Safety assessment and gastrointestinal tolerance of a novel highly bioavailable turmeric extract formulation: A randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Recent advances have led the development of turmeric formulations providing notable blood levels of curcuminoids following ingestion. However, there is a lack of clinical trials confirming the tolerability and safety of these formulations after repeated consumption by healthy subjects, as previous studies have primarily focused on efficacy and safety in subjects with health conditions. This randomised controlled trial assessed the gastrointestinal tolerance and safety of a novel turmeric extract formulation (TF) in healthy adults. Sixty subjects were assigned to either the TF group, receiving 1000 mg or placebo group (maltodextrin), once daily for 5 weeks. The study evaluated: gastrointestinal tolerance [including bloating, abdominal cramping, stomach noises, flatulence, frequency and consistency of stools and perception of Gastrointestinal Quality of Life (GIQLI)], a comprehensive analysis of haematology, clinical biochemistry and urinalysis parameters, vital signs, and a record of adverse events (AEs). No statistically significant differences were observed in gastrointestinal tolerance between the groups. Clinical parameters were not adversely affected by TF consumption, and the incidence and severity of AEs were similar in both groups. In conclusion, daily oral consumption of 1000 mg TF, thus exceeding the recommended 300 mg dose, was well tolerated and safe in healthy adults over the 5-week period.