Further Evidence of Benefits to Mood and Working Memory from Lipidated Curcumin in Healthy Older People: A 12-Week, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Partial Replication Study

Abstract

Curcumin (a flavonoid isolated from turmeric) affects several processes involved in neurocognitive aging. We have previously reported that short term (4-weeks) administration of a highly bioavailable curcumin preparation (Longvida©) improved working memory and reduced fatigue and stress reactivity in a healthy older cohort. The present trial (ACTRN12616000484448) was a partial replication study, evaluating similar effects at 4 and 12-weeks Longvida© supplementation. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-groups trial was conducted. Eighty participants aged 50–80 years (mean = 68.1, SD = 6.34) were randomised to receive Longvida© (400 mg daily containing 80 mg curcumin) or a matching placebo. Assessment took place at baseline then following 4 and 12 weeks treatment. Outcome measures included cognitive performance, mood and biomarkers. Compared with placebo, curcumin was associated with several significant effects. These included better working memory performance at 12-weeks (Serial Threes, Serial Sevens and performance on a virtual Morris Water Maze), and lower fatigue scores on the Profile of Mood States (POMS) at both 4 and 12-weeks, and of tension, anger, confusion and total mood disturbance at 4-weeks only. The curcumin group had significantly elevated blood glucose. These results confirm that Longvida© improves aspects of mood and working memory in a healthy older cohort. The pattern of results is consistent with improvements in hippocampal function and may hold promise for alleviating cognitive decline in some populations.

An Exploratory Analysis of Changes in Mental Wellbeing Following Curcumin and Fish Oil Supplementation in Middle-Aged and Older Adults

“…The observed mood-enhancing effect of curcumin, i.e., increase in vigour, is consistent with previous studies study by Cox et al, which found reductions in fatigue following 4 and 12 weeks of supplementation in older non-depressed adults [ 9 , 10 ]. Furthermore, Cox et al found significant reductions in tension, anger, confusion and TMD following supplementation.…”

“…Furthermore, Cox et al found significant reductions in tension, anger, confusion and TMD following supplementation. However, these effects were only short-term and were not sustained after 12 weeks of supplementation [ 10 ]. In both studies, Cox et al supplemented their participants with 400 mg Longvida curcumin (80 mg curcumin) once a day; however, we chose to give this dose twice daily to ensure a sustained level of curcumin in the blood.…”

“…Participants were instructed to consume six capsules daily, two fish oil and one curcumin (or matching placebos) in the morning and again in the evening with meals, and to record their supplement intake in an assigned diary, together with any changes in medication intake. The curcumin supplement was identical to that used in the studies by Cox et al [ 9 , 10 ]. However, as our participants were supplemented twice a day, their total dose was double that used previously.…”

“…Curcumin, the main active polyphenolic compound of the curry spice turmeric ( Curcuma longa ), has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms in individuals suffering from depression [ 8 ] and, more recently, to improve mood in non-depressed healthy older adults [ 9 , 10 ]. In 2015, Cox et al showed that curcumin supplementation (80 mg per day) for four weeks significantly reduced fatigue and attenuated negative effects of a cognitive test battery on calmness and contentedness [ 9 ].…”

“…In 2015, Cox et al showed that curcumin supplementation (80 mg per day) for four weeks significantly reduced fatigue and attenuated negative effects of a cognitive test battery on calmness and contentedness [ 9 ]. In a partial replication study, Cox et al extended the curcumin supplementation and measured outcomes at four and twelve weeks [ 10 ]. Again, fatigue was shown to be reduced following four weeks as well as twelve weeks of supplementation.…”