Curcumin for ulcerative colitis.

Fifty patients with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis that had failed to respond sufficiently to mesalamine were randomly assigned to receive, in double-blind fashion, 3 g per day of curcumin (in 2 divided doses per day before meals) or placebo for 1 month, while continuing mesalamine. In intent-to-treat analysis, the proportion of patients who achieved clinical remission (defined as a score of 2 or lower on the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index [SCCAI]) was significantly higher in the curcumin group than in the placebo group (53.8% vs. 0%; p = 0.01). The proportion of patients who had a clinical response (defined as a reduction of at least 3 points in the SCCAI score) was also significantly higher in the curcumin group than in the placebo group (65.3% vs. 12.5%; p < 0.001). Endoscopic remission was seen in 38% of the patients in the curcumin group and 0% of those in the placebo group (p < 0.05). No significant side effects were seen.

Comment: Curcumin, a compound present in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory activity. In a previous study, administration of curcumin reduced the recurrence rate in patients with ulcerative colitis in remission. The results of the present study indicate that the addition of curcumin to mesalamine therapy was effective for inducing clinical and endoscopic remission in patients with mild-to-moderate active ulcerative colitis that had failed to respond to mesalamine alone.

Lang A et al. Curcumin in combination with mesalamine induces remission in patients with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis in a randomized controlled trial. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2015; 13:1444-1449.e1.

by Alan R. Gaby, MD

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