Effects of curcumin-piperine supplementation on systemic immunity in young women with premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea: a randomized clinical trial

Introduction Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and primary dysmenorrhea (PD) are common gynecological complications and there is evidence that inflammation may be an important factor in their etiology. There is a relationship between PMS and PD with susceptibility to allergic disorders. We aimed to assess the effect of curcumin co-administered with piperine on serum IL-10, IL-12 and IgE levels in patients with PD and PMS. Materials and Methods A sample of 80 patients were recruited to this triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Participants were randomly allocated to curcumin (n=40) and control groups (n=40). Each participant received one capsule (500 mg of curcuminoid plus piperine, or placebo) daily, from 7 days before until 3 days after menstruation for three consecutive menstrual cycles. Results Serum IgE, IL-10 and IL-12 levels were quantified by using an ELISA kit. No significant differences were found between the two groups at baseline, including: age, BMI, and dietary intakes (P>0.05). Curcumin+piperine treatment was associated with a significant reduction in the mean serum levels of IgE [from 223.6±258.7 IU/mL to 161.3±240.7; P=0.001]; but there were no significant changes in the placebo group (P=0.12). Serum concentrations of IL-10 and IL-12 before and after the trial period did not differ significantly between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Curcumin plus piperine might be have positive effect on serum IgE levels with no significant changes on serum IL-10 and IL-12 in healthy young women with PMS and PD. Studies with higher doses and longer durations of treatment with curcumin are required to confirm these findings