The effects of curcumin on the metabolic parameters of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Aims: Evidence indicates that curcumin seems to improve outcomes in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of curcumin inNAFLD. Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from inception through March 2018 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the role of curcumin inNAFLD. The mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Results: Four RCTs with a total of 229 NAFLD patients were included. Curcumin was more likely to lower LDL-C, triglycerides, FBS, HOMA-IR, weight and AST levels compared with placebo, and the difference was statistically significant [MD = − 27.02, 95% CI (− 52.30, − 1.74); MD = − 33.20, 95% CI (− 42.30, − 24.09); MD = − 5.63, 95% CI (− 10.36, − 0.90); MD = − 0.53, 95% CI (− 1.00, − 0.05); MD = − 2.27, 95% CI (− 3.11, − 1.44); MD = − 7.43, 95% CI (− 11.31, − 3.54), respectively]. However, the beneficial effect of curcumin did not achieve statistical significance in lowering total cholesterol, HDL-C, HbA1c, ALT or insulin levels [MD = − 30.47,95% CI (− 60.89. − 0.06); MD = − 0.98, 95% CI (− 2.88, 0.92); MD = − 0.41, 95% CI (− 1.41, 0.59); MD = − 6.02, 95% CI (− 15.61, 3.57); MD = − 0.92, 95% CI (− 2.33, 0.49)]. Conclusions: Curcumin is effective in lowering LDL-C, triglycerides, FBS, HOMA-IR, weight, and AST levels in NAFLD patients, and it is well tolerated. Further RCTs are required to confirm our findings.