Effects of nano-curcumin supplementation on oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, adiponectin, and NF-κB in patients with metabolic syndrome: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial

Background: Oxidative stress and inflammation are known to play a central pathophysiological role in the development and clinical expression of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Curcumin, a yellow polyphenolic compound extracted from turmeric, has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of nano-micelle curcumin on oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, adiponectin, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) in patients with MetS.Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, clinical trial, 50 patients with metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned into the nano-micelle curcumin and the placebo groups to receive either 80 mg/day nano-curcumin or placebo for 12 weeks.Results: The mean malondialdehyde (MDA) level decreased in the nano-micelle curcumin group compared to the baseline (8.07 & PLUSMN; 3.14 vs. 6.39 & PLUSMN; 2.11; p < 0.05). Also, the mean adiponectin level improved in the nano-micelle curcumin group (2.62 & PLUSMN; 0.13 vs. 2.96 & PLUSMN; 0.15; p < 0.05). Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) increased significantly in both arms of the study. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups for MDA, TAC, and adiponectin after the intervention. There were no significant differences in other parameters, including high sensitive-C reactive protein (hs-CRP) and NF-kB within and between groups.Conclusion: A 12-week supplementation with 80 mg/day nano-micelle curcumin could improve MDA, TAC, and adiponectin within nano-micelle curcumin, but it had no significant effects on hs-CRP and NF-kappa B within and between groups.