Effects of Curcumin Supplementation on Inflammatory Markers, Muscle Damage, and Sports Performance during Acute Physical Exercise in Sedentary Individuals

Abstract

Exhaustive and acute unusual physical exercise leads to muscle damage. Curcumin has been widely studied due to the variety of its biological activities, attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, it has shown positive effects on physical exercise practitioners. However, there is no literature consensus on the beneficial effects of curcumin in acute physical activities performed by sedentary individuals. Therefore, we systematically reviewed evidence from clinical trials on the main effects of curcumin supplementation on inflammatory markers, sports performance, and muscle damage during acute physical exercises in these individuals. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases, and only original studies were analyzed according to the PRISMA guidelines. The included studies were limited to supplementation of curcumin during acute exercise. A total of 5 studies were selected. Methodological quality assessments were examined using the SYRCLE’s risk-of-bias tool. Most studies have shown positive effects of curcumin supplementation in sedentary individuals undergoing acute physical exercise. Overall, participants supplemented with curcumin showed less muscle damage, reduced inflammation, and better muscle performance. The studies showed heterogeneous data and exhibited methodological limitations; therefore, further research is necessary to ensure curcumin supplementation benefits during acute and high-intensity physical exercises. Additionally, mechanistic and highly controlled studies are required to improve the quality of the evidence and to elucidate other possible mechanisms. This study is registered with Prospero number CRD42021262718.

Curcumin reduce creatine kinase (CK) levels without decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels after 24 hours of high-intensity physical exercise

“…The results of our study showed that the group given a placebo did not significantly reduce serum CK levels after 24 hours of high-intensity physical exercise, while the group with curcumin at a dose of 400 mg could significantly reduce CK levels after 24 hours of high-intensity physical exercise. Our research findings answer and confirm a literature study reported that curcumin has a positive effect on the inflammatory response and muscle damage (Dias et al 2021;Novadri Ayubi et al 2023). Although there was a decrease in serum CK levels which is a marker of muscle damage, we did not find a significant decrease in serum MDA levels in the placebo group or the curcumin group.…”

Herbs as an Active Ingredient in Sport: Availability and Information on the Internet

“…Finally, turmeric has been studied as a treatment in diseases where pharmacological therapy was not possible [78]. Its consumption is associated with an improvement in aerobic capacity and gastrointestinal functions; it also delays fatigue and has antioxidant properties [24,79,80].…”

12-week curcumin supplementation may relieve postexercise muscle fatigue in adolescent athletes

“…Many studies have indicated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin ( 2 , 14 , 31 ). Inflammatory mediators are released during immune system activation after EIMD, and curcumin may lower inflammatory mediator levels through the regulation of signaling pathways ( 2 ).…”