Idrus Alwi

The Effects of Curcumin against the Inflammatory Response in Patientswith Acute Coronary Syndrome

Background: The human inflammatory response plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. An increase in the inflammatory responses notable by the levels of highly sensitive C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) may be able to predict future cardiovascular events and the prognosis of post-acute coronary syndrome (ACS). In animal experiments and human in-vitro experiments, curcumin has been proved to have anti-inflammatory effects. The effect of curcumin against the inflammatory response in ACS has not been identified. This study observes the effects of curcumin against the human inflammatory responses in patients with ACS. Methods: This multicenter double-blinded placebo controlled randomized trial was located at the Intensive Coronary Care Unit (ICCU) of Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Persahabatan General Hospital and MMC Hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia. 75 ACS patients were randomized into four groups, with the three intervention group (group I-III) consisting of 15 patients and 30 patients in the placebo group (IV). The participants of this study was randomly allocated curcumin in three different doses, group I was provided 15 mg t.i.d, group II was provided 30 mg t.i.d., group III was provided 60 mg t.i.d, and group IV was provided placebo. Results: In this study, we discovered that group I experienced a significant decrease in the level of hsCRP compared to placebo during the first month (p=0.04). Curcumin in low doses proved to be most effective in reducing the hsCRP levels, rather than moderate- or high doses. Moderate-dose curcumin was in second place, followed by high-dose curcumin. Conclusion: The use of low-dose curcumin in AC patients has significantly reduced the level of hsCRP after one week of use.