Herbal Medicines Journal

Herbal Medicines Journal

Impact of Curcumin–Piperine Supplementation on Sleep Quality and Gastrointestinal Symptom Severity in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Fateme Cheshmi 1
Rasool Mohammadi 2
Anita Fazeli Moghadam 1
Ezatollah Fazeli Moghadam 3
1 Nutritional Health Research Center, School of Health and Nutrition, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
2 Nutritional Health Research Center, Health and Nutritional Department, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
3 Nutritional Health Research Center, Department of Nutrition, School of Health and Nutrition, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
10.22087/hmj.2025.552376.1009
Abstract
Abstract



Background: Type 2 diabetes is among the most prevalent metabolic disorders and is often accompanied by gastrointestinal problems and sleep disturbances. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of curcumin–piperine supplementation on sleep quality and gastrointestinal symptom severity in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 64 patients with type 2 diabetes meeting the inclusion criteria were assigned to receive either one capsule daily containing 500 mg curcumin and 5 mg piperine or a matching placebo for 12 weeks. Sleep quality and gastrointestinal symptom scores were assessed at baseline and after the intervention.

Results: Twelve weeks of curcumin–piperine supplementation resulted in significant improvements in sleep quality and duration (P = 0.022) and a marked reduction in gastrointestinal symptom severity (P = 0.000) compared with placebo. The curcumin–piperine group showed a mean improvement of −2.1 ± 1.3 in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score, compared with −0.7 ± 1.1 in the placebo group. Gastrointestinal symptom severity decreased by −0.9 ± 0.4 in the intervention group versus −0.2 ± 0.3 in the placebo group.

Conclusion: Curcumin–piperine supplementation may be effective in enhancing sleep quality and alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Keywords
sleep quality
gastrointestinal symptoms
type 2 diabetes
curcumin