Curcumin Supplementation and Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS): Effects, Mechanisms, and Practical Considerations

Overview

Journal Phys Act Nutr

Date 2020 Oct 27

PMID 33108717

Citations 1

Authors

Wan-Young Yoon

Kihyuk Lee

Jooyoung Kim

Affiliations

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Abstract

Purpose: In this literature review we aimed to investigate the effects of curcumin supplementation on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), which occurs after exercise, and evaluate related parameters to propose practical recommendations for the field of exercise physiology.

Methods: Experimental studies conducted on curcumin supplementation and DOMS were systematically reviewed to determine (1) the effect of curcumin supplementation on DOMS, (2) potential mechanisms by which curcumin supplementation may attenuate DOMS, and (3) practical considerations for curcumin supplementation.

Results: While several studies have reported that curcumin supplementation attenuates DOMS after exercise, others have reported that curcumin supplementation has no effect on DOMS. Several mechanisms have been proposed by which curcumin supplementation may attenuate DOMS; the most probable of which is a reduction in inflammatory response. Other potential mechanisms include modulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) or changes in post-exercise capillary lactate levels; these require further examination. The usual recommended dose of curcumin is 150-1500 mg daily (sometimes up to 5 g), divided into 2-3 portions and taken before and after exercise. It is not necessary to take curcumin together with piperine.

Conclusion: Although conflicting results regarding the effects of curcumin supplementation on DOMS exist in literature, it may be considered as a method of nutritional intervention for reducing post-exercise DOMS.

Citing Articles

Evaluation of curcumin intake in reducing exercise-induced muscle damage in athletes: a systematic review.

Daniel Vasile P, Patricia M, Marta M, Laura E J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2024; 21(1):2434217.

PMID: 39623590 PMC: 11616758. DOI: 10.1080/15502783.2024.2434217.

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