Curcumin as a Complementary Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea: Efficacy and Alternative Approaches

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) is a common gastrointestinal disorder marked by abdominal pain, bloating, and frequent diarrhea. Conventional treatments often provide limited relief, prompting many patients to explore complementary therapies, including curcumin. Curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and gut-modulating properties, shows potential as part of a multi-therapeutic approach for IBS-D. This systematic review aimed to assess the scope and effectiveness of curcumin supplementation in managing IBS-D symptoms, focusing on its role alongside other therapeutic strategies. A comprehensive search was conducted across Ovid Medline, Cochrane, CINAHL, and Scopus databases, using relevant search terms. Articles meeting inclusion criteria focused on adult participants and explored curcumin or complementary therapies for IBS-D. Six studies were ultimately selected and categorized into four themes: curcumin’s impact on symptom relief, herbal and alternative remedies, dietary interventions, and complementary therapies. Key findings highlight curcumin’s potential to significantly reduce abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea frequency, as demonstrated in one study, while other therapies, such as the low-FODMAP diet, also showed substantial benefits. However, the evidence base was limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneity in methodologies, and variability in study designs. This review underscores curcumin’s promising role as part of a broader treatment plan that incorporates dietary and lifestyle changes, rather than as a standalone solution. Larger-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to confirm its efficacy and define its place in comprehensive IBS-D management.