Curcumin is an active ingredient in the culinary spice turmeric (Curcuma longa). This compound exhibits a broad range of biological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiproliferative and antimicrobial properties. According to new research, curcumin and omeprazole have comparable efficacy for functional dyspepsia with no obvious synergistic effect.
Functional dyspepsia is a frequently occurring disorder that can be caused by a variety of factors, with no evidence of other structural diseases that exhibit similar symptoms.
Although dyspepsia is common, many patients do not schedule an appointment with a doctor to treat this condition.
A quarter of patients with dyspepsia have symptoms that require specific treatment, while the rest do not have symptoms that define them as functional dyspepsia.
In a primary care setting, the initial approach for managing functional dyspepsia typically involves a combination of behavioral and dietary modifications, as well as over-the-counter medications.
Behavioral and dietary modifications aim to address triggers and lifestyle factors that may contribute to the symptoms.
Over-the-counter proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole are commonly recommended in several countries as a first line medication, but patients with persistent symptoms may require further medical attention to explore the possibility of Helicobacter pylori infection.
Turmeric has a long history of extensive use. This plant has a valuable active compound, curcumin, which is used both topically and orally for medicinal purposes.
While curcumin is commonly found in nourishing creams and cosmetics, it is also available in the form of powder capsules used for treating various gastrointestinal problems, including dyspepsia.
Recent studies suggested that curcumin may offer moderate improvement in dyspepsia symptoms compared with placebo. However, there is currently a lack of head-to-head evidence comparing the efficacy of curcumin with…
Read the full article here