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Citation
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HERO ID
3157676
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
Curcumin supplementation likely attenuates delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
Author(s)
Nicol, LM; Rowlands, DS; Fazakerly, R; Kellett, J
Year
2015
Is Peer Reviewed?
Yes
Journal
European Journal of Applied Physiology
ISSN:
1439-6319
EISSN:
1439-6327
Volume
115
Issue
8
Page Numbers
1769-1777
Language
English
PMID
25795285
DOI
10.1007/s00421-015-3152-6
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Oral curcumin decreases inflammatory cytokines and increases muscle regeneration in mice.
PURPOSE:
To determine effects of curcumin on muscle damage, inflammation and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in humans.
METHOD:
Seventeen men completed a double-blind randomized-controlled crossover trial to estimate the effects of oral curcumin supplementation (2.5 g twice daily) versus placebo on single-leg jump performance and DOMS following unaccustomed heavy eccentric exercise. Curcumin or placebo was taken 2 d before to 3 d after eccentric single-leg press exercise, separated by 14-d washout. Measurements were made at baseline, and 0, 24 and 48-h post-exercise comprising: (a) limb pain (1-10 cm visual analogue scale; VAS), (b) muscle swelling, (c) single-leg jump height, and (d) serum markers of muscle damage and inflammation. Standardized magnitude-based inference was used to define outcomes.
RESULTS:
At 24 and 48-h post-exercise, curcumin caused moderate-large reductions in pain during single-leg squat (VAS scale -1.4 to -1.7; 90 %CL: ±1.0), gluteal stretch (-1.0 to -1.9; ±0.9), squat jump (-1.5 to -1.1; ± 1.2) and small reductions in creatine kinase activity (-22-29 %; ±21-22 %). Associated with the pain reduction was a small increase in single-leg jump performance (15 %; 90 %CL ± 12 %). Curcumin increased interleukin-6 concentrations at 0-h (31 %; ±29 %) and 48-h (32 %; ±29 %) relative to baseline, but decreased IL-6 at 24-h relative to post-exercise (-20 %; ±18 %).
CONCLUSIONS:
Oral curcumin likely reduces pain associated with DOMS with some evidence for enhanced recovery of muscle performance. Further study is required on mechanisms and translational effects on sport or vocational performance.
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