Curcumin supplementation was associated with an increase in HDL-Cholesterol (often dubbed the ‘good cholesterol’) and a decrease in fat accumulation in the liver, a decrease in waist circumference, and several other biomarkers of inflammation in the liver.
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The researchers, affiliated with the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, National Iranian Oil Company Central Hospital, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, and the Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, looked specifically at the potential benefits of nano-curcumin, developed to increase the bioavailability of the active compound found in turmeric.
“Since there are no medications to combat it, the role of nutrition is a key treatment factor,” they wrote in their report, published earlier this year in Nutrition and Metabolism. “By examining dietary components such as curcumin for NAFLD improvement, researchers can begin to uncover new treatments.”
Study details
Participants were overweight or obese individuals with NAFLD (as measured using ultrasonography) at the National Iranian Oil Company Central Hospital in Tehran.
Researchers divided the 84 participants randomly but controlled for sex into two groups. Participants in the active group consumed two 40 mg per day of nanocurcumin in capsule form, one at breakfast and another at dinner, totaling to 80 mg per day.
The placebo group consumed a similar-looking and tasting capsule .
The main outcomes measured were anthropometric (weight, waist circumference), ultrasound test of liver size and fat accumulation, and blood biomarkers.
The investigated supplement, both active and placebo, was provided by Iranian company Exir-Nano-Sina. The active capsule contained the company’s patented Sinacurcumin. Funding was provided by the Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
“This trial was the first to assess the effects of nanocurcumin on serum levels of some important factors related to overweight, obesity, and NAFLD,” the researchers wrote.
“Further trials on effects of curcumin are suggested, involving larger sample sizes, longer durations, non-obese patients, and considering the mentioned limitations.”
Source: Nutrition & Metabolism
Published online ahead of print, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12986-019-0331-1
“Nano-curcumin improves glucose indices, lipids, inflammation, and Nesfatin in overweight and obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial”
Authors: Seyed Ali Jazayeri-Tehrani, et al.