The effect of curcumin and placebo on human gall-bladder function: An ultrasound study

Abstract

Background: The extract of medicinal plants containing curcumin is traditionally believed to have a positive contraction effect on the human gall-bladder. Aims: To compare the effect of 20 mg curcumin or placebo on the gall-bladder volume of healthy volunteers. Methods: A randomized, double blind and crossover design study was carried out in 12 healthy volunteers (seven males and five females). Ultrasonography examination was carried out serially to measure the gallbladder volume. The data obtained was analysed by paired Student's t-test. Results: The fasting gall-bladder volumes of 15.74 ± 4.29 mL on curcumin and 15.98 ± 4.08 mL on placebo were similar (P > 0.20). The gall-bladder volume was reduced within the period after curcumin administration. The percentage of gall-bladder volume reduction at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 h after 20 mg curcumin administration were 11.8 ± 6.9, 16.8 ± 7.4, 22.0 ± 8.5 and 29.3 ± 8.3%, respectively, which was statistically significant compared to placebo. Conclusion: On the basis of the present findings, it appears that curcumin induces contraction of the human gall-bladder.