Efficacy and Safety of Nanocurcumin in Patients with Heart Failure Reduced Ejection Fraction; A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Aims: Heart failure reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is defined as symptoms, such as shortness of breath and edema with an ejection fraction of less than 40% in echocardiography. Regarding the pathogenesis, the role of inflammation is undeniable. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is one of the pro-inflammatory cytokines that is important in cardiovascular disease and has a critical role in CAD. It is also related to complications caused by heart failure and mortality. Nanocurcumin is a polyphenol extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma longa (turmeric) with better bioavailability. Effects of nanocurcumin on the reduction of IL-6 and NT-proBNP in hospitalized HFrEF patients with acute decompensation were investigated. Materials Methods: Sixty patients with HFrEF admitted with acute heart failure were divided into the intervention group with the administration of 40 mg of nanocurcumin twice a day for seven days and the control group (placebo). The levels of electrolytes, creatinine, IL-6, and NT-proBNP were measured at baseline and after one week. Findings: There was no statistically significant difference in the reduction in IL-6 and NT-proBNP levels in the intervention and control groups (p 0.05). Also, there was no significant difference in creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate in the two groups (p 0.05). Conclusion: Nanocurcumin at a dose of 40 mg twice a day for seven days in patients with acute decompensated heart failure did not reduce IL-6 and NT-proBNP levels.