Modulation of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage, Inflammation, and Oxidative Markers by Curcumin Supplementation in a Physically Active Population: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Physical activity, particularly high-intensity eccentric muscle contractions, produces exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). The breakdown of muscle fibers and the consequent inflammatory responses derived from EIMD affect exercise performance. Curcumin, a natural polyphenol extracted from turmeric, has been shown to have mainly antioxidant and also anti-inflammatory properties. This effect of curcumin could improve EIMD and exercise performance. The main objective of this systematic review was to critically evaluate the effectiveness of curcumin supplementation on EIMD and inflammatory and oxidative markers in a physically active population. A structured search was carried out following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines in the databases SCOPUS, Web of Science (WOS), and Medline (PubMed) from inception to October 2019. The search included original articles with randomized controlled crossover or parallel design in which the intake of curcumin administered before and/or after exercise was compared with an identical placebo situation. No filters were applied to the type of physical exercise performed, the sex or the age of the participants. Of the 301 articles identified in the search, 11 met the established criteria and were included in this systematic review. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the McMaster Critical Review Form. The use of curcumin reduces the subjective perception of the intensity of muscle pain; reduces muscle damage through the decrease of creatine kinase (CK); increases muscle performance; has an anti-inflammatory effect by modulating the pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8; and may have a slight antioxidant effect. In summary, the administration of curcumin at a dose between 150–1500 mg/day before and during exercise, and up until 72 h’ post-exercise, improved performance by reducing EIMD and modulating the inflammation caused by physical activity. In addition, humans appear to be able to tolerate high doses of curcumin without significant side-effects.

Biochemistry, Safety, Pharmacological Activities, and Clinical Applications of Turmeric: A Mechanistic Review

“…In addition, because Ca 2+ is also the vital messenger for the TCR-induced NF-κB signaling pathway, it provides another mechanism by which curcumin suppresses the NF-κB activation [76]. A systematic review revealed that curcumin can make its anti-inflammatory effect by modifying several proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8) in a physically active cohort [77]. e mentioned action was also observed in an in vitro model of intestinal inflammation.…”

The Role of Selenium Mineral Trace Element in Exercise: Antioxidant Defense System, Muscle Performance, Hormone Response, and Athletic Performance. A Systematic Review

“…This result may be explained because of the high bioavailability of organic and inorganic Se supplements. The bio bioavailability is substantially higher the bioavailability of other antioxidant supplements such as curcumin, which is administered together with piperine as a bioavailability enhancer [7]. The Se supplementation intake of 180 or 240 µg/day (selenomethionine) and 200 µg/day (sodium selenite) may safely be used as an "enhancer" of the antioxidant defense systems.…”

“…During physical exercise, oxygen consumption increases between 10 and 15 times above the resting values and may trigger an elevated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) [6]. Under physiological conditions, antioxidant systems (enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems) neutralizes the harmful effects of ROS [7]. The selenoprotein family is encoded by 25 genes [8], and two of these genes encode the enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and the enzyme glutathione reductase (GR).…”

“…In circumstances of elevated consumption of oxygen, such as intense exercise, ROS may exceed the body's antioxidant capacity to neutralize them [7]. Probably, the risk of cellular injury caused by free radicals may be attenuated by the action of skeletal muscle antioxidant enzymes (GPx, GR, SOD, and CAT).…”

“…A prevention strategy to avoid the consequence of oxidative stress (OS) and reduce muscle damage may be the oral intake of antioxidant supplementation [7]. The activity of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPx), a highly-efficient antioxidant enzyme, is strictly dependent on the presence of its co-factor Se [16].…”