Turmeric Studied in Insulin Response

by CP Staff

Curcuma longa root, also known as turmeric, was evaluated in a new study to determine if this herb has an effect on blood sugar (glucose) or insulin levels. Insulin is a peptide hormone required for glucose in the blood to enter the cells, where it is utilized for the production of energy. Previous animal studies have shown that turmeric may help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

In this new study, 14 healthy subjects were supplemented with 6 grams of Curcuma longa powdered root or a placebo capsule. At the same time, the subjects were evaluated using an oral glucose tolerance test. In this test, subjects ingest 75 grams of oral glucose with baseline blood draws upon ingestion and again after 1, 2 and 3 hours to evaluate changes in blood sugar levels over time. The subjects also had finger-prick tests done prior to the glucose ingestion, and again after 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 minutes to measure glucose and insulin levels. Glycemic index was also evaluated to determine changes in blood sugar concentrations over time after the initial carbohydrate ingestion.

The results of the study showed that ingestion of 6 grams of turmeric resulted in significantly increased postprandial (after eating) insulin levels at 30 and 60 minutes after the glucose ingestion. The insulin concentration in the blood was also significantly increased at 15, 30, 90 and 120 minutes after the glucose intake. Turmeric intake did not have an effect on blood glucose levels; however, increases in insulin levels may increase the transport of fatty acids into mitochondria to produce more energy in the form of ATP and aid in the metabolism of triglycerides/neutral fats in the blood.

The researchers concluded, “The ingestion of 6 grams Curcuma longa increased postprandial serum insulin levels, but did not seem to affect plasma glucose levels or glycemic index, in healthy subjects. The results indicate that Curcuma longa may have an effect on insulin secretion.”

Reference:

Wickenberg J, Ingemansson SL, Hlebowicz J. Effects of Curcuma longa (turmeric) on postprandial plasma glucose and insulin in healthy subjects. Nutr J. 2010 Oct 12;9:43.