Khaberni - Scientists from the University of Alabama found that regularly incorporating turmeric into the diet can reduce chronic pain severity in adults.
Nutrients magazine reports that 30 people over the age of forty participated in a double-blind experiment lasting 21 days, all of whom suffered from moderate chronic pain for a period exceeding three months, with severity ranging from 4 to 7 on a scale of 10 points.
Participants were asked to consume turmeric daily in doses of 300 mg, one gram, or 3 grams, either alone or with black pepper. Throughout the study period, researchers recorded pain severity three times daily via text messages, allowing for the monitoring of changes over the three weeks.
The results showed that by the end of the third week, the average level of pain among participants had significantly decreased compared to baseline values. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups that took turmeric with black pepper and those that took it alone, nor did increasing the dose result in any additional pain relief effects.
It is worth noting that the interest in the combination of turmeric and black pepper is associated with piperine, which is believed to enhance the absorption of curcumin. However, the study results showed that regular turmeric consumption could achieve similar effects without the need for this enhancing substance.
Researchers note that the study is preliminary, the sample size was small, and most participants were middle-aged and elderly women. Nevertheless, the results suggest the potential role of common dietary spices as a simple and affordable addition to chronic pain management strategies.
