The quality of evidence is downgraded by imprecise results (wide confidence intervals, few patients) and by indirectness (only short term outcomes reported).
A Cochrane review included 1 RCT with 89 patients to assess the effects of curcumin as an anti-inflammatory agent, adjunctive to usual care, for maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis.
Participants of any age diagnosed with ulcerative colitis as confirmed by clinical and endoscopic criteria and in remission at the time of enrolment were considered. Primary outcome was clinical or endoscopic relapse and secondary outcomes included Frequency and nature of adverse events, changes in disease activity score (modified Mayo Score), changes in the endoscopy score (Mayo Score) and time to relapse. The main results are illustrated in Table 1.
| Outcome | Assumed risk (control) | Corresponding risk (Curcumin added) | Relative effect (95% CI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relapse at 6 months | 182 per 1000 | 44 per 1000 (9 to 198) | RR 0.24 (0.05 to 1.09) |
| Relapse at 12 months | 318 per 1000 | 223 per 1000 (111 to 445) | RR 0.7 (0.35 to 1.4) |
| Clinical Activity Index at 6 months | The mean index was 2.2. points | The mean index was 1.2 lower (2.14 to 0.26 lower) | |
| Endoscopic Index at 6 months | The mean endoscopic index was 1.6 points | The mean index was 0.8 lower (1.33 to 0.27 lower) |
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