Exercise is great for you, but it can also cause muscle damage and pain. There is a growing body of research suggesting that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, can help. This systematic review put all the research together.
This systematic review included 11 controlled studies on curcumin and exercise.
It found that when taking curcumin, oxidative stress, muscle injury and pain caused by exercise are significantly reduced.
The researchers conclude that curcumin’s ability to increase antioxidant activity and reduce inflammation and muscle soreness “could substantially enhance the well-being of individuals engaged in regular physical training.”
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2024;21(1).