Curcumin Reduces Symptoms of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage, Study Suggests

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A new study published in BBA Clinical suggests Longvida optimized curcumin, supplied by Verdure Sciences (Noblesville, IN), may reduce symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). Researchers found that participants who consumed 400 mg/day of Longvida experienced a reduced increase in creatine kinase (CK) and inflammatory cytokines after a leg press exercise, compared to a placebo group.

“I am pleased to see additional support of Longvida’s efficacious capability to promote active lifestyle activities,” says Sonya Cropper, vice president of marketing and innovation, Verdure Sciences. “It is impressive to see a second clinical that supports Longvida’s impact on particular biomarkers that influence health.”

The study included 28 participants with a mean age of 20+/-1 in the curcumin group and a mean age of 19+/-2 in the placebo group. Participants were randomly assigned to consume either an oral curcumin supplement or a rice flour placebo for two days before and four days after performing an eccentric-only dual-leg press exercise. Researchers collected blood samples prior to the exercise, as well as at 1, 2, 3, and 4 days after the exercise. Blood samples were used to measure CK and inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10.

Among participants in the curcumin group, researchers observed significantly smaller increases in CK (–48%), TNF-α (–25%), and IL-8 (–21%) following EMID compared to the placebo group. No significant decrease were found for IL-6, IL-10, or quadriceps muscle soreness, although a larger sample size might reveal trending lowering effects for these markers, noted Verdure Sciences.

“Collectively, the findings demonstrated that consumption of curcumin reduced biological inflammation, but not quadriceps muscle soreness, during recovery after EIMD,” concluded researchers. “The observed improvements in biological inflammation may translate to faster recovery and improved functional capacity during subsequent exercise sessions.”

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Michael Crane
Associate Editor
Nutritional Outlook Magazine
michael.crane@ubm.com

References:

McFarlin BK et al., “Reduced inflammatory and muscle damage biomarkers following oral supplementation with bioavailable curcumin,” BBA Clinical, vol. 5 (June 2016): 72–78