The randomised, placebo-controlled, single-blind pilot trial gave 20 moderately active men 1 g of Phytosome from Italian supplier Indena twice a day which contained 200 mg of the antioxidant or placebo.
Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) was reduced in the curcumin group after all the men had taken part in a strenuous downhill running exercise.
Supplementation continued two days before and one day after the downhill run.
The curcumin group reported less pain in the lower limb as compared with subjects in the placebo group, “although significant differences were observed only for the right and left anterior thighs.”
“Increases in markers of muscle damage and inflammation tended to be lower in the curcumin group…”
The researchers concluded: “Curcumin has the potential for preventing DOMS, as suggested by its effects on pain intensity and muscle injury.”
Source: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition
2014 11:31
Authors: Drobnic et al