P427 Impact of curcuma longa on clinical activity and inflammatory markers in patients with active ulcerative colitis: a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial

Abstract Background Curcumin, biologically active substance of Curcuma longa (CL), has been shown to reduce disease activity in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). However, role of natural CL in patients with active UC is not known. We conducted study to know the effect of CL in reducing clinical activity and inflammatory markers in patients with active UC. Methods The study was a single-centre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial in which patients with active UC (UCDAI ≥3) were enrolled. The two arms of the study were mesalamine 2.4 g/day with powder of Curcuma longa 10 g/day (n = 28) (CL group) or with placebo (n = 25) (PL group) for 8 weeks. Primary outcome was clinical improvement at Week 8 as defined by decrease in UCDAI score by ≥3 points. Secondary outcomes at Week 8 were reduction in Faecal Calprotectin (FC) by ≥25 units from baseline and improvement in histological activity. Results Of 150 patients of UC screened, 53 patients fulfilled inclusion criteria and were randomised. Though more patients in CL group achieved primary outcome compared with placebo, it was not statistically significant [60.7% vs. 52%; p = 0.412]. Decrease in FC by ≥25 points was significantly more often in study group (83.3% vs. 50%; p = 0.034). Histological score decreased significantly in the study group (p = 0.022) compared with control group (p = 0.19). Epithelial injury score also decreased significantly in CL group (p = 0.02). Adverse drug reaction rate was similar in both the groups (28.7% vs. 32.0%; p = 0.786). Conclusions Curcuma longa can reduce the disease activity as assessed by UCDAI, FC, and histological examination when added to standard therapy. It is a low-cost, natural, and easily available add on therapy to reduce the disease activity.