Efficacy and Safety of Nanocurcumin in Patients with Heart Failure Reduced Ejection Fraction; A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Heart failure reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is defined as symptoms, such as shortness of breath and edema with an ejection fraction of less than 40% in echocardiography. Regarding the pathogenesis, the role of inflammation is undeniable. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is one of the pro-inflammatory cytokines that is important in cardiovascular disease and has a critical role in CAD. It is also related to complications caused by heart failure and mortality. Nanocurcumin is a polyphenol extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma longa (turmeric) with better bioavailability. Effects of nanocurcumin on the reduction of IL-6 and NT-proBNP in hospitalized HFrEF patients with acute decompensation were investigated.

Sixty patients with HFrEF admitted with acute heart failure were divided into the intervention group with the administration of 40 mg of nanocurcumin twice a day for seven days and the control group (placebo). The levels of electrolytes, creatinine, IL-6, and NT-proBNP were measured at baseline and after one week.

There was no statistically significant difference in the reduction in IL-6 and NT-proBNP levels in the intervention and control groups (p>0.05). Also, there was no significant difference in creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate in the two groups (p>0.05).

Nanocurcumin at a dose of 40 mg twice a day for seven days in patients with acute decompensated heart failure did not reduce IL-6 and NT-proBNP levels.