Evidence supporting the use of: Curcumin
For the health condition: Athletic and Exercise Aids

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Curcumin, the primary bioactive compound in turmeric, has garnered scientific interest as a supplement to support athletic performance and recovery. Several studies suggest that curcumin exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may be beneficial for athletes experiencing muscle soreness, exercise-induced inflammation, or oxidative stress. Randomized controlled trials have shown that curcumin supplementation can reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and markers of muscle damage following strenuous exercise. For example, a 2015 study published in the "European Journal of Applied Physiology" found that curcumin supplementation reduced pain and muscle damage after eccentric exercise in healthy men. Another systematic review in "Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition" (2021) concluded that curcumin may modestly improve recovery and reduce inflammation in athletes, though the review also called for larger and more rigorous trials.

Despite promising findings, the scientific evidence is not yet conclusive. Limitations include small sample sizes, variations in dosages and formulations, and the issue of curcumin’s low bioavailability in its natural form. Many studies use enhanced formulations to improve absorption, and results may not be generalizable to standard turmeric supplements. Overall, while traditional use of turmeric for general wellness exists, the use of curcumin specifically as an athletic and exercise aid is primarily supported by modern scientific research, albeit with moderate strength of evidence.

More about curcumin
More about Athletic and Exercise Aids

Other ingredients used for Athletic and Exercise Aids

7-Keto-DHEA
acetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha d-ribofuranose
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
bacillus subtilis
beet
beta-alanine
black tea
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
eleuthero
ginseng
green tea
guarana
guayusa
l-isoleucine
l-alanine
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-ornithine
l-taurine
l-tyrosine
l-valine
maca
magnesium
maltodextrin
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
peppermint oil
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rhodiola
black ginger
spirulina
tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin C
watermelon
whey protein
suma
jiaogulan
capsicum
bee pollen
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
yerba mate
algae
cocoa
brown rice protein
sea salt
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Agmatine
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
Bicarbonate
Beef Protein
Bovine Protein
Bulbine natalensis
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Casein
Cardarine
Capsinoids
Citrate malate
Capsiate
Creatine
D-Aspartic Acid
Dihydrocapsiate
Deer Velvet
D-Ribose
Ephedra
Elk antler
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Ephedrine
glucose
Isoleucine
Ketone Salts
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt
yohimbine