Effect of Curcumin on Gut Microbiota in IBS

This is a prospective, placebo-controlled, double blinded, randomized control trial. This
study will evaluate the effect of curcumin food supplement on gut microbiota of children with
irritable bowel syndrome. Curcumin is a commonly used spice in Asian cooking and has a very
good safety profile. Developing preparation of this compound for targeted delivery in the GI
tract would provide a novel way to treat common FGID. This study will provide preliminary
data for future studies to evaluate the role of gut microbiota in the pathophysiology of pain
predominant FGID and how food supplements can be used to manipulate the microbiota.

Inclusion Criteria:

- 10 to 18 years old

- Fulfill the Rome IV criteria for diarrhea predominant IBS

- English speaking

- Able to swallow curcumin/placebo capsules

Exclusion Criteria:

- Weigh less than 35 kg

- On any form of dietary restrictions

- Taken probiotics one month before enrollment

- Antibiotic treatment one month before enrollment

- IBD

- Celiac disease

- Peptic ulcer disease

- H. Pylori gastritis

- Abnormality of gastrointestinal tract

- Previous abnormal endoscope

- Previous abdominal surgeries

- Gall stones

- Biliary tract obstructions

- Liver pathologies

- Liver failure

- Active GI infection

- Positive stool cultures

- Drug or alcohol abuse

- Concomitant immunological/hematological/neoplastic/heart/ renal/pulmonary condition

- Any other medical condition or taking any form of drug(s) which can explain the
current symptoms

- Take oral or intravenous drugs which could have potential drug interaction with
curcumin

- Lactating or pregnant or planning to become pregnant

- Developmental delay

- Parents that are developmentally delayed

- Have a diet high in curcumin/turmeric