Effect of Curcuma longa on vascular function in native Tamilians with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized, double-blind, parallel arm, placebo-controlled trial

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by increased central arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction leading to increased risk of cardiovascular complications. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Curcuma longa on arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This randomized controlled trial was conducted in 136 patients of type 2 diabetes. Among them, 114 completed at least one follow-up visit and included for data analysis. Arterial stiffness parameters were measured at baseline and every month for 3 months and endothelial dysfunction markers at baseline and after 3 months of treatment with C. longa or placebo. These parameters were compared between the two groups. Both C. longa and placebo groups were comparable at baseline. After 3 months of treatment, C. longa produced significant reduction from baseline in carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (p = .002), left brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (p = .001), aortic augmentation pressure (p = .007), aortic augmentation index (p = .007), and aortic augmentation index at heart rate 75 (p = .018) as compared with the placebo group. Three months treatment with C. longa significantly decreases arterial stiffness as compared with placebo in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.