EFFECTS OF CURCUMIN ON FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY AND PULMONARY FUNCTION IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS: A FEASIBILITY STUDY

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin complexed with γ-cyclodextrin on pulmonary function and functional capacity in children and adolescents with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). A double-anonymized, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted involving children and adolescents with CF at a referral center. Over a 6-week period, the control group received a placebo while the intervention group received curcumin complex with γ-cyclodextrin (500 mg). Functional capacity was assessed using the 6-minute Walk Test (6MWT), and pulmonary function was evaluated through spirometry. The study enrolled eight patients (four adolescents in each group). The predominant mutation among the groups was heterozygous for ΔF508. There was no change in pulmonary function after the treatment period. The variation in 6MWT showed a trend of increase in the curcumin group (13.5%) compared to the control (8.3%), but it did not reach statistical significance. The preliminary results of this study demonstrated a relevant clinical impact on functional capacity measured by the 6MWT in favor of curcumin use in children and adolescents with CF.