Effects of Curcuma longa (turmeric) and curcumin on the premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea: A systematic review

Zahra Shabanian Boroujeni, Saeid Heidari-Soureshjani, Catherine M.T. Sherwin
In: Journal of Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Disorders · 2024 · vol. 16(1) , pp. 33–44 · doi:10.1177/22840265231219331 · W4391187623
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This systematic review found that Curcuma longa and curcumin alleviate premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea symptoms by reducing inflammation, pain, oxidative stress, and modulating neurotransmitters.

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This systematic review evaluated the therapeutic potential of Curcuma longa and curcumin for managing premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea by analyzing seventeen articles retrieved from major biomedical databases. The authors identified that these compounds alleviate symptoms through multiple mechanisms, including the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 activity, reduced prostaglandin production, and mitigation of oxidative stress via antioxidant properties. Additionally, the review noted that modulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine may contribute to the observed analgesic and mood-stabilizing effects. While the findings indicate promising symptom reduction, the paper explicitly states that further well-designed clinical trials are necessary to confirm efficacy and determine optimal dosages. Relevance to endometriosis: listed as one indication for GnRH antagonists, though the paper's main focus is uterine fibroids.

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Abstract

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and dysmenorrhea, in addition to harming the physical and mental health of women, also disrupt their daily life and quality of life. We aimed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Curcuma longa (turmeric) and curcumin on PMS and dysmenorrhea. PRISMA guideline 2020 was followed for conducting this systematic review. Comprehensive literature searches were conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus. Finally, 17 articles were found after considering the study’s inclusion and exclusion criteria into account. Data were extracted and entered into an Excel file for further investigation and drew the results. Curcuma longa and curcumin affect PMS and dysmenorrhea through various mechanisms. They inhibit the activity of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and the production of prostaglandins, thus reducing inflammation and pain. Additionally, curcumin’s antioxidant properties protect against oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation helps maintain hormonal balance, exert analgesic effects, and relieve the symptoms of PMS and dysmenorrhea. They also insert neurotransmitter modulatory properties, such as increased serotonin and dopamine levels, which may contribute to their antidepressant, and sedative effects. Curcuma longa and curcumin indicated promising therapeutic effects in reducing PMS and dysmenorrhea symptoms due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Although, further well-designed clinical trials are needed to establish their efficacy and optimal dosage.
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Front Cover Image for Effects of Curcuma longa (Turmeric) and Curcumin on the Premenstrual Syndrome and Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review Effects of Curcuma longa (Turmeric) and Curcumin on the Premenstrual Syndrome and Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review Document Type Article Publication Date 2024 Find in a Library Abstract Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and dysmenorrhea, in addition to harming the physical and mental health of women, also disrupt their daily life and quality of life. We aimed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Curcuma longa (turmeric) and curcumin on PMS and dysmenorrhea. PRISMA guideline 2020 was followed for conducting this systematic review. Comprehensive literature searches were conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus. Finally, 17 articles were found after considering the study’s inclusion and exclusion criteria into account. Data were extracted and entered into an Excel file for further investigation and drew the results. Curcuma longa and curcumin affect PMS and dysmenorrhea through various mechanisms. They inhibit the activity of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and the production of prostaglandins, thus reducing inflammation and pain. Additionally, curcumin’s antioxidant properties protect against oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation helps maintain hormonal balance, exert analgesic effects, and relieve the symptoms of PMS and dysmenorrhea. They also insert neurotransmitter modulatory properties, such as increased serotonin and dopamine levels, which may contribute to their antidepressant, and sedative effects. Curcuma longa and curcumin indicated promising therapeutic effects in reducing PMS and dysmenorrhea symptoms due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Although, further well-designed clinical trials are needed to establish their efficacy and optimal dosage. Repository Citation Shabanian Boroujeni, Z., Heidari-Soureshjani, S., & Sherwin, C. M. (2024). Front Cover Image for Effects of Curcuma longa (Turmeric) and Curcumin on the Premenstrual Syndrome and Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review Effects of Curcuma longa (Turmeric) and Curcumin on the Premenstrual Syndrome and Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review. Journal of Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Disorders, 16 (1), 33-44. https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/pediatrics/804 DOI 10.1177/22840265231219331

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dysmenorrhea

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