Document Type : Research Paper I Open Access I Released under (CC BY-NC) license

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Abstract

Aim: Curcumin is as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of curcumin supplementation on muscle damage indices following intensive eccentric exercise.
Method: Ten healthy, nonsmoking, active young men participated in this cross over study. Participants were randomized in a double-blind placebo-controlled fashion in two placebo (P), and curcumin (C) groups. After first blood sampling, subjects did a session of intensive squat exercise. Immediately after exercise, a second blood sampling was collected. Afterward, subjects took 150 mg curcumin or placebo, and sampling was performed 24, 48, and 72h after exercise blood sampling was done again. After a two weeks recovery period and with the change of supplements the test were repeated. Creatine Kinase (CK), and bilirubin were measured as muscle damage markers. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Range of Motion of the knee (ROM), and tissue swelling were measured at all time series.
Results: CK significantly decreased in C group 24h after exercise compared with the P group (P<0.05). Bilirubin significantly decreased in C group 72h after exercise compared with the P group (P<0.05). VAS  was increased in both in both group exercise, but showed significant decrease in C group compared with P group 48 and 72h after exercise (P<0.05).
Conclusion: It seems 150mg curcumin supplementation after a session of intensive eccentric exercise ameliorate pain and muscle damage through its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative properties..
 

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