Skip to main content

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

Clinical nutrition

The effects of curcumin supplementation on liver enzymes, lipid profile, glucose homeostasis, and hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 73, pages 441–449 (2019)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major global health problem. The most common cause of death in these patients is due to cardiovascular disorders. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of curcumin supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with NAFLD.

Methods and materials

In this randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial, fifty two patients with NAFLD were randomly assigned to receive life style recommendations plus either 1500 mg curcumin or placebo for 12 weeks. Anthropometric indices, blood lipid profile, insulin resistance, as well as hepatic steatosis and fibrosis scores were measured at the beginning and the end of the study, and compared between and within groups.

Results

Hepatic fibrosis, serum cholesterol, glucose and alanin aminotransferase (ALT) reduced significantly only in curcumin group (p < 0.05). Anthropometric indices, blood lipid profile, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis decreased significantly in both groups (p < 0.05), without any significant difference between two groups.

Conclusion

Our results showed that daily intake of 1500 mg curcumin plus weight loss is not superior to weight loss alone in amelioration of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with NAFLD. Further studies with different dosages of curcumin are needed to be able to conclude about the effects of this dietary supplement on cardiovascular risk factors and NAFLD characteristics.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution

Relevant articles

Open Access articles citing this article.

Access options

Rent or buy this article

Prices vary by article type

from$1.95

to$39.95

Learn more

Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout

Fig. 1

References

  1. Faghihzadeh F, Adibi P, Rafiei R, Hekmatdoost A. Resveratrol supplementation improves inflammatory biomarkers in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Nutr Res. 2014;34:837–43.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Byrne CD, Targher G. NAFLD: a multisystem disease. J Hepatol. 2015;62:S47–S64.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Khoshbaten M, Hekmatdoost A, Ghasemi H, Entezariasl M. Prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms and signs in northwestern Tabriz, Iran. Indian J Gastroenterol. 2004;23:168–70.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Yilmaz Y. is non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease a spectrum, or are steatosis and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis distinct conditions? Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2012;36:815–23.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Maithilikarpagaselvi N, Sridhar MG, Swaminathan RP, Sripradha R, Badhe B. Curcumin inhibits hyperlipidemia and hepatic fat accumulation in high-fructose-fed male Wistar rats. Pharm Biol. 2016;54:2857–63.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Morisco F, Vitaglione P, Amoruso D, Russo B, Fogliano V, Caporaso N. Foods and liver health. Mol Asp Med. 2008;29:144–50.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Buzzetti E, Pinzani M, Tsochatzis EA. The multiple-hit pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Metabolism. 2016;65:1038–48.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Eslamparast T, Poustchi H, Zamani F, Sharafkhah M, Malekzadeh R, Hekmatdoost A. Synbiotic supplementation in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study–. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014;99:535–42.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Askari F, Rashidkhani B, Hekmatdoost A. Cinnamon may have therapeutic benefits on lipid profile, liver enzymes, insulin resistance, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients. Nutr Res. 2014;34:143–8.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Faghihzadeh F, Adibi P, Hekmatdoost A. The effects of resveratrol supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Br J Nutr. 2015;114:796–803.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Yari Z, Rahimlou M, Eslamparast T, Ebrahimi-Daryani N, Poustchi H, Hekmatdoost A. Flaxseed supplementation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a pilot randomized, open labeled, controlled study. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2016;67:461–9.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Curcumin BengmarkS. An atoxic antioxidant and natural NFκB, cyclooxygenase‐2, lipooxygenase, and inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor: a shield against acute and chronic diseases. J Parenter Enter Nutr. 2006;30:45–51.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Nabavi SF, Daglia M, Moghaddam AH, Habtemariam S, Nabavi SM. Curcumin and liver disease: from chemistry to medicine. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf. 2014;13:62–77.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Aggarwal BB, Sundaram C, Malani N, Ichikawa H. Curcumin: the Indian solid gold. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2007;595:1–75.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Rivera-Espinoza Y, Muriel P. Pharmacological actions of curcumin in liver diseases or damage. Liver Int: Off J Int Assoc Study Liver. 2009;29:1457–66.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Dattani J, Rajput D, Moid N, Highland H, George L, Desai K. Ameliorative effect of curcumin on hepatotoxicity induced by chloroquine phosphate. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2010;30:103–9.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Alm-Eldeen AA, Mona MH, Shati AA, El-Mekkawy HI. Synergistic effect of black tea and curcumin in improving the hepatotoxicity induced by aflatoxin B1 in rats. Toxicol Ind Health. 2015;31:1269–80.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Coban D, Milenkovic D, Chanet A, Khallou‐Laschet J, Sabbe L, Palagani A, et al. Dietary curcumin inhibits atherosclerosis by affecting the expression of genes involved in leukocyte adhesion and transendothelial migration. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2012;56:1270–81.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Jang E-M, Choi M-S, Jung UJ, Kim M-J, Kim H-J, Jeon S-M, et al. Beneficial effects of curcumin on hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance in high-fat–fed hamsters. Metab-Clin Exp. 2008;57:1576–83.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Tang Y, Zheng S, Chen A. Curcumin eliminates leptin’s effects on hepatic stellate cell activation via interrupting leptin signaling. Endocrinology. 2009;150:3011–20.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Tang Y. Curcumin targets multiple pathways to halt hepatic stellate cell activation: updated mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. Dig Dis Sci. 2015;60:1554–64.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Rivera‐Espinoza Y, Muriel P. Pharmacological actions of curcumin in liver diseases or damage. Liver Int. 2009;29:1457–66.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Vizzutti F, Provenzano A, Galastri S, Milani S, Delogu W, Novo E, et al. Curcumin limits the fibrogenic evolution of experimental steatohepatitis. Lab Invest. 2010;90:104.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Ramirez-Tortosa MC, Ramirez-Tortosa CL, Mesa MD, Granados S, Gil Á, Quiles JL. Curcumin ameliorates rabbits’s steatohepatitis via respiratory chain, oxidative stress, and TNF-α. Free Radic Biol Med. 2009;47:924–31.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Panahi Y, Kianpour P, Mohtashami R, Jafari R, Simental-Mendía LE, Sahebkar A. Curcumin lowers serum lipids and uric acid in subjects with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized controlled trial. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2016;68:223–9.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Rahmani S, Asgary S, Askari G, Keshvari M, Hatamipour M, Feizi A, et al. Treatment of Non‐alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease with Curcumin: A Randomized Placebo‐controlled Trial. Phytother Res. 2016;30:1540–8.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Panahi Y, Kianpour P, Mohtashami R, Jafari R, Simental-Mendía LE, Sahebkar A. Efficacy and safety of phytosomal curcumin in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized controlled trial. Drug Res (Stuttg). 2017;67:244–51.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The Practical Guide: identification, evaluation, and treatment of overweight and obesity in adults. Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NHLBI Obesity Education Initiative, North American Association for the Study of Obesity, 2000. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/guidelines/prctgd_c.pdf

  29. Kelishadi R, Ardalan G, Gheiratmand R, Gouya MM, Razaghi EM, Delavari A, et al. Association of physical activity and dietary behaviours in relation to the body mass index in a national sample of Iranian children and adolescents: CASPIAN Study. Bull World Health Organ. 2007;85:19–26.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Friedewald WT, Levy RI, Fredrickson DS. Estimation of the concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in plasma, without use of the preparative ultracentrifuge. Clin Chem. 1972;18:499–502.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Matthews D, Hosker J, Rudenski A, Naylor B, Treacher D, Turner R. Homeostasis model assessment: insulin resistance and β-cell function from fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentrations in man. Diabetologia. 1985;28:412–9.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Vanhala P, Vanhala M, Kumpusalo E, Keinanen-Kiukaanniemi S. The quantitative insulin sensitivity check index QUICKI predicts the onset of type 2 diabetes better than fasting plasma insulin in obese subjects: a 5-year follow-up study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2002;87:5834–7.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Li B, Wang L, Lu Q, Da W. Liver injury attenuation by curcumin in a rat NASH model: an Nrf2 activation-mediated effect? Ir J Med Sci (1971). 2016;185:93–100.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Zhao NJ, Liao MJ, Wu JJ, Chu KX. Curcumin suppresses Notch1 signaling: Improvements in fatty liver and insulin resistance in rats. Mol Med Rep. 2018;17:819–26.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Ghaemi A, Taleban FA, Hekmatdoost A, Rafiei A, Hosseini V, Amiri Z, et al. How much weight loss is effective on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease? Hepatitis Mon. 2013;13:e15227.

  36. Vizzutti F, Arena U, Marra F, Pinzani M. Elastography for the non-invasive assessment of liver disease: limitations and future developments. Gut. 2009;58:157–60.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Yilmaz Y, Yesil A, Gerin F, Ergelen R, Akin H, Celikel ÇA, et al. Detection of hepatic steatosis using the controlled attenuation parameter: a comparative study with liver biopsy. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2014;49:611–6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Schiborr C, Kocher A, Behnam D, Jandasek J, Toelstede S, Frank J. The oral bioavailability of curcumin from micronized powder and liquid micelles is significantly increased in healthy humans and differs between sexes. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2014;58:516–27.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all participants without whom this study was impossible. The study was financially supported by a grant from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences to AH.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology, Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Saeede Saadati, Zahra Yari, Asieh Mansour & Azita Hekmatdoost

  2. Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Behzad Hatami, Mohammad Amin Shahrbaf & Amir Sadeghi

  3. Liver and pancreatobiliary research group, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Tehran, Iran

    Sareh Eghtesad & Hossein Poustchi

  4. Cellular and Molecular Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, ShahidBeheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Mehdi Hedayati

  5. Department of Internal Medicine, AJA university of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Morteza Aghajanpoor-pasha

Authors
  1. Saeede Saadati
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Behzad Hatami
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Zahra Yari
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Mohammad Amin Shahrbaf
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Sareh Eghtesad
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Asieh Mansour
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Hossein Poustchi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Mehdi Hedayati
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Morteza Aghajanpoor-pasha
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  10. Amir Sadeghi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  11. Azita Hekmatdoost
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Amir Sadeghi or Azita Hekmatdoost.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Publisher’s note: Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Saadati, S., Hatami, B., Yari, Z. et al. The effects of curcumin supplementation on liver enzymes, lipid profile, glucose homeostasis, and hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Eur J Clin Nutr 73, 441–449 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-018-0382-9

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-018-0382-9

This article is cited by

Search

Advanced search

Quick links