Effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation on liver function in adults: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Introduction: Liver conditions are major burdens upon health systems around the world. Turmeric /curcumin is believed to possess therapeutic features in ameliorating various metabolic disorders. In this systematic review and meta-analysis of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we examined the effect of turmeric/curcumin supplementation on some liver function tests (LFTs). Methods: We comprehensively searched online databases (i.e. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar) from inception up to October 2022. Final outcomes included aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). Weighted mean differences (WMDs) were reported. In case of between-study heterogeneity, subgroup analysis was conducted. Non-linear dose-response analysis was carried out to detect the potential effect of dosage and duration. The registration code is CRD42022374871. Results: Thirty-one RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Turmeric/curcumin supplementation significantly reduced blood levels of ALT (WMD = −4.09 U/L; 95 % CI = −6.49, −1.70) and AST (WMD = −3.81 U/L; 95 % CI = −5.71, −1.91), but not GGT (WMD: −12.78 U/L; 95 % CI: −28.20, 2.64). These improvements, though statistically significant, do not ensure clinical effectiveness. Conclusion: It seems that turmeric/curcumin supplementation might be effective in improving AST and ALT levels. However, further clinical trials are needed to examine its effect on GGT. Quality of the evidence across the studies was low for AST and ALT and very low for GGT. Therefore, more studies with high quality are needed to assess this intervention on hepatic health.

Keywords

• RCTs
• Curcumin/turmeric
• Liver function
• Meta-analysis