Turmeric for Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome:  A Systematic Review of Population-Based Evidence

Emad  Jafarzadeh; Shahram  Shoeibi; Yaser  Bahramvand; Elham  Nasrollahi; Armin Salek  Maghsoudi; Fatemeh  Yazdi; Sepideh  KarkonShayan; Shokoufeh  Hassani

doi:10.18502/ijph.v51i6.9656

Emad Jafarzadeh Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Shahram Shoeibi Food and Drug Laboratory Research Center, Iran Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
Yaser Bahramvand Students’ Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Elham Nasrollahi Students’ Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Armin Salek Maghsoudi Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Fatemeh Yazdi Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Sepideh KarkonShayan Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
Shokoufeh Hassani Toxicology and Diseases Group, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v51i6.9656

Keywords: Irritable bowel syndrome; Curcumin; Turmeric; Curcuma longa; Gastrointestinal disorders

Abstract

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent disorder of the gut interaction characterized by abdominal discomfort and pain associated with altered bowel habits in the absence of structural abnormalities. In spite of IBS' high prevalence and disease burden across the globe, no explanations have been given as to its underlying pathophysiology. As for the treatment of IBS, there is no specific medication, and the most beneficial treatment is usually supportive therapy. Recent animal and human studies have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of curcumin or turmeric in the treatment of IBS.

Methods: We systematically reviewed all available evidence supporting curcumin and turmeric's therapeutic potential in relieving IBS symptoms in the present study. For this purpose, a database search was performed using curcumin, turmeric, and IBS and all their equivalents as of the search terms in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Ovid, Embase, and Google Scholar from1990 up to Feb 2021. The investigation was then limited to clinical trials, and then nine articles were collected for data analysis.

Results: The findings of the included literature showed that curcumin and turmeric alone or in combination with other medications could improve the severity of IBS as well as the quality of life among people who suffer from IBS symptoms.

Conclusion: Overall, medications containing curcumin and turmeric extract due to these compounds' anti-inflammatory effects may improve IBS symptoms, particularly abdominal pain and life quality.