Targeting cognitive aging with curcumin supplementation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience and Aging Research
• Pharmacology and Natural Products

Background:

• Cognitive aging presents a significant public health challenge.
• Curcumin, a turmeric-derived compound, is investigated for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential in supporting cognitive function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and conduct a meta-analysis on the effects of curcumin on age-related cognitive outcomes.
• To evaluate curcumin's impact on cognitive function in both preclinical animal models and human randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was performed across major scientific databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus) up to June 18, 2024.
• Included studies comprised in vivo preclinical animal studies (Alzheimer's disease models) and human RCTs.
• Meta-analytic techniques were employed for data extraction and analysis.

Main Results:

• In preclinical rodent models of Alzheimer's disease, curcumin significantly improved acquisition and retention memory.
• Human studies (10 RCTs, 531 participants) showed no overall significant effect on global cognitive outcomes.
• Subgroup analyses indicated significant improvements in working memory and processing speed, with a higher incidence of adverse events in the curcumin group.

Conclusions:

• Preclinical data suggest curcumin enhances cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease models.
• Human trial findings are inconsistent, with benefits observed only in specific cognitive domains.
• Further large-scale, well-designed RCTs are necessary to establish curcumin's efficacy and safety for cognitive aging.