New research from Urmia University of Medical Sciences suggests that two natural compounds—curcuminoids from turmeric and vitamin D—may help lower blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes.
Curcuminoids are the active ingredients in turmeric, a bright yellow spice often used in cooking across many Asian cultures. These compounds have long been used in traditional medicine for their healing properties.
Vitamin D, which we get from sunlight, food, and supplements, is known for supporting bone health, helping the body absorb calcium, and keeping our muscles and immune system healthy.
Previous studies have shown that both curcuminoids and vitamin D can help reduce inflammation, fight infections, and possibly slow down the growth of cancer cells. They also help maintain strong bones. But scientists still weren’t sure how these compounds affect blood pressure and body weight, especially in people with type 2 diabetes.
To learn more, researchers studied 80 people with type 2 diabetes who also had low levels of vitamin D. The participants were divided into four groups. For 12 weeks, each group took either curcuminoids alone, vitamin D alone, both together, or a placebo (a pill with no active ingredients).
At the start and end of the study, their blood pressure was measured. The results showed that vitamin D alone lowered both the top (systolic) and bottom (diastolic) numbers in blood pressure readings. Curcuminoids helped lower the bottom number (diastolic blood pressure).
Interestingly, when curcuminoids and vitamin D were taken together, they worked well to lower diastolic blood pressure. But curcuminoids appeared to reduce the ability of vitamin D to lower systolic blood pressure. This difference suggests that more research is needed to understand how these two supplements work together in the body.
You can find curcuminoids naturally in turmeric, curry powder, and many curry-based dishes. Vitamin D is found in foods like salmon, sardines, canned tuna, egg yolks, mushrooms, and in fortified foods such as milk and breakfast cereals.
For people living with type 2 diabetes, this study shows that curcuminoids and vitamin D might be helpful in managing blood pressure. However, it’s important to remember that more research is needed to figure out the best doses and how these two compounds affect different parts of blood pressure.
If you have diabetes, managing your blood pressure is an important step in avoiding serious problems like heart disease and stroke. This usually means combining medications with healthy eating, regular exercise, and stress management. Natural supplements like turmeric and vitamin D could one day be a helpful part of that plan.
Other research also suggests that certain foods and supplements may improve health for people with diabetes.
For example, pomace olive oil might help lower cholesterol, honey could help control blood sugar, and blueberries are especially good for people with metabolic syndrome. The diabetes drug metformin has also been linked to slower cognitive decline in some patients.
This study was led by Shirin Ebrahimkhani and published in the journal Clinical Nutrition ESPEN. It adds to a growing number of studies showing that natural supplements may support better health in people with type 2 diabetes.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about This alcohol treatment could help treat high blood pressure and How blood pressure changes with age.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about Intensive blood pressure treatment for older adults may harm heart and kidneys and What you should know about high blood pressure medications.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
