Nano-curcumin supplementation for the management of migraine: A systematic scoping review and meta-analysis

Objectives

Migraine is a common neurological disorder contributing significantly to global disability. Nano-curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, has emerged as a promising candidate for migraine prophylaxis. Herein, we assessed the effects of nano-curcumin supplementation on headache attack, severity, and duration in adult patients.

Methods

Five biomedical databases were searched until March 2024 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). 13 records fulfilled the inclusion criteria, eight of which were considered for meta-analysis. The risk of bias was assessed using ROB2. Outcomes were quantified using both Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) and Mean Difference (MD) along with the 95 % Confidence Intervals (CIs). Pooled intervention effects were estimated using both common-effects and random-effects models.

Results

Our analysis revealed that 80 mg nano-curcumin supplementation per day for two months in young adults reduced migraine attacks (SMD −0.55; 95 % CI: −1.07 to −0.02), severity (SMD −0.64; 95 % CI: −1.10 to −0.19), and duration (MD −2.90; 95 % CI: −4.66 to −1.13) when compared with placebo. When combined with nutraceuticals such as omega-3 and coenzyme Q10, nano-curcumin demonstrated enhanced efficacy in reducing migraine attacks (SMD 1.19; 95 % CI: 0.90–1.48). Among those who received nano-curcumin supplementation only, a before and after intervention analysis showed a reduction in migraine attacks (SMD −0.77; 95 % CI: −1.00 to −0.54), severity (SMD −0.92; 95 % CI: −1.50 to −0.33), and duration (SMD −0.63; 95 % CI: −1.05 to −0.20).

Conclusions

Evidence from literature suggests that nano-curcumin supplementation might be effective in reducing migraine symptoms. However, caution is advised, and further research is recommended to confirm these findings, considering the single institutional source of all studies.