Effect of Curcumin Supplementation on Liver Function Enzymes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Results of the previous studies assessed the effect of curcumin/turmeric on liver function are controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the efficacy of curcumin/turmeric supplementation on liver function. A systematic search was carried out in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, SCOPUS and Google scholar until March 15, 2018, to retrieve the randomized controlled trials which examined the effects of curcumin/turmeric on alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and gamma glutamyl transferase. Meta-analyses were carried out using a random effects model where heterogeneity was significant or I2 > 50%. The search yielded 1946 citations. 16 randomized controlled trials with 1238 patients were eligible. Results indicated that curcumin/turmeric supplementation significantly reduced serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. Curcumin/turmeric supplementation with doses more than 500 mg/day appeared to have beneficial reducing effects on aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation were observed in less than 12 weeks supplementation. Present meta-analysis indicated the beneficial effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation on liver function. Therefore, curcumin can be considered as a therapeutic component to reduce liver injuries in subjects who are at risk of liver damages.