Supplementation With Curcumin May Help Improve Working Memory and Fatigue

Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant. A recent study has found that supplementation with a high absorption curcumin may help improve working memory and fatigue. 

Eighty adults with an average age of 68 participated in the study. They took 80 mg of a high absorption curcumin or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. The researchers assessed cognitive function, mood, and fatigue at baseline, week 4, and week 12. 

Participants in the supplement group had better working memory performance and lower fatigue scores at weeks 4 and 12. They also had lower scores on tension, anger, confusion, and total mood disturbance, but only at week 4.

In addition, participants in the curcumin group had significantly higher blood glucose levels, although not high enough to indicate a risk of diabetes. The researchers noted that slightly elevated glucose levels have been shown to accelerate cognitive function.

The study was conducted by researchers from Swinburne University. It was published online ahead of print on June 4, 2020 in the journal Nutrients.