Effect and Safety of Phytosomal Curcumin Supplementation on Migraine Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind and Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect and safety of phytosomal curcumin supplementation on patients with migraine. Methods In this randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial, 70 patients suffered from migraine without aura were randomized into 2 groups to receive 250 mg/d of phytosomal curcumin (intervention group) or maltodextrin (placebo group) for 8 weeks, 35 cases per group. All patients in both groups received their standard treatment and common medications. The severity, duration, frequency of headaches, quality of life (QoL), mental status, headache impact, and sleep quality of patients were assessed before and after treatment. Adverse effects were also assessed. Results Sixty-five patients completed the trial (33 in the intervention group and 32 in the placebo group). Phytosomal curcumin supplementation significantly reduced severity, duration and frequency of migraine attacks, stress score, and headache impact, and improved QoL and sleep quality of patients in the intervention group, compared with the placebo group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). However, it had no significant effect on depression and anxiety scores in the intervention group, compared with the placebo group (P>0.05). No adverse effects had been reported in response to the intervention. Conclusion Phytosomal curcumin as a safe supplement had a beneficial effect on migraine symptoms, stress level, as well as the sleep quality and QoL in patients with migraine.