Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory response to curcumin supplementation in hemodialysis patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

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Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory response to curcumin supplementation in hemodialysis patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Rodrigues et al., 2021 | Clin Nutr ESPEN | Rct

Citation

Rodrigues Hellen Christina Neves, Martins Tatiane Fagundes Pereira, ... Peixoto Maria do Rosário Gondim. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory response to curcumin supplementation in hemodialysis patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2021-Aug;44:136-142. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2021.06.006

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hemodialysis (HD) patients are vulnerable to malnutrition and cardiovascular complications due to many factors, including oxidative stress and inflammation. Curcumin supplementation is associated with attenuation of proinflammatory cytokines and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes, but its effects in HD patients are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of curcumin supplementation on oxidative stress and inflammation in HD patients. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 43 HD patients and divided them into two groups: supplemented with curcumin (1 g/day) or placebo (corn starch) for 12 weeks. Demographic information and blood samples were taken at the start and the end of the study to determine serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, antioxidant enzyme activity, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). RESULTS: The curcumin group showed a significant increase in catalase activity [Δ = 1.13 ± 2.87 versus Δ = -1.08 ± 2.68; p = 0.048] and preserved glutathione peroxidase activity [Δ = -4.23 ± 11.50 versus Δ = -14.44 ± 13.96; p < 0.01] compared with the placebo group. However, no significant changes were found in MDA concentrations, glutathione reductase activity, and hs-CRP concentrations after the intervention. CONCLUSION: Curcumin supplementation for 12 weeks had potential effects on antioxidant response, but it was not enough to reduce oxidative stress markers and inflammation in HD patients. This trial was registered at EnsaiosClínicos.gov.br under registration number RBR-2t5zpd.

Key Findings

The curcumin group showed a significant increase in catalase activity [Δ = 1.13 ± 2.87 versus Δ = -1.08 ± 2.68; p = 0.048] and preserved glutathione peroxidase activity [Δ = -4.23 ± 11.50 versus Δ = -14.44 ± 13.96; p < 0.01] compared with the placebo group. However, no significant changes were found in MDA concentrations, glutathione reductase activity, and hs-CRP concentrations after the intervention.

Outcomes Measured

  • C-reactive protein
  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 43
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Curcumin
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Renal Dialysis

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: curcumin-inflammation

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09