curcumin and Uremia

Gut dysbiosis is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is closely related to inflammatory processes. Some nutritional strategies, such as bioactive compounds present in curcumin, have been proposed as an option to modulate the gut microbiota and decrease the production of uremic toxins such as indoxyl sulfate (IS), p-cresyl sulfate (pCS) and indole-3 acetic acid (IAA).. To evaluate the effects of curcumin supplementation on uremic toxins plasma levels produced by gut microbiota in patients with CKD on hemodialysis (HD).. The oral supplementation of curcumin for three months seems to reduce p-CS plasma levels in HD patients, suggesting a gut microbiota modulation.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Cresols; Curcumin; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Female; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Indican; Indoleacetic Acids; Male; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; Renal Dialysis; Sulfuric Acid Esters; Toxins, Biological; Uremia

Uremic pruritus as a symptom that affects hemodialysis (HD) patients can decrease the quality of life and increase morbidity in these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of turmeric on uremic pruritus in HD patients.. This was a double-blind placebo-controlled trial conducted on 100 HD patients suffering from pruritus. Patients (mean age 53.3 ± 15.8 years) were randomized into two groups: turmeric and placebo. The pruritus score and biochemical determinants including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were compared before and at the end of the study between the two groups.. The mean decrease in hs-CRP was significantly higher in the turmeric than the placebo group (-0.8 ± 2.6 vs. 0.4 ± 8.7 mg/l, p = 0.012). Also reduction of pruritus scores was greater in the turmeric than the placebo group (13.6 ± 2.6 vs. 7.2 ± 2.6, p = 0.001). No side effect was observed during the study due to the use of turmeric.. This study demonstrates the possible efficacy of turmeric in decreasing hs-CRP and uremic pruritus in end stage renal disease patients. Future studies are needed to further evaluate the efficacy and safety of turmeric.

Topics: Adult; Aged; C-Reactive Protein; Curcuma; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Male; Middle Aged; Phytotherapy; Plant Preparations; Pruritus; Renal Dialysis; Rhizome; Severity of Illness Index; Uremia