Curcumin in children with autism spectrum disorder: systemic inflammation, sensory regulation, and gut-brain interaction disorders. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (CURATEA)

INTRODUCTION: low‐grade neuroinflammation and gut‐brain axis dysfunction are key mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Curcumin, a polyphenol derived from Curcuma longa, exhibits anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroimmunomodulatory properties that may offer therapeutic benefits in this population. OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the effects of curcumin supplementation on systemic inflammation, sensory processing regulation, and gut‐brain interaction disorders in children with ASD. METHODS: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial was conducted in 60 children with ASD over eight weeks. Participants received either curcumin (3,000 mg/day) or placebo. Primary outcomes included high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and fecal calprotectin. Secondary outcomes included the General Index of Sensory Processing Regulation Dysfunction (IGDRPS) and Rome IV criteria for gut‐brain interaction disorders. RESULTS: the curcumin group showed significant reductions in hs‐CRP (‐83.8 %), ESR (‐42.3 %), and fecal calprotectin (‐73.7 %), along with a 49 % improvement in IGDRPS and complete resolution of gastrointestinal symptoms in 90 % of participants (p < 0.001). No adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: curcumin supplementation reduces systemic and intestinal inflammation, improves sensory regulation, and alleviates functional gastrointestinal disorders in children with ASD, supporting its role as a safe, cost‐effective adjunctive intervention within an integrative therapeutic approach.