The effect of Curcumin on painful symptoms of endometriosis: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological disorders. Considering the numerous properties of curcumin and the previous in vitro studies on the effect of this herb on the ability to inhibit and control the progression of endometriosis, we designed an in vivo study to measure the effect of curcumin on the painful symptoms of endometriosis and the quality of life in affected women. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 68 women with endometriosis referred to Shahid Beheshti Infertility Center in Isfahan-Iran, 2022. The participants were allocated to intervention (n=34) and control (n=34) groups by the blocked randomization method. Curcumin capsules with a dose of 500 mg were given to the intervention group, and the placebo with the same dose twice a day for eight weeks. The questionnaires of Endometriosis Health Profile (EHP-30), painful symptoms of endometriosis (ENDOPAIN-4D), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to collect data. Independent t-tests, ANCOVA, and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the outcomes between the study groups. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding socio-demographic characteristics and the basic values of mean scores of painful symptoms of endometriosis in the usual and severe stage, quality of life, and visual pain before the intervention (P<0.05). After the intervention, based on the ANCOVA and Mann-Whitney U tests with adjusting the baseline values, there was no statistically significant difference in the painful symptoms of endometriosis in the usual (P=0.496) and severe stages (P=0.320), quality of life (P=0.556), and visual pain (P=0.845). Conclusion: This study's results showed that using curcumin does not affect the painful symptoms and quality of life of women with endometriosis.