Phytotherapy research : PTR
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Clinical Trial
Investigation of the efficacy of adjunctive therapy with bioavailability-boosted curcuminoids in major depressive disorder.
Current medications have limited efficacy in controlling the symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD), and are associated with several adverse events on long-term use. Curcuminoids are extremely safe and multifunctional phytopharmaceuticals that have been shown to alleviate depressive symptoms in a variety of experimental models. The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of curcuminoids as an add-on to standard antidepressants in patients with MDD. ⋯ There were significantly greater reductions in total HADS score and subscales of anxiety and depression in the curcuminoids versus control group (p<0.001). Likewise, reductions in BDI-II total score and scores of somatic and cognitive subscales were found to be greater in the curcuminoids compared with control group (p<0.001). Co-administration of curcuminoids with piperine may be used as a safe and effective add-on to standard antidepressants in patients with MDD.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Curcuminoid treatment for knee osteoarthritis: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.
Treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) is challenging owing to the inefficacy and long-term adverse events of currently available medications including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Curcuminoids are polyphenolic phytochemicals with established anti-inflammatory properties and protective effects on chondrocytes. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical efficacy of curcuminoids in patients suffering from knee OA. ⋯ With respect to WOMAC subscales, there were significant improvements in the pain and physical function scores (p < 0.001) but not stiffness score (p > 0.05). There was no considerable adverse effect in both groups. To conclude, curcuminoids represent an effective and safe alternative treatment for OA.
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Hypertrophic scarring is characterized by collagen overproduction and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. No consensus arises currently about the best therapeutics to produce complete and permanent improvement of scars with few side effects. In the present study, the mechanism of oleanolic acid (OA)-induced apoptosis in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFs) was investigated for the first time. ⋯ Moreover, OA increased Bax translocation, MMP loss, mitochondrial cytochrome c and AIF release, Bax and caspase-3 protein expression and the ratio of Bax to Bcl-2, decreased Bcl-2 protein expression, and elevated the mRNA expression of Apaf-1, caspase-9, and capase-3. These results suggest that OA elicits apoptosis through triggering of p38 MAPK and JNK signaling and activation of the mitochondrial death pathway. OA might be a good and useful natural drug against hypertrophic scars.
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The root of Angelica dahurica (Radix Angelicae Dahuricae, RAD), which contains coumarins and volatile oil as its main classes of active components, is often given in conjunction with Pueraria root (Radix Puerariae, RP), which contains the phytoestrogen puerarin. The two herbs are considered to be compatible 'herb-pairs' in traditional Chinese medicine. The present investigation investigates the absorption of puerarin from RP and the effect of the total coumarins and volatile oil from RAD on its absorption. ⋯ The absorption rate constant (K(a)) of puerarin increased gradually until the concentration reached 160 µg · mL(-1), after which its absorption became saturated and the apparent permeability (P(app)) values significantly decreased. The results showed that the intestinal absorption mechanisms of puerarin involved active transportation processes and that puerarin is likely to be a substrate of P-gp because verapamil significantly affected its P(app) and K(a). The absorption of puerarin significantly increased (p < 0.01) when combined with RAD extracts, as shown by the increase in concentration of puerarin in blood from the hepatic portal vein, supporting the concept of RAD and RP as a compatible herb-pair.
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Review Meta Analysis
Are curcuminoids effective C-reactive protein-lowering agents in clinical practice? Evidence from a meta-analysis.
Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this context, C-reactive protein (CRP) has been identified as a strong predictor and independent risk factor of CVD. Curcuminoids are multifunctional natural product with promising cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcuminoids have been suggested to lower circulating levels of CRP, but clinical findings have not been consistent. ⋯ Supplementation with curcuminoids may reduce circulating CRP levels. This effect appears to depend on the bioavailability of curcuminoids preparations and also duration of supplementation. Future well-designed and long-term trials are warranted to verify this effect of curcuminoids.