The Effect of Curcumin Supplementation on Muscle Damage Factors and Muscle Soreness After Exercise in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and Purpose
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is widely recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Numerous studies have explored the effects of curcumin supplementation on markers of muscle damage and post-exercise muscle soreness in athletes. However, findings have been inconsistent, with some research demonstrating significant benefits while others report negligible effects. These discrepancies may be attributed to variations in study design, curcumin dosage, exercise type, and participant characteristics. For instance, certain studies suggest higher doses of curcumin yield greater reductions in pain and inflammation, while others find similar efficacy at lower doses. The present study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of curcumin supplementation on muscle damage markers and muscle soreness following exercise in adults. Specifically, the study sought to assess the impact of curcumin on biochemical markers such as creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and myoglobin (MB), as well as on pain perception and muscle recovery time. Given the relevance of these outcomes for athletic performance and recovery, the results can inform evidence-based recommendations for curcumin use in sports nutrition and recovery protocols. Additionally, this analysis provides insight into the biochemical mechanisms by which curcumin may alleviate exercise-induced muscle damage and soreness, setting the stage for future research.
 
Materials and Methods
A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, encompassing articles published in reputable English and Persian databases up to March 2024. The search strategy targeted studies investigating the effects of curcumin supplementation on muscle pain and muscle injury markers. Inclusion criteria focused on studies reporting serum levels of CK, LDH, and MB, as well as range of motion (ROM) and subjective muscle soreness. These markers are established indicators of muscle injury and recovery, with changes in their levels reflecting the severity of muscle damage and the efficacy of recovery interventions. Data extraction included study design, participant characteristics, curcumin dosage, intervention duration, and outcome measures. Advanced statistical techniques were employed, calculating Weighted Mean Difference (WMD) and Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) for each outcome, alongside 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) to assess precision and validity. The Random Effects Model was utilized to account for heterogeneity across studies, providing a more robust estimate of curcumin's true effect. This approach allowed for the integration of diverse study designs and populations, enhancing the generalizability of the findings and supporting practical recommendations for curcumin supplementation in athletic contexts.
 
Results
A total of 23 studies, including 564 subjects, met the inclusion criteria and were incorporated into the meta-analysis. The primary analysis revealed that curcumin supplementation led to a significant reduction in muscle soreness [WMD = -0.86 (95% CI: -1.08 to -0.64), P = 0.001], serum CK [SMD = -0.58 ng/ml (95% CI: -0.84 to -0.33), P = 0.001], serum LDH [SMD = -0.65 (95% CI: -1.02 to -0.28), P = 0.001], and serum myoglobin [WMD = -14.36 ng/ml (95% CI: -25.04 to -3.67), P = 0.008] compared to control groups at all measured time points post-exercise. Additionally, curcumin supplementation resulted in a significant increase in ROM [SMD = 0.67 (95% CI: 0.14 to 1.21), P = 0.01] at 72 hours post-exercise. These findings suggest that curcumin not only mitigates biochemical markers of muscle damage but also enhances functional recovery, as evidenced by improved ROM.
Further analysis demonstrated that serum LDH levels were significantly reduced [SMD = -0.65, 95% CI: -1.02 to -0.28, P = 0.001], indicating a protective effect against muscle cell damage. Serum myoglobin, another marker of muscle injury, was also significantly decreased [WMD = -14.36 ng/ml, 95% CI: -25.04 to -3.67, P = 0.008], supporting the role of curcumin in attenuating muscle fiber breakdown. The increase in ROM suggests enhanced recovery and a quicker return to baseline function, which is particularly relevant for athletes seeking to minimize downtime and prevent further injury. Subgroup analyses revealed that the benefits of curcumin were consistent across different doses, intervention durations, and participant training statuses, although prolonged supplementation and pre-emptive low-dose regimens appeared most effective for reducing muscle soreness and enhancing ROM. Immediate post-exercise supplementation was most beneficial for reducing CK and LDH levels78910.
 
Conclusions
The results of this meta-analysis demonstrate that curcumin supplementation significantly reduces muscle soreness and biochemical markers of muscle damage following exercise. Specifically, curcumin intake is associated with lower serum levels of CK, LDH, and myoglobin, as well as improved range of motion in the days following strenuous activity. These findings provide robust evidence for the efficacy of curcumin as a nutritional intervention to support muscle recovery and reduce pain in athletes and physically active adults. The observed reductions in muscle damage markers suggest that curcumin may accelerate the healing process and facilitate a quicker return to training, potentially allowing for higher training intensities and improved performance. The improvement in ROM further underscores curcumin’s role in functional recovery and injury prevention. Given the favorable safety profile and accessibility of curcumin, these results support its inclusion in sports nutrition and recovery programs. Future research should explore optimal dosing strategies, timing of supplementation, and the long-term effects of curcumin use in diverse athletic populations.
Article Message
Curcumin supplementation reduces muscle soreness and muscle damage factors after exercise. Additionally, it improves range of motion and may help prevent sports injuries in athletes.
Authors’ Contributions
All authors contributed to the design, execution, and writing of all sections of this study.
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Acknowledgement
We would like to thank the authors who provided the data of their studies.