Curcuma Shows Promising Results Against Indigestion, Rivaling Proton Pump Inhibitors

Recent findings suggest that curcumin, a substance found in turmeric, may hold promise as a treatment for indigestion, rivaling traditionally prescribed medications for reducing excess gastric acid. This revelation comes from a study published in the BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine.

Turmeric

Turmeric

Origins and Benefits of Curcuma

Derived from the Curcuma longa plant’s root, curcuma contains an active compound called curcumin. This compound is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and has long been utilized as a medicinal remedy, particularly for treating indigestion. It’s this specific natural compound that’s being explored as an alternative to omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that curtails gastric acid production.

PPIs, including omeprazole (Prilosec), are routinely employed for treating functional dyspepsia. This condition’s symptoms encompass a feeling of undue fullness after eating, a sense of fullness after consuming only a small quantity of food, and post-meal pain or burning in the stomach. However, long-term PPI usage is linked with increased fracture risk, nutritional deficiencies, dementia, and heightened infection susceptibility.

Read Also: Curcumin Present in Turmeric Propels the Growth of Cultured Blood Vessels

The Study’s Design and Findings

This research, involving 206 participants aged between 18 and 70 experiencing recurrent stomach discomfort of unidentified cause, was conducted over 28 days. Participants were allocated to one of three treatment groups:

  • Curcuma (two 250 mg curcumin capsules taken four times daily) and a placebo capsule (69 Patients).
  • Omeprazole (a single 20 mg capsule daily) and two placebo capsules taken four times daily (68 Patients).
  • A combination of curcumin and omeprazole (69 Patients).

By the study’s conclusion, 151 participants completed the entire duration. The severity of dyspepsia was gauged using the Severity of Dyspepsia Assessment (SODA) score. Evaluations were conducted after 28 days and again after 56 days. Significant reductions in symptom severity were noted in all groups, with combined treatment, curcumin alone, and omeprazole alone all showing promising results.

Notably, satisfaction scores remained mostly consistent for curcumin users throughout the study. The researchers speculate this could be due to curcumin’s taste and/or odor. No severe side effects were reported. However, liver function tests indicated a degree of deterioration in overweight curcumin users at the study’s outset.

Final thoughts

While this study is relatively brief and involves a modest sample size, it adds to the growing body of evidence supporting Curcuma and curcumin’s therapeutic benefits. Researchers are already considering its potential integration into clinical practice.

References

Kongkam, P., Khongkha, W., Lopimpisuth, C., Chumsri, C., Kosarussawadee, P., Phutrakool, P., … & Pongpirul, K. (2023). Curcumin and proton pump inhibitors for functional dyspepsia: a randomised, double blind controlled trial. BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine. Retrieved from https://ebm.bmj.com/content/early/2023/07/26/bmjebm-2022-112231

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