Effects of curcumin intake and aerobic exercise training on arterial compliance in postmenopausal women

Background: Reduction in arterial compliance with aging increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle modification, particularly aerobic exercise and dietary modification, has a favorable effect on vascular aging. Curcumin, a major component of turmeric, is an anti-inflammatory agent. Therefore, it is plausible to hypothesize that curcumin improves arterial compliance. We investigated the effects of curcumin ingestion alone and in combination with aerobic exercise training on arterial compliance in postmenopausal women. Methods: A total of 51 postmenopausal women were assigned to 4 groups: placebo, curcumin, exercise and placebo (Ex + placebo), and exercise and curcumin (Ex + curcumin). Curcumin or placebo was ingested orally for 8 weeks. The exercise groups underwent moderate aerobic exercise training for 8 weeks. Results: Carotid arterial compliance increased significantly in the curcumin, Ex + placebo, and Ex + curcumin groups, whereas no such changes were observed in the placebo control group.The magnitude of increases in carotid arterial compliance was the greatest in the Ex + curcumin group. Conclusion: We concluded that curcumin ingestion improves carotid arterial compliance and that the combination of curcumin and aerobic exercise training was more efficacious in increasing central arterial compliance than either of these treatments alone in postmenopausal women. (C) 2012 Association for Research into Arterial Structure and Physiology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.