Recovery effect of turmeric (curcuma longa l.) and black pepper (piper nigrum) in combination on futsal players

Introduction: There is considerable interest in understanding the physical demands of futsal players to achieve optimal performance.Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of curcumin and piperine supplementa-tion on the performance of futsal players after two consecutive intensive matches.Methodology: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled design was used in this study. Sixteen amateur futsal players participated and were randomly assigned to two equal groups. The experimental group received curcumin 100 mg + piperine 5 mg, while the placebo group received 105 mg of microcrystalline cellulose. Two matches were played consecutively 24 hours apart (2 × 20 minutes). VO2max was assessed seven days before the first match, while internal load heart rate was evaluated during both matches.To examine players' recovery, CMJ and sprint performance were measured at baseline, 24 hours after the first match, and at 24, 48, and 72 hours after the second match.Results: VO2max and heart rate were similar between both groups, indicating comparable fit-ness levels and internal load heart rate. Significant differences were found in CMJ (p<0.05) and sprint times (p<0.05) between the experimental and placebo groups at 24, 48, and 72 hours after the second match.Discussion: The results suggest that curcumin and piperine supplementation effectively en-hance recovery by reducing muscle fatigue and preserving neuromuscular performance after matches.Conclusions: The combination of curcumin and piperine enhances recovery and helps maintain performance in futsal athletes with demanding competition schedules