Adjunctive Therapy with Curcumin for Peptic Ulcer: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pharmacology
• Natural Products

Background:

• Curcumin, derived from turmeric, shows promise in preclinical peptic ulcer models.
• Clinical evidence for curcumin's efficacy in peptic ulcer treatment is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate curcumin as an adjunct therapy for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication.
• To assess the impact of curcumin on dyspepsia symptom severity in peptic ulcer patients.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving peptic ulcer patients.
• Standard triple therapy for H. pylori eradication plus either curcumin (500 mg/day) or placebo.
• Dyspepsia severity assessed using the Hong Kong Dyspepsia Index (HKDI).
• H. pylori eradication confirmed via urea breath test (UBT).

Main Results:

• Curcumin significantly improved dyspepsia symptoms compared to placebo (p<0.001).
• A higher proportion of patients in the curcumin group experienced symptom resolution (27.6% vs. 6.7%, p=0.042).
• H. pylori eradication rates were similar between groups (73.3%).
• Curcumin was well-tolerated and safe.

Conclusions:

• Adjunctive curcumin therapy is safe for peptic ulcer patients undergoing H. pylori treatment.
• Curcumin effectively alleviates dyspepsia symptoms in this patient population.
• Curcumin does not augment H. pylori eradication rates when added to standard therapy.