Type 2 diabetes is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, however new research is indicating that supplements containing both curcuminoids and piperine from black pepper may improve heart health for diabetics by improving the levels of good cholesterol and reducing the levels of bad cholesterol.
Curcumin combined with BioPerine shown it to increase HDL cholesterol levels while reducing total and non-HDL cholesterol levels
A new study has looked at the effects of a curcumin complex combined with BioPerine on cholesterol levels and shown it to increase HDL cholesterol levels while reducing total and non-HDL cholesterol levels, as well as, for the first time improving levels of Lp(a) which is an important risk factor for premature cardiovascular disease (CVD).
The scientists wrote in their article, published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine:
"Although elevated Lp(a) has been considered as an important risk factor for premature atherosclerotic CVD for quite a long time independently of LDL and non-HDL cholesterol levels, until very recently, the possibilities of influencing Lp(a) were extremely limited."
"Hence, this finding that curcuminoids as naturally occurring dietary supplements can decrease elevated Lp(a) in patients with type 2 diabetes is very important since such supplements are becoming more and more popular and attractive to patients."
What did the study involve?
As we know, type 2 diabetes is know to increase the risk of CVD and diabetes is associated with disrupted blood lipid levels. In order to assess the effects of 1000mg per day of a curcumin complex plus 10mg per day of BioPerine, the scientists randomly assigned 118 type 2 diabetics to receive either the curcumin-piperine supplement or a placebo over a course of 12 weeks.
A total of 100 people completed the study, the curcumin-piperine combination significantly reduced total cholesterol levels and non-HDL cholesterol levels compared to smaller reductions for both measures in the placebo group.
Lp(a) levels also increased significantly compared to very small decreases in the placebo group.
On the other hand the curcumin-piperine combination significantly increased HDL levels compared to a tiny increase in the placebo group.
Curcumin plus piperine might be a useful supplement in treating patients with type 2 diabetes
Commenting on the study's finding, co author Dr Muhammed Majeed, said:
"A natural product such as curcuminoids plus piperine might be a useful supplement in treating elevated blood lipid levels in patients with type 2 diabetes."
"The overall conclusions in this study together with earlier studies...add to a body of science on its positive role in the health maintenance of diabetic subjects."
A healthy balanced diet is the best way to consume all the nutrients we need. Sometimes however this isn't possible and then supplements can help. This article isn't intended to replace medical advice. Please consult your healthcare professional before trying any supplements or herbal medicines.