OBJECTIVES:

To summarize long-term open-label use of curcuminoids and experience of side-effects in 53 patients with the autoimmune condition oral lichen planus (OLP) who had previously participated in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of curcuminoids at UCSF.

METHODS:

This descriptive retrospective cohort study conducted in 2009 collected information from clinic charts and patient interview on the over-the-counter (OTC) use of curcuminoids during a 1-5 year follow-up period. Of the 53 eligible patients, 33 had previously participated in a RCT (2003-2004) that evaluated a dose of 2000mg/day of curcuminoids and which was ended early for futility and 20 had participated in a RCT (2007-2008) that evaluated a dose of 6000mg/day which demonstrated its efficacy. At the last study visit of each of the 2 RCTs all participants were given current published information about curcuminoids, and some went on to take OTC curcuminoids.

RESULTS:

Follow-up data was available on 43 participants [25/33 (75%) from the first and 19/20 (95%) from the second RCT]. 18/25 (72%) participants from the first trial took OTC curcuminoids after completion of the trial period. The mean total daily dose was 2137.5mg (SD=793, range 500-3000mg) and mean duration of curcuminoids use was 30 months (SD=27.5). The total follow-up time after completion of the RCT for the 18 participants was mean 68.2 months (SD 5.9). 10/18 (56%) reported that curcuminoids controlled OLP symptoms, and the mean duration of use among these patients was 35.8 months (SD 27.4). 8/18 (44%) were unsure whether curcuminoids helped and the mean duration of use was 21.0 months (SD 27.3). 2 of 18 patients (11%) reported a side-effect (SE) of diarrhea. 19/19 (100%) patients from the second trial took OTC curcuminoids after completion of the trial period. The mean total daily dose was 5058mg (SD=1445, range 1000-6000mg) and mean duration of curcuminoids use 9.6 months (SD=8.04). The total follow-up time after completion of the RCT for the 19 participants was mean 15.8 months (SD 4.8). 12/19 (63%) reported that curcuminoids controlled OLP symptoms, and the mean duration of use was 14.1 months (SD 6.7). 2/19 (11%) reported lack of improvement with a daily dose of 1500mg and 2500mg for 3 months each. 5/19 (26%) were unsure whether curcuminoids helped and the mean duration of use was 1.5 months (1.2 SD). Six of these 19 patients (32%) reported SEs, three had abdominal discomfort, two diarrhea and one slight urgency in defecation on the capsule but not the tablet formulation. The SEs resolved with dose reduction to 4500mg/day in one and 3000mg/day in two patients, while two patients [2/19 (11%)] discontinued curcuminoids due to the SE.

CONCLUSIONS:

A total of 22/37 (60%) of patients reported a reduction of symptoms with curcuminoids, 13/37 (35%) were unsure and 2/37 (5%) reported that it did not help in reduction of symptoms. Side-effects included abdominal discomfort and diarrhea, however occurrence was dose-related, and complaints were mild.

Copyright © 2011 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

PMID:

 

22305276

 

[PubMed – in process]