Effects of 8-week Theracurmin Super (TS-P1; Curcumin) supplementation on exercise-induced oxidative stress: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel clinical trial

Background: Given curcumin's antioxidant properties, this study aimed to determine the effectiveness and safety of Theracurmin Super supplementation in mitigating exercise-induced oxidative stress in healthy adults. Methods: Seventy-one healthy adults participated in this study, which was conducted at Seoul National University from April 2022 to March 2023. Eligibility was determined during visit 1 through maximum oxygen consumption assessed using the Bruce Treadmill protocol. In visit 2, participants were randomly allocated to either the Theracurmin Super supplement group (TG, n = 36) or Placebo supplement group (PG, n = 35). Over 8 weeks, participants consumed Theracurmin Super (curcumin, 120 mg/day) or Placebo (curcumin, 0 mg/day) twice daily and visited the laboratory four times. Various parameters, including body composition, vital signs, nutrition quotient for adults, cardiorespiratory endurance, blood biomarkers, and adverse events, were assessed at each visit. Statistical analyses included per-protocol analysis, t-tests for group and within-group differences, and two-way ANOVA. Results: In week 8, blood biomarkers linked to oxidative stress, including TBARs, MDA, 8-OHdG, SOD, TOS, and OSI, showed significant group- and week-related interactions (total oxidant status: resting state P = 0.021; oxidative stress index, resting state P = 0.020, end of exercise, P = 0.013). Notably, the TG showed a significant decrease in total oxidant status (resting state P = 0.041) and oxidative stress index (resting state P = 0.018 and end of exercise P = 0.008) between weeks 0 and 8. However, MDA and 8-OHdG levels did not show statistically significant changes. Conclusion: Theracurmin Super effectively reduced oxidative stress before and after exercise, highlighting curcumin's promising role in managing oxidative stress. Significant improvements in TOS and OSI were observed, although changes in MDA and 8-OHdG levels were not statistically significant. Further research could provide insights into these mixed results across different oxidative biomarkers. Trial registration: Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS): KCT0008731.