A cohort study by American scientists found that curcumin supplements reduced the risk of age-related macular degeneration, a condition that affects vision in older adults. As reported in JAMA Ophthalmology, people taking curcumin had a reduced risk of developing various forms of macular degeneration, as well as the risk of blindness. However, the study did not provide information on the dosage or regimen for taking these supplements.
In age-related macular degeneration (AMD), oxidative damage and chronic inflammation occur in the retina, destroying photosensitive cells and leading to blindness. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the development of the disease. The main treatment approaches for this disease include the administration of vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors and, potentially, complement inhibitors.
Turmeric, extracted from the rhizomes of the Curcuma longa plant, is used as a seasoning for dishes. However, it is also used as a traditional medicine in various regions of Asia. Curcumin, a component of turmeric root, is believed to exert its pharmacological activity through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing free radical production and several inflammatory markers. However, the association between curcumin consumption and the development and progression of AMD has only been studied in vitro and animal studies.
A research team led by Ehsan Rahimi of the Stanford University School of Medicine conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Trinity Health Research Network, which combines electronic health record data from more than 107 healthcare organizations in 15 countries. A total of 66,804 patients (mean age 64.9 years; 44,124 women, 22,406 men) without AMD took curcumin supplements, while a matched control group of 1,809,440 people did not take curcumin.
A quasi-randomized analysis showed that among patients aged 50 years and older, curcumin supplementation reduced the risk of developing both dry (non-exudative) AMD (relative risk (RR) 0.23; p < 0.001) and exudative AMD (RR 0.28; p < 0.001). Curcumin supplementation also reduced the risk of developing complete blindness (RR 0.46; p < 0.001). The mean follow-up time was over 1500 days (over four years) in both groups. A similar pattern was observed in patients aged 60 and 70 years and older. Curcumin supplementation also reduced the likelihood of subsequent vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor procedures in all age groups. The authors cite the inability to standardize data on the duration, dose, frequency of administration, and bioavailability of turmeric supplements as one of the main limitations of this study. The sample included patients with information only about the prescription of such supplements. Therefore, future clinical trials with more precise inclusion and intervention criteria are needed. We previously reported that melatonin intake reduces the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration and its progression.
