December 2012-- Researchers from The David H. Murdock Research Institute looked at whether feeding overweight females (aged 40-72) red pepper and turmeric affected biomarkers for inflammation and oxidative stress. View the article.

Influence of Red Pepper Spice and Turmeric on Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Overweight Females: A Metabolomics Approach

Nieman D, Cialdella-Kam L, Knab A, and Shanely A

Overview

This study looked at whether culinary doses of red pepper and turmeric would affect inflammation and oxidative stress levels in overweight females with chronic inflammation.

Methods

Utilizing a randomized, doubled-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover design (2-week washout), subjects received either red pepper (1 g/d) or turmeric (2.8) for four weeks. The subjects were 62 overweight or obese females (40–75 years) with systemic inflammation (measured by C-reactive protein, CRP ≥ 2 mg/l). Blood samples were collected pre- and post-supplementation, and analyzed for markers of oxidative stress (F2-isoprostanes, oxidized low density lipoprotein), inflammation (CRP and seven inflammatory cytokines), and metabolic profiles.

Results/Conclusions

These data indicate that 4-week supplementation with culinary levels of red pepper and turmeric did not change oxidative stress or inflammation levels in overweight/obese females with systemic inflammation. There was also no change in the metabolic profile. It is hypothesized that higher dosages of spice intake and longer supplementation periods may have different effects.