Curcumin can help combat inflammatory chronic metabolic diseases – meta-analysis

Researchers in Korea conducted a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and found that curcumin has been shown to significantly reduce inflammation and improve metabolic health. Studies reveal its potential to lower blood sugar levels, improve insulin resistance, and decrease harmful cholesterol, making it potentially effective solution for managing chronic metabolic diseases.

“This review clearly observed that curcumin intake could significantly reduce major inflammatory markers of CRP (seven of ten meta-analyses of RCTs), IL-6 (five of eight meta-analyses of RCTs), and TNF-α (six of nine meta-analyses of RCTs). In light of this review finding that curcumin intake significantly lowered MDA levels in five of six meta-analyses, curcumin intake appeared to have antioxidant activity,”​ wrote the researchers in Nutrients.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein made by the liver, which increases when there’s inflammation in the body; Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a protein that regulates immune responses.

Elevated IL-6 levels could indicate inflammation or cardiovascular diseases; Tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine, a protein structure that can cause chronic and acute inflammatory responses; Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels are a marker of oxidative stress, an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body that leads to cell damage.

Chronic diseases can be defined as long-term (3 months or more) health conditions that develop over time. Factors like genetics, unhealthy dietary patterns, and stress can lead to chronic metabolic diseases, which include health issues like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions.