---
title: Recent Randomized Controlled Trial Investigates the Potential Role of Curcumin for Aerobic Capacity and Antioxidative Status in Middle-aged Long-Distance Runners
description: Curcumin, a turmeric polyphenol, was tested in middle-aged runners taking 2 g daily for 6 weeks, improving SIRT3 and DNA-damage markers.
image: https://www.casi.org/hubfs/casi/archive/adobestock_325314430.jpg
---

An **educational publication of Designs for Health**

[For Practitioners →](https://www.designsforhealth.com)

[![casilogoresize2-2](https://www.casi.org/hubfs/casilogoresize2-2.png)](https://www.casi.org/)

[Home](https://www.casi.org/) [Science Update](https://www.casi.org/articles/tag/science-update) [Research & Education](https://www.casi.org/articles/tag/research-education) [Archive](https://www.casi.org/articles/all)

Search articles

Search

Science Update

# Recent Randomized Controlled Trial Investigates the Potential Role of Curcumin for Aerobic Capacity and Antioxidative Status in Middle-aged Long-Distance Runners

CA Cory Ambrose, ND, MAT Nov 23, 2022

![Recent Randomized Controlled Trial Investigates the Potential Role of Curcumin for Aerobic Capacity and Antioxidative Status in Middle-aged Long-Distance Runners](https://www.casi.org/hs-fs/hubfs/casi/archive/adobestock_325314430.jpg?width=960)

Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound derived from turmeric (*Curcuma longa*), and it is used both medicinally and as a spice. It is well-known to help support [antioxidative status](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31622191/). Research indicates that it may help modulate superoxide dismutase, glutathione levels, malondialdehyde (MDA), and other markers related to [oxidative stress](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31622191/). [Recent research](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36125053/) has explored the potential of curcumin to help support the body’s response to oxidative changes due to exercise. 

Curcumin and its derivative curcuminoids have been shown to support the activation of the Nrf2 pathway and its signaling gene, NQO1, in [laboratory studies](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31622191/). Through the activation of Nrf2, curcumin has been shown to help decrease certain pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and to help inhibit abnormal levels of serum [MDA](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31622191/). It may also help increase the concentration of [glutathione](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31622191/) in liver mitochondria and help increase the expression of phase II detoxifying genes. 

A recently published randomized controlled trial by [Bańkowski and colleagues](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36125053/) explored the potential role of curcumin in markers related to aerobic capacity and antioxidative status. The study involved 30 middle-aged amateur long-distance runners. The treatment group involved 2 g curcumin daily for 6 weeks. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was assessed at baseline and at the study terminus while performing an incremental exercise test. Blood samples were taken at rest, immediately after exercise, and 60 minutes post-exercise. The [biomarkers assessed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36125053/) include superoxide dismutase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, MDA, and others related to antioxidative status. Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) levels, 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and muscle damage markers, such as creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and myoglobin were also assessed. [SIRT3](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2018.00799/full) helps to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis under conditions related to stress. 

[Significant improvements](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36125053/) in SIRT3 levels were observed in the treatment group after the trial period completion. The serum concentrations of 8-OHdG, a marker related to DNA damage, were significantly lower in the treatment group after study completion. [Creatine kinase](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36125053/) activity was also lower in the treatment group after the 6-week time period. [Nonsignificant increases](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36125053/) in VO2max were observed in both groups at the trial terminus when compared to baseline. Drawbacks to this study include population homogeneity, a relatively small sample size, and a relatively short trial period. 

Research indicates that curcumin may support a healthy response to [inflammation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31622191/). It may also help support antioxidative status. Although more research is needed, particularly in a clinical setting, the study by [Bańkowski and colleagues](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36125053/) indicates that curcumin may support certain parameters related to high-intensity exercise and a healthy response to oxidative stress. 

On this page

Share

[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.casi.org%2Farticles%2Frecent-randomized-controlled-trial-investigates-the-potential-role-of-curcumin-for-aerobic-capacity-and-antiox) [X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.casi.org%2Farticles%2Frecent-randomized-controlled-trial-investigates-the-potential-role-of-curcumin-for-aerobic-capacity-and-antiox&text=Recent+Randomized+Controlled+Trial+Investigates+the+Potential+Role+of+Curcumin+for+Aerobic+Capacity+and+Antioxidative+Status+in+Middle-aged+Long-Distance+Runners) [Email](mailto:?subject=Recent%20Randomized%20Controlled%20Trial%20Investigates%20the%20Potential%20Role%20of%20Curcumin%20for%20Aerobic%20Capacity%20and%20Antioxidative%20Status%20in%20Middle-aged%20Long-Distance%20Runners&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.casi.org%2Farticles%2Frecent-randomized-controlled-trial-investigates-the-potential-role-of-curcumin-for-aerobic-capacity-and-antiox)

CA

### Cory Ambrose, ND, MAT

Clinical Application

## Clinical Considerations in Practice

 In clinical practice, practitioners considering the topics discussed above may also weigh nutrient form, delivery and formulation, alongside individual patient variability.

### Practitioner Formulation Example

![Curcumin Complex](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/lemtscrs/production-www/1f89f80e46a092949fc05652db6d9f47c61ee4d7-1200x1200.png?w=128&h=128&fit=max&auto=format)

Curcumin Complex

Curcumin

[Explore Formulations →](https://www.designsforhealth.com/products/curcumin-complex-ds)

## Continue your research

#### [Research & Education Hydrolyzed Whey Protein for Athletes: Enhanced Digestibility, Absorption, and Recovery Jun 30, 2026](https://www.casi.org/articles/hydrolyzed-whey-protein-for-athletes-enhanced-digestibility-absorption-and-recovery)

#### [Research & Education 5 Benefits You Need to Know About Ergothioneine Sep 11, 2025](https://www.casi.org/articles/5-benefits-ergothioneine)

#### [Science Update Combined Resistance Training and Vicia faba Supplementation Promotes Strength and Endurance in Both Men and Women: A Randomized Trial Sep 04, 2025](https://www.casi.org/articles/resistance-training-vicia-faba-supplementation)

#### [Research & Education The Hidden Connection Between Erectile Dysfunction and Antioxidant Status Jun 10, 2025](https://www.casi.org/articles/hidden-connection-between-erectile-dysfunction-and-antioxidant-status)

![casilogoresize2-2](https://www.casi.org/hubfs/casilogoresize2-2.png)

An educational publication of [**Designs for Health**](https://www.designsforhealth.com). Peer-reviewed nutrition science, free for everyone.

#### Sections

- [Science Update](https://www.casi.org/articles/tag/science-update)
- [Research & Education](https://www.casi.org/articles/tag/research-education)

#### Terms & Conditions

- [Privacy Notice](https://www.designsforhealth.com/privacy-notice)
- [Terms of Use](https://www.designsforhealth.com/terms-of-use)

CASI.org © 2026 All rights reserved

 Do not sell my personal information 

Built with care · Peer-reviewed since 1996

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BreadcrumbList",
  "itemListElement" : [ {
    "@type" : "ListItem",
    "item" : "https://www.casi.org/",
    "name" : "Home",
    "position" : 1
  }, {
    "@type" : "ListItem",
    "item" : "https://www.casi.org/articles",
    "name" : "The CASI Library",
    "position" : 2
  }, {
    "@type" : "ListItem",
    "name" : "Recent Randomized Controlled Trial Investigates the Potential Role of Curcumin for Aerobic Capacity and Antioxidative Status in Middle-aged Long-Distance Runners",
    "position" : 3
  } ]
}
```

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@id" : "https://www.casi.org/articles/recent-randomized-controlled-trial-investigates-the-potential-role-of-curcumin-for-aerobic-capacity-and-antiox",
  "@type" : "WebPage",
  "dateModified" : "2026-09-17"
}
```

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Cory Ambrose, ND, MAT",
    "url" : "https://www.casi.org/articles/author/cory-ambrose-nd-mat"
  },
  "datePublished" : "2022-11-23T12:00:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "Recent Randomized Controlled Trial Investigates the Potential Role of Curcumin for Aerobic Capacity and Antioxidative Status in Middle-aged Long-Distance Runners",
  "image" : [ "https://www.casi.org/hubfs/casi/archive/adobestock_325314430.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://www.casi.org/articles/recent-randomized-controlled-trial-investigates-the-potential-role-of-curcumin-for-aerobic-capacity-and-antiox",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://www.casi.org/hubfs/casilogoresize2-2.png"
    },
    "name" : "CASI.org"
  }
}
```