Adjunctive curcumin nano-micelles reduce overall pruritus intensity in refractory post-burn pruritus: A randomized...

Post-burn pruritus (PBP) is a common and refractory condition that can significantly impair quality of life (QoL). Curcumin, a bioactive compound with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, has been proposed as a therapeutic option for chronic pruritus. This study evaluated the efficacy of a nano-micelle formulation of curcumin in patients with refractory PBP. In this randomized controlled trial, 100 adults with PBP were assigned to receive standard treatment alone or with curcumin nano-micelle capsules (40 mg, twice daily) for 12 weeks. Outcomes included pruritus severity, frequency, distribution, sleep condition, sleep disturbance, total pruritus intensity, and QoL (ItchyQoL), assessed at baseline, week 6, and week 12. Analyses were performed using mixed-effects models with group, time, and group×time as factors. Both groups demonstrated significant within-group improvements in some pruritus domains. However, in the mixed-effects model, curcumin produced a significant between-group reduction in total pruritus intensity (adjusted mean difference -2.83; 95 % CI -5.54 to -0.11; p = 0.041). No significant between-group effects were observed for individual domains. Sleep condition improved with curcumin (adjusted mean difference -0.50; 95 % CI -1.04-0.03) but did not reach statistical significance. QoL improved significantly over time (time effect p = 0.045) in both groups, with a non-significant trend favoring curcumin (adjusted mean difference 2.85; 95 % CI -2.13-7.83). Adjunctive curcumin nano-micelle therapy significantly reduced overall pruritus intensity in patients with refractory PBP. Sleep and QoL outcomes improved in both groups, with trends favoring curcumin. Larger, longer trials with optimized dosing are warranted to confirm these findings.