Curcumin, Ginger and Piperine for Joint Pain in Ultra-Endurance Runners

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

ECUM-RUN is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 82 ultra-trail runners preparing for La Diagonale des Fous. Participants receive a 30-day oral 9-5-1 formulation of curcumin, ginger, and piperine or a placebo, starting before the race. The main goal is to see if the supplement lowers knee pain (measured by the VAS) from the start of supplementation to the race finish, compared with placebo, along with changes in inflammatory markers. The trial is conducted under real-race conditions, with biological sampling at multiple time points.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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

Where it's running

• Dr Nicolas BOUSCAREN
  Saint-Pierre, CHU de La Réunion, France Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Nicolas BOUSCAREN, Dr
• Email: Nicolas.BOUSCAREN@chu-reunion.fr
• Phone: +33262353530

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.