Protective Effects of Curcumin Against Nephrotoxic Agents

Temporary kidney dysfunction: supplementation with Meriva® in initial, transient kidney micro-macro albuminuria

BACKGROUND

The aim of this registry was to evaluate the efficacy of Meriva® in subjects with temporary kidney dysfunction (TKD) and increased oxidative stress levels. TKD was a casual finding on urinary tests after reported side effects following drug consumption, a clinical event or dehydration.

METHODS

Patients followed either standard management (SM) or SM plus Meriva® (Curcumin Phytosome®) supplementation (3 capsules/day, corresponding to 1.5 g of Meriva® containing 300 mg of curcumin in a bioavailable delivery form). The follow-up period lasted 4 weeks. Subjects were divided according to macroalbuminuria (>300 mg albumin on 24 hours) or microalbuminuria (<300 mg/day albuminuria).

RESULTS

Albuminuria decreased in all subjects, with a statistically significant improvement in the supplement group compared with controls (P<0.05). Oxidative stress level was high in all microalbuminuria subjects at inclusion; it was significantly more reduced in the supplement group (P<0.05) after 4 weeks. During follow-up blood pressure values were controlled; all subjects were under one single antihypertensive. Blood and urinary tests at 4 weeks were normalized in all subjects. Fatigue was significantly decreased or disappeared in most supplemented subjects at 4 weeks, with better results than in controls. Compliance and tolerability to Meriva® were good.

CONCLUSIONS

This registry study indicates that albuminuria - marker of TKD - is safely ameliorated with the standardized supplement Meriva®. Studies are needed to evaluate the effect of Meriva® in subjects with more significant clinical conditions (i.e. diabetics) or risk factors.