The effect of curcumin and placebo on human gall-bladder function: an ultrasound study.
BACKGROUND
The extract of medicinal plants containing curcumin is traditionally believed to have a positive contraction effect on the human gall-bladder.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the effect of 20 mg curcumin or placebo on the gall-bladder volume of healthy volunteers.


METHODS
A randomized, double blind and crossover design study was carried out in 12 healthy volunteers (seven males and five females). Ultrasonography examination was carried out serially to measure the gall-bladder volume. The data obtained was analysed by paired Student's t-test.


RESULTS
The fasting gall-bladder volumes of 15.74 +/- 4.29 mL on curcumin and 15.98 +/- 4.08 mL on placebo were similar (P > 0.20). The gall-bladder volume was reduced within the period after curcumin administration. The percentage of gall-bladder volume reduction at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 h after 20 mg curcumin administration were 11.8 +/- 6.9, 16.8 +/- 7.4, 22.0 +/- 8.5 and 29. 3 +/- 8.3%, respectively, which was statistically significant compared to placebo.


CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of the present findings, it appears that curcumin induces contraction of the human gall-bladder.
Rasyid
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A
Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia.
Lelo
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A
D000328:Adult; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003474:Curcumin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005704:Gallbladder / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D003474:Curcumin