Curcumin Shown Ineffective in Preventing Postsurgical Recurrent Crohn Disease

Recurrence of Crohn disease after a resection is expected. To date, the only agents shown to delay recurrence are infliximab and mercaptopurine (6MP). Curcumin is a supplement that has shown anti-inflammatory effects in patients with ulcerative colitis.

In a recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, researchers assessed curcumin's effectiveness in preventing Crohn disease recurrence in 62 patients undergoing bowel resection at eight centers in France. All patients received azathioprine and were randomized to additionally receive 3 g curcumin or placebo daily. After 6 months, endoscopic postoperative recurrence was similar between groups (58% in the curcumin group and 68% in the placebo group). Severe endoscopic disease recur…