Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 28, 2025
08:33
Induction and Assessment of Exertional Skeletal Muscle Damage in Humans
Published on: December 11, 2016
7.8K
Modulation of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage, Inflammation, and Oxidative Markers by Curcumin Supplementation in a
Diego Fernández-Lázaro1, Juan Mielgo-Ayuso2, Jesús Seco Calvo3
1Department of Cellular Biology, Histology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Valladolid, Campus of Soria, 42003 Soria, Spain.
Nutrients
|February 21, 2020
Summary
Curcumin supplementation effectively reduces exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and muscle pain, enhancing physical performance. This natural compound also modulates inflammation and oxidative stress markers in active individuals.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- High-intensity exercise, especially eccentric contractions, causes exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), leading to inflammation and reduced performance.
- Curcumin, a polyphenol from turmeric, possesses known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- The potential of curcumin to mitigate EIMD and enhance recovery in athletes remains an area of active research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and critically evaluate the efficacy of curcumin supplementation on exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and associated inflammatory and oxidative stress markers.
- To assess the impact of curcumin on exercise performance in physically active populations.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines across SCOPUS, Web of Science, and PubMed up to October 2019.
- Included studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing curcumin intake with placebo, with no restrictions on exercise type, participant sex, or age.
- Methodological quality was assessed using the McMaster Critical Review Form.
Main Results:
- Curcumin supplementation significantly reduced the subjective perception of muscle pain.
- Muscle damage markers, such as creatine kinase (CK), were decreased with curcumin intake.
- Curcumin intake led to improved muscle performance and modulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8).
- A potential, albeit slight, antioxidant effect was also observed.
Conclusions:
- Curcumin supplementation, at doses of 150-1500 mg/day, effectively reduces EIMD, alleviates muscle pain, and enhances exercise performance.
- Curcumin demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects by modulating key cytokines, contributing to improved recovery post-exercise.
- Curcumin is well-tolerated at high doses with no significant adverse effects reported in human studies.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
3.8K
Exercise significantly impacts cardiovascular response, which is crucial for understanding patient health and designing effective treatment plans.
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
3.8K
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
2.2K
Exercise induces a range of adaptations in muscle tissue, depending on the type and duration of activity. Such physical training can be broadly categorized into two types: endurance exercises and resistance exercises.
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
2.2K
01:28Inflammatory Response
15.7K
An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
15.7K