Background and aims Vitamin D has important roles in the regulation of the immune system in Lupus. Seventy percent of lupus patients in Indonesia are experienced hypovitamin D. Curcumin is a natural VDR ligand and has sinergic effect with vitamin D. This study was aimed to determine the effect of adding curcumin on vitamin D supplementation on anti-dsDNA serum levels and proteinuria, in SLE patients with hipovitamin D.

Methods This was a randomised controlled trial, double blind study. Forty SLE patients with hypovitamin D were studied, that randomised into two groups: 20 patients (supplementation group) received vitamin D (cholecalciferol 1200 IU daily) with curcumin 20 mg (three times daily); and 20 patients (placebo group) was given vitamin D (cholecalciferol 1200 IU daily) and placebo (3 times daily), for 3 months. Anti-ds DNA serum levels were measured by ELISA and urine protein were measured by urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR).

Results After supplementation for 3 months, this study showed that decreased of anti-dsDNA serum levels in the supplementation group was significantly greater than in the placebo group. The decreased of UACR in the supplementation group was also significantly greater than the placebo group.

Conclusions Adding curcumin on vitamin D supplementation can decrease anti-dsDNA serum levels and proteinuria greater than vitamin D supplementation plus placebo in SLE patients with hipovitamin D.