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Curcumin Versus Ibuprofen for Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage in Physically Active Women

NCT07785986 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 36

Last updated 2026-08-25

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

xercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) is a common consequence of unaccustomed or high-intensity exercise and is characterized by muscle soreness, impaired physical performance, inflammation, oxidative stress, and increased circulating biomarkers of muscle damage. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are frequently used to alleviate these symptoms, although their repeated use may be associated with adverse effects. Curcumin, a natural polyphenol with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has emerged as a potential nutritional strategy to support post-exercise recovery.

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aims to compare the effects of oral curcumin supplementation and ibuprofen administration on exercise-induced muscle damage in physically active women. The study evaluates clinical outcomes, physical performance, biomarkers of muscle damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, and other health-related biomarkers to determine whether curcumin may represent a safe and effective nutritional alternative for promoting recovery after eccentric exercise.

Conditions

  • Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage
  • Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)
  • Sports Recovery
  • Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress
  • Exercise-Induced Inflammation

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Curcumin

Participants received oral curcumin supplementation according to the study protocol before and after the eccentric exercise protocol. Curcumin was administered at the predefined dose and duration specified in the protocol. The intervention aimed to evaluate its effects on exercise-induced muscle damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, antioxidant defense, physical performance, and recovery in physically active women.

DRUG

Ibuprofen

Participants received oral ibuprofen according to the study protocol before and after the eccentric exercise protocol. Ibuprofen was administered at the predefined dose and duration specified in the protocol and served as the active comparator for evaluating recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage.

OTHER

Placebo

Participants received placebo capsules identical in appearance, packaging, and administration schedule to the active interventions. The placebo contained inert ingredients and was administered according to the study protocol before and after the eccentric exercise protocol.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • University of Valladolid

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
30 Years
Sex
FEMALE
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-01-31
Primary Completion
2026-05-23
Completion
2026-08-01

Countries

  • Spain

Study Locations

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Entities

Drugs

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07785986 on ClinicalTrials.gov