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Curcumin does not significantly affect immediate skin tests
Lara M Gross1, Harold S Nelson2, Aastha Khatiwada3
1From the Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Dallas Allergy and Asthma Center.
Allergy and Asthma Proceedings
|November 6, 2022
Summary
Curcumin supplementation did not alter immediate skin-prick test results in allergic individuals. This suggests curcumin does not need to be discontinued before allergy testing.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, has demonstrated potential in reducing allergic symptoms and biomarkers in preliminary studies.
- Existing research suggests curcumin may possess anti-allergic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of curcumin on immediate hypersensitivity reactions assessed by skin-prick testing.
- To determine if curcumin supplementation influences the wheal and flare response in individuals with allergies.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 34 participants sensitized to specific allergens.
- Participants received either curcumin or a placebo for one week.
- Titrated skin-prick testing was performed before and after the treatment period to measure wheal and flare sizes.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant difference was observed in the size of wheals or flares between the curcumin and placebo groups.
- Curcumin supplementation did not impact the immediate allergic skin reactions.
Conclusions:
- Curcumin does not significantly affect immediate skin-prick test outcomes.
- Patients undergoing allergy testing do not need to discontinue curcumin use prior to testing.

