The effects of Curcumin and Crocin on the inflammatory phase of thyroid eye disease: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Abstract Objective A randomized, triple-blinded study was designed to assess the influences of curcumin and crocin on clinical findings and serologic markers, including IL-6 and TNF-α, of the inflammatory phase of thyroid eye disease (TED). Methods The curcumin and crocin were added to the traditional care of the patients after randomizing to placebo, curcumin, and crocin groups. Before interventions, CAS was evaluated and a blood sample (to measure the serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α) was taken. The CAS was reassessed in the first and second months and the blood sampling was repeated in the second month afterward. Results A total of 46 TED cases (22 to 64 years old) were enrolled, 16 patients in the Placebo group, 17 patients in the Curcumin group, and 13 patients in the Crocin group. CAS, TNF-α, and IL-6 significantly reduced in all patients, regardless of their group and received drugs. No statistically significant difference was observed in the reduction of CAS score and TNF-α level in a two-month follow-up between the study groups. Conclusion Daily consumption of 30 milligrams (mg) of crocin or 80 mg of curcumin in addition to standard care could be effective in decreasing CAS in TED patients.