Curcumin and Black Pepper Extract May Help Reduce Levels of Leptin

Leptin is a hormone that helps regulate and alter long-term food intake and energy expenditure. Previous research has found that it may also be associated with low level systemic inflammation. A recent study suggests that supplementation with curcuminoids and black pepper extract may help reduce levels of leptin.

Participants in the study included 62 people with traumatic brain injury. Half were given a supplement containing 500 mg of curcuminoids and 5 mg of black pepper extract or a placebo daily for 7 days. Leptin and adiponectin levels were measured at baseline and at the end of the study period.

Serum levels of leptin were reduced by 47.1% in the supplement group, compared to 22.8% in the placebo group. No difference was seen in levels of adiponectin.

The study was conducted by researchers from the Mashad University of Medical Sciences. It was published on June 14, 2020 in the journal Phytotherapy Research.