Randomised trial, 2023
Does curcumin improve memory and thinking in women with PMS and period pain?
Yes. Women taking curcumin had significant improvements in memory, attention, and overall thinking abilities compared to placebo.
What they did
124 women with both PMS and dysmenorrhea (period pain) were randomly divided into two equal groups. For 3 menstrual cycles, one group took 500 mg curcuminoid capsules daily for 10 days (7 days before menstruation and 3 days after it started), while the other group took placebo. Thinking abilities were tested in 7 different areas.
What they found
The curcumin group had higher memory scores (3.5±3.1 vs 0.4±3.8 placebo), better inhibitory control and selective attention (3.0±3.7 vs 0.4±3.7), and higher total cognitive ability (8.3±12.3 vs 2.2±12.4). All improvements were statistically significant. Curcumin was safe and well-tolerated.
What it means for you
Curcumin may help women with PMS think more clearly, remember better, and concentrate. The study only lasted 3 menstrual cycles and the sample, while reasonable, is moderate in size.
124
women studied
500 mg
curcuminoid dose
3
menstrual cycles
About the study
- Original title
- Efficacy of Curcumin on Cognitive Function Scores in Women with Premenstrual Syndrome and Dysmenorrhea: A Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
- Authors
- Bahrami A, Jafari-Nozad AM, Karbasi S et al.
- Journal
- Chinese journal of integrative medicine
- Year
- 2023
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 124
- What was tested
- 500 mg curcuminoid daily for 10 days per menstrual cycle over 3 cycles
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1007/s11655-023-3732-3
Topics
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