Curcumin alleviates postprandial glycaemic response in healthy subjects: A cross-over, randomized controlled study

In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of a single dose of curcumin and/or fish oil on postprandial glycaemic parameters in healthy individuals. This was a randomised, placebo-controlled and crossover study. Sixteen (n=16) volunteers were randomised to receive placebo, curcumin (180mg) tablets, fish oil (1.2g long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) capsules and curcumin+fish oil prior to a standard meal on 4 test days separated by a week. Blood glucose, serum insulin and triglycerides were measured at intervals between 0-120min. Difference between the treatments was measured using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance and pair-wise comparisons using Wilcoxon signed-rank or paired t-test as appropriate. Postprandial glucose concentrations were significantly lower in the curcumin (60.6%, P=0.0007) and curcumin+fishoil group (51%, P=0.002) groups at 60min from baseline. Compared with placebo, area under the curve (AUC) for change in blood glucose concentration was reduced by curcumin (36%, P=0.003) and curcumin+fishoil (30%, 0.004), but not fish oil alone (p=0.105). Both curcumin (P=0.01) and curcumin+fishoil (P=0.03) treatments significantly lowered postprandial insulin (AUC) by 26% in comparison with placebo. Curcumin, but not fish oil, reduces postprandial glycaemic response and insulin demand for glucose control.