Effects of Turmeric Concentrate on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress in Healthy Volunteers; an Exploratory Study

Abstract

Background: Evidence suggests that turmeric or curcumin intake can improve antioxidant defense, blood pressure, ageing and gut microbiota. The effects of turmeric concentrate (curcumin) intake on cardiovascular risk factors and exercise induced oxidative stress were investigated. Methods: A randomized placebo-controlled study was performed to assess the effects of turmeric extract in healthy volunteers before and after a 30 min exercise bout. Participants (n=22) were given either turmeric concentrate or placebo supplements. Anthropometry, blood pressure, pulse wave velocity (PWV), biomarkers of oxidative stress, perceived exertion and lipid peroxidation were assessed. Results: In the curcumin group, blood pressure response to exercise following curcumin was blunted and the increase was not significant compared to basal values followed by a decrease in final blood pressure and PWV values. There were no significant differences in all baseline parameters between the placebo and the curcumin groups (p>0.05). A significant increase was observed in urinary antioxidant power (p=0.031) and total polyphenol levels (p=0.031) post curcumin intervention. The distance ran by the participants taking curcumin was significantly longer (p=0.005) compared to basal value. Those who took the placebo did not show significant changes. Conclusion: Our study suggests that turmeric concentrate intake can reduce blood pressure and improve antioxidant, anti-inflammatory status and arterial compliance. Curcumin may improve exercise performance and ameliorates oxidative stress. Larger studies are warranted to validate these findings and test more cardiovascular risk factors.