Curcumin: A compound in turmeric that has the potential to reduce Nuclear Factor-Kappa Beta (NF-kB), Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-a) levels, and pain intensity after high-intensity physical exercise

Abstract

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to analyze and prove the effect of curcumin on NF-kB, TNF-a levels, and pain intensity after high-intensity physical exercise. Method This experimental study used a pre and post-control group design. Research subjects were selected using a purposive sampling technique and then the subjects were divided into 2 groups, namely group (K1) with placebo administration and group (K2) with 400 mg dose of curcumin. A total of 20 healthy men aged between 20-30 years participated in this study. On the first day, all subjects took data on the characteristics of research subjects, then warmed up, and then the subjects did a high-intensity physical exercise in the form of squad and leg press exercises with an intensity of 80-90% of maximum abilities. The exercise was carried out in 4 sets for each form of exercise and rest between sets for about 1 minute. On the second day, after 24 hours, all subjects measured pain intensity and took pre-test blood samples, then were given interventions based on their respective groups. On the third day, after 24 hours, all subjects took pain intensity measurements and took post-test blood samples. Measurement of pain intensity using the Visual Analytical Scale (VAS) and blood samples were analyzed in the laboratory using the ELISA method to examine levels of NF-kB and TNF-a. After the data was obtained, the data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 26 application. Results The results of this study reported that the group that was given curcumin after high-intensity physical exercise was able to significantly reduce levels of NF-kB, TNF-a, and pain intensity (*p<0.05) compared to the placebo group. Conclusions We believe that the main cause of muscle soreness is the uncontrolled increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines after high-intensity physical exercise. Since the reduction in pain intensity after high-intensity exercise is necessary to support bodily functions, we highly recommend the use of curcumin which has many positive benefits for exercisers.