Effects of curcumin on cognitive function scores in woman with premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea: a triple -blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are common gynecological conditions. Many women suffering from PMS and dysmenorrhea also experience emotional, psychological and cognitive problems. This randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to assess the effects of a curcumin supplementation on cognitive abilities. Methods: Women who suffered from both PMS and dysmenorrhea were enrolled, and were randomly assigned to receive curcumin (n = ۶۲), or placebo (n = ۶۲). Each subject received either a capsule containing ۵۰۰ mg of curcuminoid, or a placebo daily, for ۱۰ days (۷ days before and until ۳ days after onset of menstrual bleeding) over ۳ menstrual cycles. The Cognitive Abilities Questionnaire was used to measures cognitive functions in seven specific areas.Result: At baseline, there were no significant differences between the placebo and the curcumin groups, with respect to age, cardio-metabolic variables, cognitive abilities task scores and dietary intake (p>۰.۰۵). Significant increments were found in scores of memory (۳.۵±۳.۱ vs. ۰.۴۰±۳.۸ in the curcuminoids and placebo groups, respectively; p=۰.۰۳۵), inhibitory control and selective attention (۳.۰۳±۳.۷ vs. ۰.۴۳±۳.۷; p= ۰.۰۲۷) and total cognitive abilities (۸.۳±۱۲.۳ vs. ۲.۲±۱۲.۴; p=۰.۰۲۵) after curcuminoids supplementation versus placebo group.Conclusion: Curcumin has a beneficial effect on cognitive function scores in women with PMS and dysmenorrhea, with improvements in memory, inhibitory control and selective attention.

Keywords:

memory , cognition , turmeric , menstruation