Curcumin-Piperine Supplementation in STEMI - SPICE STEMI Trial

Universitas Diponegoro

Status: Completed

Conditions: Curcumin; ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI); Malondialdehyde; Hs-CRP; Curcuma Xanthorrhiza; High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein

Treatments: Other: Placebo capsules; Dietary Supplement: Curcumin plus Piperine

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07149961

984/UN7.F4/PP/II/2025 (Other Grant/Funding Number)

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aims to evaluate whether supplementation with a combination of curcumin and piperine can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in patients who have experienced a heart attack called ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) and are undergoing a procedure known as primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI).

Curcumin, a natural compound from turmeric, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, but it is not easily absorbed by the body. Piperine, a compound from black pepper, can improve curcumin absorption. By combining the two, we hope to maximize their potential benefits.

The study will measure markers of inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, hsCRP) and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, MDA) at three time points: before treatment, shortly after the PPCI procedure, and after 28 days of supplementation.

The main question is whether curcumin-piperine supplementation can provide additional protection against inflammation and oxidative stress compared to a placebo, potentially supporting recovery and reducing the risk of future heart problems.

Full description

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigates the effects of combined curcumin and piperine supplementation on systemic inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Curcumin, the principal curcuminoid derived from Curcuma xanthorrhiza or Curcuma longa, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in preclinical and clinical studies. However, its oral bioavailability is limited due to poor absorption and rapid metabolism. Piperine, an alkaloid from Piper nigrum, enhances curcumin's bioavailability through inhibition of hepatic and intestinal glucuronidation.

Participants are randomized to receive either curcumin-piperine supplementation (390 mg curcumin + 20 mg piperine daily) or matched placebo for 28 consecutive days post-PPCI. Biomarkers of inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, hsCRP) and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, MDA) are assessed at three predefined time points: baseline (pre-intervention), 48-72 hours after PPCI, and at day 28 post-supplementation.

The primary objective is to determine whether curcumin-piperine supplementation significantly attenuates the rise in hsCRP and MDA levels compared to placebo. Secondary objectives include evaluating the temporal pattern of biomarker changes and assessing the tolerability and safety profile of the supplementation in the acute and subacute phases post-STEMI. The findings may provide evidence for adjunctive nutraceutical therapy to improve post-MI recovery by targeting inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways.

Enrollment: 50 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 80 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 18 to 80 years.
• Confirmed diagnosis of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). Symptom onset within 12 hours, or within 12 to 72 hours in cases with an indication for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI).
• Receiving standard-of-care medical therapy according to current guidelines, including:

Dual antiplatelet therapy. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACE-i) or Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs).

Statins. Beta-blockers.

Exclusion criteria

• Regular prior use of curcumin supplementation.
• Hemodynamic instability or severe dyspnoea with clinical signs of congestion (elevated jugular venous pressure, pulmonary rales affecting >1/3 of lung fields, hepatomegaly, ascites, or peripheral oedema).
• History of prior myocardial infarction, previous percutaneous coronary intervention, or coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
• Known hypersensitivity to curcumin or piperine.
• Active malignancy.
• Chronic infections (e.g., hepatitis, tuberculosis, or HIV).
• Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 mL/min/1.73 m² or rapidly declining renal function.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Other

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Quadruple Blind

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50 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group

Placebo

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

Participants receive a matching placebo capsule identical in appearance, size, and packaging to the curcumin-piperine capsule, administered daily for 28 consecutive days following PPCI for STEMI. A loading dose of 2 placebo capsules is administered orally prior to PPCI, followed by maintenance of 1 capsule twice daily until day 28.

Treatment:

Other: Placebo capsules

Curcumin-Piperine Supplementation

Experimental group

Description:

Participants receive curcumin 390 mg combined with piperine 20 mg daily for 28 consecutive days following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). A loading dose of 2 capsules (each containing 390 mg curcumin + 20 mg piperine) is administered orally prior to PPCI, followed by maintenance of 1 capsule daily until day 28.

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Curcumin plus Piperine