Anti-inflammatory Effects of Curcumin, Ginger and Piperine Supplementation in Ultra-trail Runners: a Double-blind Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial

Anti-inflammatory Effects of Curcumin, Ginger and Piperine Supplementation in Ultra-trail Runners: a Double-blind Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial

ECUM-RUN is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial evaluating whether a 30-day oral supplementation with curcumin, ginger, and piperine (9-5-1 formulation) reduces exercise-induced joint pain and inflammatory markers in 82 ultra-trail runners competing in the Diagonale des Fous (175 km). The primary endpoint is the change in knee pain (VAS score) between end of supplementation and race finish, compared between intervention and placebo groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 18 years at inclusion
• Registered for "La Diagonale des Fous" (Grand Raid de La Réunion, 175 km, 2026 edition)
• Free, informed, signed consent obtained prior to any study-related procedure
• Availability to participate in the full protocol, including preliminary consultations and biological sampling at all time points (T0 to T3)
• Affiliated with or beneficiary of a social security scheme
• Ability to understand and follow study instructions (sufficient French language level, or assistance available)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Regular NSAID use in the 30 days prior to inclusion, defined as intake at least 3 days/week for at least 2 consecutive weeks, or ongoing treatment at the time of inclusion
• Regular use of curcumin-containing supplements or "9-5-1"-type preparations in the 30 days prior to inclusion, defined as intake at least 3 days/week for at least 2 consecutive weeks
• Taking anticoagulant treatment
• History of hepatic, biliary, or pancreatic disease, including: gallstones, cholestasis, acute or chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis
• Known allergy or documented hypersensitivity to any capsule component: turmeric, curcumin, ginger, black pepper, maltodextrin, or hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC)
• Chronic inflammatory joint disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis) under active specific treatment
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Participation in another biomedical study involving a therapeutic intervention within the 30 days prior to inclusion
• Severe cognitive or psychiatric impairment preventing understanding of the protocol or completion of questionnaires
• Patient under guardianship/curatorship or subject to a legal protection order