Francis AJ, Sreenivasan C, Parikh A, AlQassab O, Kanthajan T, Pandey M, Nwosu M. Cureus. 2024 Aug 25;16(8).

Curcumin, the key active constituent found in Turmeric, has been investigated for its potential neuroprotective effects. These benefits seem to be mediated primarily via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it a promising treatment for neurodegeneration. One limitation of curcumin is its poor bioavailability; however, this can be overcome with enhanced-bioavailability formulations that increase absorption through the gastrointestinal tract and the blood-brain barrier. Several trials have investigated the effects of curcumin on cognitive function in different populations, with positive results. This systematic review collated the results of these trials.

Results

Overall, the review found that curcumin significantly improved working memory across various adult populations, both in patients with neurocognitive disorders and in those without cognitive dysfunction.

• In total, 10 of the 11 included randomised controlled trials demonstrated statistically significant improvements in outcome measures for the curcumin groups, compared to placebo or other active treatment.
• Curcumin significantly improved working memory and mood in healthy older adults with no prior cognitive or psychosocial impairments (p<0.05), with a 20% improvement in cognitive performance.
• Curcumin significantly improved cognitive performance, verbal memory, and cerebrovascular reactivity (as measured by changes in blood flow to the brain), in adults with obesity and prediabetes (p<0.01).
• Curcumin showed significant improvements in cognitive and locomotive function, as well as a reduction in serum biomarkers (including brain-derived neurotrophic factor, beta-amyloid 42, tau protein, interleukin 6, and tumour necrosis factor-α), in adults with pre-existing cognitive impairment and dementia (p<0.05). Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) scores improved by 15% in this group.
• Curcumin significantly enhanced cognitive performance scores by 18% and attenuated serum inflammatory biomarkers in adults with major depressive disorder (p<0.05).
• Curcumin significantly improved cognitive function tests in adults with chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (p<0.05), with a good safety profile.
• One trial showed no statistically significant improvements; however, the study used unformulated curcumin, highlighting the importance of utilising bioavailable curcumin preparations.
• Altogether, the results demonstrated that curcumin supplementation leads to statistically significant improvement in cognitive performance and serum biomarkers for healthy adults, adults with metabolic dysfunction, adults with cognitive decline, adults with chemotherapy-induced cognitive decline, and adults with depression. These beneficial results are seen after several weeks of treatment.

The Bottom Line

By integrating curcumin into treatment plans, clinicians can offer patients a natural, potentially effective option for supporting cognitive health. As research continues to evolve, curcumin may become a staple in the arsenal against cognitive decline, providing hope for improved quality of life for many patients.