Meta-analysis of curcumin supplementation on exercise-induced inflammation and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
Yavari A, Javadi M, Mirmiran P, Bahadoran Z
Evidence is still building up
Summary
A meta-analysis of RCTs examining the effects of curcumin supplementation on post-exercise inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-α) and muscle soreness (DOMS). Curcumin significantly reduced inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway and significantly reduced muscle soreness scores at 24–48 hours post-exercise. However, the bioavailability of curcumin alone is very low (~1%), and co-administration with piperine (black pepper component) is known to increase absorption approximately 20-fold.
Key findings
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Significantly reduced post-exercise inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-α)
- 2
Significantly reduced DOMS scores at 24–48 hours post-exercise
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NF-κB pathway inhibition is the primary anti-inflammatory mechanism
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Bioavailability of curcumin alone is very low (~1%)
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Co-administration with piperine increases absorption approximately 20-fold
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