curcumin and Headache

Migraine is a disabling neurogenic disorder characterized by recurrent headache attacks. Adipokines act as inflammatory and pain mediators that contribute to migraine pathogenesis. Leptin and adiponectin levels change in migraine patients and are associated with headache attacks. Curcumin can exert modulatory and analgesic effects on adipokines through several mechanisms, from gene expression to suppressing pain. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of nano-curcumin supplementation on leptin and adiponectin gene expression, their serum levels and migraine symptoms in patients with migraine.. Forty-four episodic migraine patients enrolled in this trial were divided into two groups as nano-curcumin (80 mg/day) and placebo group, over a two-month period. At the beginning and the end of the study, the mRNA expression of leptin and adiponectin from isolated PBMCs and their serum levels were measured using real-time PCR and ELISA method, respectively. The headache frequencies, severity and duration of pain were also recorded.. The results of the present research showed that nano-curcumin can up-regulate adiponectin mRNA and increase its serum level significantly (P < 0.05). In the case of leptin, a reduction in gene expression and concentration was found in the nano-curcumin group but it was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Nano-curcumin also significantly reduced the frequency, severity and duration of headaches (P < 0.05).. These findings indicate that nano-curcumin supplement can be considered as a promising approach to migraine management and clinical symptoms improvement.

Topics: Adipokines; Adiponectin; Curcumin; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Gene Expression; Headache; Humans; Leptin; Migraine Disorders; RNA, Messenger

Most women experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) at their reproductive age. PMS is a combination of psychological, physical and behavioral changes that interfere with familial communication and social activities.. Different methods have been suggested for treating PMS and one of them is herbal medicine. This study was done to evaluate the effects of curcumin on severity of PMS symptoms.. This research was a clinical trial, double-blinded study. After having identified persons suffering from PMS, participants were randomly allocated to placebo (n=35) and curcumin (n=35) groups. Then each participant received two capsules daily for seven days before menstruation and for three days after menstruation for three successive cycles and they recorded severity of the symptoms by daily record questionnaire.. The baseline level of PMS symptoms of before intervention did not differ between groups. While after three consecutive cycles treatment with curcumin, total severity of PMS score had reduced from 102.06±39.64 to 42.47±16.37 (mean change: 59.59; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 46.19-72.99) and in Placebo, total severity of PMS score changed from 106.06±44.12 to 91.60±43.56 (mean change: 14.45; 95% CI: 2.69 to 26.22). Furthermore, difference between mean changes was significant (mean difference: 45.14; 95% CI: 6.10-14.98).. Our results for the first time showed a potential advantageous effect of curcumin in attenuating severity of PMS symptoms, which were probably mediated by modulation of neurotransmitters and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin.

Topics: Abdominal Pain; Adolescent; Adult; Curcumin; Double-Blind Method; Female; Headache; Humans; Irritable Mood; Phytotherapy; Premenstrual Syndrome; Young Adult