Potential of Curcumin to Reduce Serum Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NF-kB) Levels After High-Intensity Exercise

Abstract

The study aimed to analyze the effect of curcumin on serum NF-kB levels after high-intensity exercise. This experimental research uses a pre and post-control group design. Research subjects were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Following this, the subjects were divided into two groups: Group K1 with a placebo and Group K2 with a dose of 400 mg of curcumin. A total of 20 healthy men aged between 20-30 years participated in this study. On the first day, Data on the characteristics of the research subjects were collected. The subjects warmed up and did high-intensity training in squad exercises and leg presses with an intensity of 80-90% of maximum ability. The intensity of each research subject was determined using the one repetition maximum (1RM) test. 1RM is the maximum weight that can be lifted in one repetition of a movement. The exercise is performed in four sets of 10 repetitions with a recovery time of approximately 60 seconds between set. On the second day, 24 hours after high-intensity exercise, all subjects took blood samples (pre-test) and then were given intervention based on their respective groups. On the third day, 48 hours after high-intensity exercise, all subjects took blood samples (post-test). Blood samples were analyzed in the laboratory using the ELISA method with catalog numbers Human NF-kB ELISA kit E0690Hu. The results of this study reported that the group given curcumin after high-intensity exercise reduced serum NF-kB levels significantly (*p<0.05) compared to the placebo group. It can be concluded that the administration of curcumin at 400 mg after high-intensity exercise can reduce serum NF-kB levels. Reducing NF-kB levels is believed to lessen pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-a and is closely related to muscle pain after exercise. We recommend using curcumin as a natural ingredient that can potentially reduce NF-kB. In future research, we strongly recommend examining other inflammatory biomarkers, such as TNF-a and Interleukin. Keywords: Curcumin, Inflammation, Cytokines, Exercise, Health