# Curcumin supplementation combined with high intensity interval training modulates serum irisin and lipid profile in obese women: "A randomized double-blind clinical trial"

PMID: 40092644
Journal: Contemporary clinical trials communications
Published: 2025 Apr
Authors: Gharakhanlou BJ, Bonab SB, Amaghani A, Shiri-Shahsavar MR

## Question

Does curcumin supplementation with or without HIIT change serum irisin and lipid profile in obese women?

## Summary

In inactive obese women, 8 weeks of HIIT, curcumin, or the combination improved serum irisin and lipid measures compared with placebo. The trial was small and the abstract wording about who completed HIIT conflicted with the methods, so the exercise arms should be interpreted from the full methods.

## Population

- Forty inactive obese women aged 30-35 years.
- Sample size: 40
- Age: 30-35 years
- Sex: Female
- Fitness level: Inactive
- Health status: Obesity, BMI >=30 kg/m2

## Methodology

- Randomized double-blind clinical trial with four groups
- 8 weeks
- Gym-based exercise intervention
- Randomized and controlled study design.

## Protocol

- Running HIIT.
- Modality: Running/walking.
- Work intervals: 20 seconds running.
- Recovery: Walking recovery, 160 seconds progressing to 100 seconds.
- Sets or repetitions: 4 repetitions per set; 3-5 sets.
- Intensity: 80%-100% HRR.
- Session duration: 44-68 minutes reported in protocol table; plus warm-up/cool-down interpretation unclear.
- Frequency: 4 sessions/week.
- Program length: 8 weeks.
- Progression: Increased intensity and sets; shortened recovery.
- Curcumin/placebo control.
- Modality: No exercise in non-exercise arms.
- Frequency: Curcumin or placebo daily.
- Program length: 8 weeks.

## Outcomes

### Irisin
Status: improved
Irisin increased in exercise plus curcumin, exercise plus placebo, and curcumin groups versus placebo.

ANCOVA p=.012; within-group p=.001 for exercise arms and p=.049 for curcumin.

### Lipids
Status: improved
Total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL decreased and HDL increased in active intervention groups compared with placebo.

ANCOVA: cholesterol p=.009, TG p=.011, LDL p=.008, HDL p=.001.

## Practical Insights

- Short 20-second running intervals can be progressed by increasing set count and shortening walking recovery.
- Supplement co-interventions need separate labeling from exercise programming claims.

## Limitations

- Small sample.
- Narrow age range and women only.
- Optimal curcumin dose unknown.
- Adherence and adverse events were not clearly reported.
- Abstract wording conflicted with full-methods group descriptions about who completed HIIT.

## Safety And Adherence

- No adverse events, injuries, or dropout/adherence rates were reported. Safety/context details reported: 55 volunteers were screened to 40 randomized participants, exclusions included cardiovascular issues, high blood pressure, musculoskeletal or metabolic diseases limiting physical activity, spice allergies, smoking, alcohol, drugs, and supplements; possible risks were explained before consent and physical-health forms, and exercise HR was monitored by Polar device in a controlled gym setting.

## Original Sources

- [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40092644/) (pubmed)
- [DOI](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conctc.2025.101464) (doi)
- [PMC full text](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11909447/) (full text)

## Agent Guidance

Preserve the paper-level scope of this note. Do not generalize beyond the population, protocol, measured outcomes, and limitations above.