Oral curcumin for Alzheimer's disease: tolerability and efficacy in a 24-week randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study
Ringman JM, Frautschy SA, Teng E, Begum AN, Bardens J, Beigi M, Gylys KH, Badmaev V, Heath DD, Apostolova LG, Porter V, Vanek Z, Marshall GA, Hellemann G, Sugar C, Masterman DL, Montine TJ, Cummings JL, Cole GM
Published in Alzheimer's Research & Therapy
Methodology
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 24-week trial (with 24-week open-label extension) of oral curcumin 2 g or 4 g/day in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease.
Key Findings
No differences were found between curcumin and placebo on cognitive or biomarker outcomes; plasma curcumin levels were very low, consistent with poor oral bioavailability.
Conclusions
Oral curcumin was tolerated but showed no clinical or biomarker benefit in Alzheimer's disease at these doses.
Limitations
Small sample; poor bioavailability of the formulation used may explain the null result.
Supplements Studied
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
US National Institutes of Health / Alzheimer's Association
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