The Effect of Curcumin Supplementation on Exercise Performance and Inflammation in Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.

2 Olympic Studies Research Group (GPEO), School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Abstract

Introduction: Curcumin, a polyphenol with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has been associated with its potential to improve muscle recovery and well-being in athletes. This study aimed to evaluate, through a systematic literature review, the impact of curcumin supplementation on physical performance and inflammatory biomarkers in healthy individuals. Methods: The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol guidelines. Nineteen randomized clinical trials that evaluated oral curcumin supplementation compared to placebo were selected. The Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome strategy was used, considering healthy populations, curcumin interventions, and outcomes related to physical performance and inflammatory biomarkers. Results: Nineteen randomized clinical trials that evaluated the effect of curcumin supplementation in healthy individuals were included. Some studies have indicated that curcumin had a positive impact on sports performance biomarkers, such as maximum oxygen consumption and extension power, in addition to reducing inflammatory markers, such as interleukin-6 and creatine kinase. However, after meta-analysis, it was seen that these changes were not significant and that there was high heterogeneity between the studies. Conclusion: The results indicated that curcumin supplementation did not promote significant improvements in aerobic performance, muscle strength or inflammatory biomarkers. The lack of consistent effects was attributed to the high heterogeneity of the studies, differences in dosages and characteristics of the populations analyzed.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Nutrition,Fasting and Health

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 26 October 2025

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History

  • Receive Date: 14 January 2025
  • Revise Date: 03 September 2025
  • Accept Date: 26 October 2025

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