Curcumin, Resveratrol, and Stinging Nettle as Treatments for Gulf War Illness
Abstract
Overarching Challenge: Thirty years after the 1990-1991 Gulf War, many Veterans suffer from debilitating symptoms. These symptoms, which can include fatigue, widespread pain, cognitive disruption, and others, are known as Gulf War Illness (GWI). Despite decades of research, there are still no approved treatments for the condition. It is critical that promising treatments be tested and provided to patients as quickly as possible. Objective and Rationale: In 2017, our research team began a project funded by the Department of Defense to test nine different botanicals in small groups of GWI patients. The nine botanicals were chosen because of their known anti-inflammatory actions in the body and brain. We believe that GWI involves inflammation that can trigger the release of chemicals in the brain that cause fatigue, pain, and other symptoms. Giving botanicals that can reduce inflammation in the body and brain may reduce GWI. The idea is similar to how aspirin is used to reduce inflammation and swelling in the body, but common anti-inflammatory drugs do not cross into the brain easily. We hoped to find botanicals that reach the brain and reduce inflammation. When the tests were completed in 2020, three of the botanicals (curcumin, resveratrol, and stinging nettle) showed promise as GWI treatments. Now, our objective is to conduct large clinical trials on curcumin, resveratrol, and stinging nettle to determine if they effectively reduce GWI symptom severity. The trials will also examine the safety of these treatments and determine the optimal dosage. Each trial will include 100 GWI participants. Individuals will be randomized to receive one of the three botanicals, which will be received by mail. The participants will not know which botanical they are receiving, when they are trying the different dosages, or if and when they are receiving a placebo. All participants will receive the active treatment during the study. They will complete symptom reports daily on a computer, tablet, or phone to determine how their GWI severity changes in response to the treatment. Clinical Applications: This study is designed to help individuals with GWI. The goal is to have an inexpensive, safe, easily obtained treatment that effectively helps GWI. It is also possible that the treatments will benefit other conditions, such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Benefits: Participants will get a potential GWI treatment for free. They will receive information about how they responded to the treatment. This study does not require a visit to the laboratory and can be done from anywhere in the United States. Participants will also be compensated for their time. Risks: Because these treatments are commercially available products and have a long history of safe use, only minimal risks are expected. However, it is possible for an individual to have an allergic or other adverse reaction to almost any treatment. Also, oral treatments (including botanicals) can put stress on the kidney or liver in individuals who already have compromised kidney or liver function. Therefore, blood tests of the kidney and liver will be conducted to ensure the treatments cause no issues. Participants will also have access to the study personnel and medical professionals at any time. Projected Time for a Patient-Related Outcome: This study focuses on treatments that are already available for commercial use and do not require lengthy animal testing and drug development. It is possible to take these treatments after the study results are released, which should be in 2025.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 28, 2022
- Source ID
- W81XWH2210420
Entities
People
- Jarred Younger
Organizations
- United States Army
- University of Alabama at Birmingham