The effects of oral administration of curcumin-galactomannan complex on brain waves are consistent with brain penetration: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled pilot study

• Published in: Nutritional neuroscience 2022-06, Vol.25 (6), p.1240-1249
• Main Authors: Khanna, Aman, Das S, Syam, Kannan, R., Swick, Andrew G., Matthewman, Cristina, Maliakel, Balu, Ittiyavirah, Sibi P., Krishnakumar, I. M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Administration, Oral; Animals; bioavailability; Brain; Brain Waves; CGM; cognition; Curcumin; Curcumin - pharmacology; Double-Blind Method; EEG; Galactose - analogs & derivatives; Humans; Mannans; Pilot Projects
• ISSN: 1028-415X; 1476-8305
• DOI: 10.1080/1028415X.2020.1853410

A novel highly bioavailable curcumin-galactomannan (CGM) formulation was shown to have improved blood-brain-barrier (BBB) permeability of free curcuminoids in animal models; however, this has not been established in humans. The present study was conducted to determine the functional effects of CGM on brain waves in healthy individuals, owing to its BBB permeability. A total of 18 healthy volunteers aged 35-65 were randomly assigned to consume 500 mg CGM, Unformulated curcumin (UC) or Placebo capsules twice daily for 30 days. Electroencephalogram (EEG) measurements, audio-visual reaction time tests and a working memory test were conducted at baseline and after 30 days. Supplementation of CGM resulted in a significant increase in α- and β-waves (p < 0.05) as well as a significant reduction in α/β ratio in comparison with unformulated curcumin and placebo groups. Furthermore, the CGM showed significant reduction in the audio-reaction time (29.8 %; p < 0.05) in comparison with placebo and 24.6% (p < 0.05) with unformulated curcumin. The choice-based visual-reaction time was also significantly decreased (36%) in CGM as compared to unformulated curcumin and placebo which produced 15.36% and 5.2% respectively. The observed increase in α and β waves and reduction in α/β ratio in the CGM group suggest that CGM can influence the brain waves in healthy subjects in a manner consistent with penetration of the blood-brain-barrier. The EEG results correlated with improved audio-visual and working memory tests which further support the role of CGM on memory improvements and fatigue reduction.