Oral curcumin for Alzheimer's disease: tolerability and efficacy in a 24-week randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study

• DOI: 10.1186/alzrt146
• Publication Date: 2012-10-29T18:02:40Z
• Authors: John M Ringman; Sally A Frautschy; Edmond Teng; Aynun N Begum; Jenny Bardens; Maryam Beigi; Karen H Gylys; Vladimir Badmaev; Dennis D Heath; Liana G Apostolova; Verna Porter; Zeba Vanek; Gad A Marshall; Gerhard Hellemann; Catherine Sugar; Donna L Masterman; Thomas J Montine; Jeffrey L Cummings; Greg M Cole
• Keywords: Tolerability; Curcuminoid; Placebo-controlled study

Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound derived from the plant Curcuma Long Lin that has been demonstrated to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as well on reducing beta-amyloid aggregation. It reduces pathology in transgenic models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) promising candidate for treating human AD. The purpose current study generate tolerability preliminary clinical biomarker efficacy data curcumin persons with AD.We performed 24-week randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled C3 Complex(®) an open-label extension 48 weeks. Thirty-six mild-to-moderate AD were randomized receive placebo, 2 grams/day, or 4 grams/day oral 24 For weeks through 48, subjects receiving continued same dose, while previously placebo 1:1 ratio grams/day. primary outcome measures incidence adverse events, changes laboratory tests Disease Assessment Scale - Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog) at those completing study. Secondary included Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), Cooperative Study Activities Daily Living (ADCS-ADL) scale, levels Aβ1-40 Aβ1-42 plasma Aβ1-42, t-tau, p-tau181 F2-isoprostanes cerebrospinal fluid. Plasma its metabolites up four hours after drug administration also measured.Mean age completers (n = 30) was 73.5 years mean Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) score 22.5. One subject withdrew (8%, worsened memory) 5/24 group (21%, 3 due gastrointestinal symptoms). associated lowered hematocrit increased glucose clinically insignificant. There no differences between treatment groups measures. native measured low (7.32 ng/mL).Curcumin generally well-tolerated although three symptoms. We unable demonstrate biochemical evidence this trial suggest limited bioavailability compound.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00099710.