Effects of Turmeric on Homocysteine and Fetuin-A in Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study

Abstract

Background: Elevated levels of homocysteine (Hcy) and fetuin-A are important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in patients with a nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). There is limited evidence regarding the effects of turmeric on NAFLD. Objectives: This study aimed at investigating the effects of turmeric supplementation on serum levels of Hcy and fetuin-A in patients with NAFLD. Methods: In this double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial, 46 NAFLD patients (21 males and 25 females; age range, 20 - 60 years) with body mass index ranged 24.9 - 40 kg/m2 were recruited from Sheikh-ol-Raees clinic in Tabriz City, Iran during Nov 2014- May 2015. The participants were allocated into the two groups using the block randomization method. The intervention and control groups received 3g of turmeric (n = 23) and placebo (n = 23), daily for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline and at the end of the trial for biochemical analysis. Results: Turmeric supplementation significantly decreased serum levels of Hcy, compared with the placebo group at the end of the study (by 27.83%, P = 0.034). No significant difference was observed between the two groups in serum levels of fetuin-A after the intervention (P > 0.05). Serum levels of glucose, insulin and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance were declined significantly in the turmeric group (by 1.22%, 17.69% and 19.48%, P = 0.039, P = 0.013 and P = 0.001, respectively) compared to the placebo. Conclusions: Turmeric consumption had beneficial effects on serum Hcy levels and may be useful in management of this risk factor in NAFLD patients.