The Effect of Curcumin on Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: An Open Label Study, 2018, Visser et al

Andy · Jul 6, 2018

ABSTRACT

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), recently renamed as systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID), is a chronic and often disabling disease. Although the exact pathophysiological mechanism of ME/CFS is unknown, immunological abnormalities may play an important role. Curcumin is a herb with powerful anti-oxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, we hypothesized that curcumin has favorable effects on symptomatology in ME/CFS patients.

In total 52 patients participated, nine stopped the use of curcumin because of side effects. All remaining patients (n = 43) met the criteria for CFS; 72% met the criteria for ME. Before and 8 weeks after the use of curcumin complexed with phosphatidyl choline, 500 mg bid, the CDC inventory for assessment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome was filled in. The CDC questions (n = 19) were scored and divided into 2 parts: the first being specific for CFS complaints (n = 9), the second being scores of less specific symptoms (n = 10); denoted as CDC rest score. Results showed that 8 weeks curcumin use significantly decreased the CFS related symptom scores, but not the CDC rest scores. Analyzing the data separately for ME and CFS patients, the same significance for the CFS symptom scores was present.

Conclusion: in this open-labeled study, 8 weeks curcumin use in a phosphatidyl choline complex reduced ME/CFS symptomatology. Therefore, a randomized placebo controlled study is warranted to assess its efficacy in ME/CFS patients.
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Open access at http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=84389&#abstract

Londinium · Jul 6, 2018

Good overview of the current state of play of 'spice-based research' and inflammation here:

https://www.newscientist.com/articl...pices-is-it-time-to-ditch-the-turmeric-latte/

Trish · Jul 6, 2018

Looks like this is a small project run by a private medical centre and the company that produces the product. Very much a pilot study - no control, no blinding, subjective outcomes, short time span etc.

Snow Leopard · Jul 6, 2018

Trish said: ↑

Looks like this is a small project run by a private medical centre and the company that produces the product. Very much a pilot study - no control, no blinding, subjective outcomes, short time span etc.
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Exactly. These sorts of studies are suggestive of further study only, they are not generalisable treatment outcomes.

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The Effect of Curcumin on Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: An Open Label Study, 2018, Visser et al

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The Effect of Curcumin on Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: An Open Label Study, 2018, Visser et al

Andy Committee Member

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Snow Leopard Senior Member (Voting Rights)

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