Curcumin has been found to have a positive impact on the cognitive abilities of women experiencing premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea, particularly in the areas of memory, inhibitory control, selective attention, and total cognitive abilities. The findings from this triple-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial provided new hope for women seeking relief from cognitive symptoms associated with these conditions. Investigators aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Curcumin in enhancing cognitive abilities.

Overall, 124 female patients with both dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome were recruited and randomly allocated to the Curcumin group or the placebo group (n = 62 in each group). Over the course of three menstrual cycles, each participant got a daily capsule containing either 500 mg of curcuminoid or a placebo. The supplementation period lasted for 10 days, starting seven days before the onset of menstrual bleeding and continuing until three days after. In seven specific areas,  cognitive functions were assessed using a cognitive abilities questionnaire.

Adverse reactions were carefully monitored in both the groups. The use of Curcumin was linked with a substantial elevation in total cognitive ability tasks, inhibitory control and selective attention, and memory score. Profound improvements were witnessed in memory, inhibitory control and selective attention, and total cognitive abilities in the Curcumin group as compared to the placebo group, as depicted in Table 1:

Curcumin supplementation was well-tolerated and safe. The implications of this research are significant, offering a potential natural remedy for women dealing with cognitive difficulties during their menstrual cycles. By harnessing the power of curcumin, derived from the turmeric plant, women may find improved attention, relief from memory problems, and enhanced cognitive control, ultimately leading to a better quality of life.