Curcumin supplementation improves the clinical outcomes of patients with diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) significantly contribute to global mortality, especially in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), necessitating effective preventive strategies. Curcumin is proposed to lower blood pressure, glucose level, and improve lipid profiles as an adjunctive treatment. The study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of Curcumin supplementation on clinical outcomes and ASCVD risk of T2DM patients. Seventy-two diabetic patients with an ASCVD risk score of ≥ 5% were randomly assigned to Curcumin group (500 mg Turmeric curcumin^® thrice daily + conventional therapy) or Control group (conventional therapy only). Curcumin significantly reduced SBP and DBP (P ≤ 0.001 and P = 0.020, respectively) and improved ASCVD risk classification (P = 0.004). LDL-C (P = 0.024), TNF-α (P = 0.044), and MDA (P = 0.028) levels decreased, while HDL-C increased (P = 0.024) versus control. No significant differences were found between groups regarding HbA1c, FBG, TC or TG (P > 0.05). Mild adverse effects were reported, including nausea (13.9%), headache (11.1%), yellow stool (11.1%), and diarrhea (5.6%). It is concluded that Curcumin improves ASCVD risk classification, lowers SBP, DBP, LDL-C, TNF-alpha, and MDA, increases HDL-C, and is well tolerated with minor adverse effects, without impacting on BMI, HR, HbA1c, FBG, TC, or TG.