Effects of phytosomal curcumin on anthropometric parameters, insulin resistance, cortisolemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease indices: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Arrigo F G Cicero,Federica Fogacci,Claudio Borghi,Amirhossein Sahebkar,Marilisa Bove,Marina Giovannini

doi:10.1007/s00394-019-01916-7

Abstract

PurposeCurcumin has shown to exert a positive impact on human glucose metabolism, even if its bioavailability is usually very low. The present study aimed to explore the effect of phosphatidylserine- and piperine-containing curcumin phytosomes on a large number of metabolic parameters related to insulin resistance, in the context of a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial involving 80 overweight subjects with suboptimal fasting plasma glucose.MethodsSubjects were randomized to be treated with indistinguishable tablets (2 per day, to be taken after dinner) containing 800 mg phytosomal curcumin (Curserin®: 200 mg curcumin, 120 mg phosphatidylserine, 480 mg phosphatidylcholine and 8 mg piperine from Piper nigrum L. dry extract) for 8 weeks.ResultsAfter 56-day treatment, the curcumin-treated group experienced a significant improvement in fasting plasma insulin (FPI), HOMA index, waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides (TG), HDL-C, liver transaminases, gamma-GT, index of liver steatosis and serum cortisol compared to the baseline. FPI, TG, liver transaminases, fatty liver index and serum cortisol level also significantly improved compared with the placebo-treated group. Compared to the baseline, at the end of the study placebo group experienced an improvement only in FPG and TG.ConclusionIn conclusion, the present trial shows that supplementation with a phytosomal preparation of curcumin containing phosphatidylserine and piperine could improve glycemic factors, hepatic function and serum cortisol levels in subjects with overweight and impaired fasting glucose.

Highlights

Overweight and obesity, in particular in the form of abdominal adiposity, are known to be closely associated with increased morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular disease [1]
Findings of the present study revealed a significant improvement in glycemic and hepatic function indices along with serum cortisol concentrations following supplementation with a phytosomal preparation of curcumin in overweight subjects with suboptimal fasting plasma glucose (FPG)
These findings have an important implication for the management of patients with overweight and obesity, metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), all of which being public health

Summary

Introduction

Overweight and obesity, in particular in the form of abdominal adiposity, are known to be closely associated with increased morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular disease [1]. Several lines of evidence have revealed the interrelation between overweight and obesity and a number of cardiometabolic disorders including type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) [2]. Control of glucose and lipid abnormalities in overweight and obese individuals is integral to prevent cardiovascular disease development. Several plant-derived compounds have been shown to be efficacious in managing type 2 diabetes [3], dyslipidemia [4] and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Among these nutraceuticals, curcumin is of particular importance owing to its anti-diabetic [6], anti-lipid-lowering [7] and hepatoprotective [8] actions. Curcumin exerts its insulin-sensitizing actions through activation of insulin receptors, increasing insulin-independent glucose uptake by pancreatic β cells, increasing lipoprotein lipase activity, antiinflammatory effects in adipose tissue and enhancement of adipokines [10]

Methods

Results

Conclusion