Turmeric extract may improve irritable bowel syndrome symptomology in otherwise healthy adults: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) extract on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptomology in otherwise healthy adults.


METHODS
Partially blinded, randomized, two-dose, pilot study.


METHODS
Five hundred (500) volunteers were screened for IBS using the Rome II criteria. Two hundred and seven (207) suitable volunteers were randomized.


METHODS
One or two tablets of a standardized turmeric extract taken daily for 8 weeks.


METHODS
IBS prevalence, symptom-related quality of life (IBSQOL) and self-reported effectiveness.


RESULTS
IBS prevalence decreased significantly in both groups between screening and baseline (41% and 57%), with a further significant drop of 53% and 60% between baseline and after treatment, in the one- and two-tablet groups respectively (p < 0.001). A post-study analysis revealed abdominal pain/discomfort score reduced significantly by 22% and 25% in the one- and two-tablet group respectively, the difference tending toward significance (p = 0.071). There were significant improvements in all bar one of the IBSQOL scales of between 5% and 36% in both groups, approximately two thirds of all subjects reported an improvement in symptoms after treatment, and there was a favorable shift in self-reported bowel pattern. There were no significant differences between groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Turmeric may help reduce IBS symptomology. Placebo controlled trials are now warranted to confirm these findings.
Bundy
Rafe
R
Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition, School of Food Biosciences, The University of Reading, Reading, UK. r.bundy@reading.ac.uk
Walker
Ann F
AF
Middleton
Richard W
RW
Booth
Jonathan
J
D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D000368:Aged; D030024:Curcuma; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; C012596:turmeric extract