Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Curcumin and Fatty Liver Disease: Scientific Evidence

Curcumin, the principal curcuminoid of the spice turmeric (Curcuma longa), has been investigated for its potential therapeutic effects on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Several preclinical studies demonstrate curcumin’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering properties, which are relevant to the pathogenesis of NAFLD and related metabolic disorders. Animal models have consistently shown that curcumin supplementation reduces hepatic fat accumulation, oxidative stress, and markers of inflammation.

Human evidence, while limited, is growing. A number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses suggest that curcumin supplementation—typically in the form of highly bioavailable extracts—may improve liver function tests (such as ALT and AST), reduce liver fat content (as measured by imaging), and improve metabolic parameters in patients with NAFLD. For example, a 2019 meta-analysis published in Phytotherapy Research concluded that curcumin supplementation significantly reduced liver enzymes and improved ultrasonographic findings in NAFLD patients, although the number of studies and sample sizes were small.

Despite promising findings, the overall quality of evidence is moderate due to heterogeneity in study design, small sample sizes, short durations, and variations in curcumin formulations and dosages. As such, while scientific evidence is accumulating, further large-scale, long-term studies are needed to definitively establish efficacy and optimal dosing protocols for curcumin in the management of fatty liver disease.

More about curcumin
More about Fatty Liver Disease

Other ingredients used for Fatty Liver Disease

Other health conditions supported by curcumin

Products containing curcumin

Designs For Health C3 Curcumin Complex
Integrative Therapeutics Curalieve
Thorne Curcumin Phytosome 1000 mg Meriva 500-SF
Thorne Curcumin Phytosome 1000 mg Meriva 500-SF
Thorne Curcumin Phytosome 1000 mg Meriva 500-SF NSF
Thorne Curcumin Phytosome 500 mg SR Meriva-SF
Douglas Laboratories DIM ® Enhanced
Douglas Laboratories DIM ® Enhanced
Thorne EnteroMend NSF
Thorne Joint Support Nutrients AR-Encap
Thorne MediClear Plus
Thorne Metabolic Health
Douglas Laboratories Methlyated Resveratrol Plus
Designs For Health Mitochondrial NRG™
Thorne Multi-Vitamin Elite NSF
Thorne Multi-Vitamin Elite NSF
Thorne PolyResveratrol-SR
Pure Encapsulations ResCu-SR®
Thorne S.A.T.
Designs For Health Senolytic Synergy
Designs For Health Ultimate Antiox Full Spectrum