What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate the efficacy of curcuminoid supplementation on vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women.

March 26, 2026BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies0 citationsOpen Access

Curcuminoid supplementation for vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women: a pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled proof-of-concept trial

JBJinjutha BuntoonprayukRamathibodi Hospital KCKitti ChattrakulchaiMahidol University OVOrawin VallibhakaraMahidol University

Key Points

To evaluate the efficacy of curcuminoid supplementation on vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women.
12-week randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Healthy postmenopausal women aged 41–65 years
Curcuminoids administered at 1000 mg/day versus placebo
Primary endpoint focused on changes in weekly hot flash frequency
Safety and tolerability assessed throughout
Curcuminoid group experienced a reduction of −7.35 weekly hot flash episodes compared to placebo (p < 0.001)
Significant improvement in hot flash frequency observed at Week 6
No significant differences in MENQOL or MRS II at Week 12, though MENQOL vasomotor domain showed improvement
Good tolerability with no serious adverse events reported

Abstract

Vasomotor symptoms are common during menopause and can impair quality of life. Although hormone therapy is effective, concerns about risks and adverse effects contribute to limited utilization, highlighting the need for non-hormonal options. Curcuminoids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may improve vasomotor symptoms. This 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot proof-of-concept trial evaluated the preliminary efficacy of curcuminoids (1000 mg/day) versus placebo in healthy postmenopausal women (41–65 years; n = 40). The prespecified primary endpoint was the between-group difference in change in weekly hot flash frequency from baseline to Week 12. Secondary outcomes included changes in Menopause Rating Scale II (MRS II) and Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) scores. Safety and tolerability were assessed throughout. All participants completed the intervention with high adherence and no serious adverse events. At Week 12 (primary endpoint), the between-group difference in change in weekly hot flash frequency from baseline was − 7.35 episodes/week (95% CI − 10.29 to − 4.41; p < 0.001), favoring curcuminoids; results were concordant using the Hodges–Lehmann estimate (− 6.00; 95% CI − 10.00 to − 4.00; p < 0.001). A significant between-group difference was also observed at Week 6. No statistically significant between-group differences were observed at Week 12 for total MENQOL or total MRS II, although the MENQOL vasomotor domain improved at Week 6 and showed supportive evidence in baseline-adjusted sensitivity analysis at Week 12. In this pilot proof-of-concept randomized trial, curcuminoid supplementation significantly reduced weekly hot flash frequency compared with placebo and showed a preliminary signal toward improved vasomotor-related quality of life, particularly at Week 6, with good tolerability. These preliminary, hypothesis-generating findings require confirmation in larger, adequately powered randomized trials, ideally incorporating biomarker endpoints. Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR) TCTR20241210002 (retrospectively registered).

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