Impact of curcumin supplementation on fatigue: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective Considering the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin and the evidence indicating the role of chronic inflammation in the pathophysiology of fatigue, this meta-analysis aimed to determine the significant effect of curcumin in reducing fatigue. Methods Four main databases, including ISI Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library, were searched from inception to July 2024 to identify randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of curcumin on fatigue scale. Meta-analysis was conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) V2 and OpenMeta [Analyst] softwares. The overall estimate of effect size was measured using a random-effects model. To assess the presence of publication bias, funnel plots and Egger's regression test were utilized. The quality of each selected study was assessed using Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. Moreover, the GRADEpro tool was used in order to check the quality of evidence across studies. Results The meta-analysis of 13 trials, involving 763 subjects, demonstrated a significant decrease in fatigue following curcumin administration (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −1.267 (95% CI: −2.453 to −0.081), p = 0.036). The incidence of fatigue was not affected by curcumin administration. Improvement in fatigue was found to be associated with the time following intervention (≤8 weeks; SMD = −2.156; 95% CI: −3.955 to −0.358; p = 0.019 vs. >8 weeks; SMD = −0.092 (95% CI: −0.663–0.479), p = 0.753) and the health status of the participants. However, the dosage of curcumin did not show a significant correlation with the fatigue score. Conclusion Curcumin supplementation presents a promising approach for managing fatigue due to its multifaceted mechanisms of action as a phytochemical.