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Curcumin for the Treatment of Digestive Complaints in Adults

Effects of curcumin on digestive symptoms and intestinal bacteria in adults with self-reported digestive complaints: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ANZCTR
Registry ID
ACTRN12619001236189
Enrollment
79
Registered
2019-09-06
Start date
2019-09-06
Completion date
2019-12-20
Last updated
2021-10-18

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

None listed

Brief summary

In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 80 adults who are currently experiencing digestive complaints will be randomly assigned to receive capsules containing either a curcumin extract (500mg a day) or placebo for 60 days. We will assess change in digestive symptoms, intestinal bacteria, general mood, and overall quality of life.

Interventions

One capsule containing 500mg of a proprietary curcumin extract (Curcugen™) will be consumed once daily for 8 weeks by adults aged between 18 and 65 years. Adherence to capsule intake will be monitored through capsule return and count.

Sponsors

Clinical Research Australia
Lead SponsorCommercial sector/Industry

Study design

Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Subject, Caregiver)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1. Healthy adults (male and female) between 18 and 65 2. Mild-to-moderate severity gastrointestinal complaints as measured by the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) (total score between 10 and 29) 3. Medication-free for at least 3 months. Use of analgesics (once a week) or contraceptive pills are permissible. 4. Non-smoker 5. BMI between 20 and 35 6. No plan to change diet or commence new treatments over study period 7. Willing to complete an online informed consent form detailing all pertinent aspects of the trial 8. Willing and able to take prescribed curcumin/placebo capsules for 8 weeks

Exclusion criteria

1. Alcohol consumption > 14 standard drinks per week 2. Current or 12-month history of illicit drug abuse 3. Pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding or women who intended to fall pregnant. 4. Suffering from medical conditions including but not limited to: gastrointestinal disease, functional gastrointestinal disorder, diabetes, hyper/hypotension, cardiovascular disease, gallbladder disease/gallstones/biliary disease, endocrine disease, psychiatric disorder, and neurological disease (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s disease, intracranial haemorrhage, head or brain injury) 5. Currently taking curcumin supplements 6. Antibiotic use in the 4-weeks prior to study commencement 7. Current use of supplements that may affect digestive function, unless been on stable dose over last 60 days before baseline assessment 8. Currently taking prebiotic or probiotic supplements

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ANZCTR · Data processed: Feb 24, 2026