplements in doses of 80 to 2400 mg/day over 6 and 24 weeks did not significantly change systolic blood pressure in comparison with the control group.

"The current study indicates that curcumin consumption may improve DBP when administered in long durations ≥ 12 weeks," the researchers wrote. "However, more trials are needed to confirm these findings."

Reference:

The study titled, "Effects of curcumin on blood pressure: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis," was published in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.numecd.2023.07.003