The effect of curcumin on blood circulation for healthy vasodilation

INTERVENTION: Participants are randomly allocated to one of three groups: Group 1: Participants ingest 50 mg of curcuminoids every day for 8 weeks Group 2: Participants ingest 200 mg of curcuminoids every day for 8 weeks Group 3: Participants ingest a placebo every day for 8 weeks At baseline and 8 weeks, participants in all groups undergo a flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) test. The FMD procedure will be performed using an Acuson Aspen Ultrasound System in order to determine the diameter of the brachial artery. All FMD measures will be taken in a quiet, temperature controlled room after a period of rest (20 minutes). An initial ultrasound image of the brachial artery diameter will be obtained and used as a baseline measurement. A blood pressure cuff will then be placed on the participant’s forearm and inflated to 50 mmHg above their resting systolic blood pressure, as determined during measurement of vital signs, to occlude blood flow to the hand and forearm for a 5‐minute period. After the cuff is released, the artery diameter will be monitored for 3 minutes using the ultrasound unit. The video clips will be analyzed using Medical Imaging Software which provides an average diameter for each clip. The final data will be expressed as the peak diameter compared to the pre‐occlusion baseline diameter, reported in both absolute units (mm) and as a percent change. Baseline artery diameter and maximal brachial artery diameter post‐occlusion will be used to calculate FMD pre‐ and post‐supplementation. In addition, a subset of analysis will be performed on subjects with =7% FMD to see the effect of two treatments compared to placebo. CONDITION: Assessment of cardiovascular risk ; Circulatory System PRIMARY OUTCOME: 1. Flow mediated dilation is measured using ultrasound scanning at baseline and 8 weeks in all participants; 2. Flow mediated dilation is measured using ultrasound scanning at baseline and 8 weeks in a subset of participants who had an FMD of 7% or lower INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Aged between 19 and 29 years inclusive 2. Meet the minimum recommendations for health and fitness by the American College of Sports Medicine 3. Non‐smoking 4. Free from any musculoskeletal, medical or metabolic contraindications to exercise 5. Have not consumed any nutritional supplements and/or ergogenic aids for the preceding 9‐week period and/or not have taken any anti‐inflammatory medications for the previous month 6. Good general health as determined by a health history questionnaire 7. Female participamt must be currently taking oral contraceptive or post‐menopausal (i.e. not pregnant) 8. Able to provide written and dated informed consent 9. Willing and able to comply with the protocol