Endocrine Abstracts

Objective: Curcumin is the main natural polyphenol found in the rhizome of Curcuma longa (turmeric). Experimental evidence supports the activity of curcumin in promoting weight loss. This double blind randomized, controlled study aims to evaluate the effect of curcumin on anthropometric measurements in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: About 44 subjects were randomly assigned to receive either curcumin or placebo capsules for 10 weeks. The patients in the curcumin group (n=22) received 500 mg curcumin capsules three times daily, whereas the placebo group (n=22) received same dose of the placebo. At baseline and the end of week 10 anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist and hip circumferences) were determined according to standard protocol. The questioners of general characteristics and 24-hour food recall were completed by interview.

Result: The mean nutrient and fiber intake, drug intake and physical activity of patients did not change during the study. This study showed a significant reduction in weight in curcumin compared to control group (P=0.04) after 10 weeks of intervention. No significant difference was observed in waist circumference between two groups at the end of the study.

Conclusion: This study suggests that daily administration of 1500 mg curcumin has positive effect on weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Keywords: curcimin, turmeric, weight reduction, weight loss, diabetes