Across 4 studies, all reported beneficial effects on quality of life, with effect sizes ranging from small to large (predominantly moderate). The most robust evidence comes from a large systematic review (n=4477) showing a small but significant improvement. Effects were typically observed at 8-12 weeks in clinical populations with functional dyspepsia, chronic lower back pain, breast cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Doses varied and no specific form was consistently used across studies.
Caveats: Available evidence is overwhelmingly positive — clinical literature in this area is subject to publication bias (null-result studies are less likely to be published or indexed). Evidence base is small (only 4 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary. Effect sizes varied notably: the largest, most rigorous study (systematic review) found a small effect, while smaller RCTs reported moderate to large effects, suggesting potential overestimation in smaller trials.
There is probably little to no difference in the rate of adverse events between this intervention and placebo (RR 1.26, 95% CI 0.51 to 3.08; 1 study, 89 participants; moderate CoE).
from: Non-Chinese herbal medicines for functional dyspepsia.Almost all the studies reported little to no difference in the rate of adverse events compared to placebo
from: Non-Chinese herbal medicines for functional dyspepsia.better tolerance to chemotherapy, fewer adverse effects
from: Efficacy and Safety of Curcumin as an Adjuvant to Standard Chemotherapy in Advanced and MeThe use of CHM and curcumin concomitant with standard therapy was associated with survival and quality-of-life benefits.
from: Unconventional Treatments for Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review.better tolerance to chemotherapy, fewer adverse effects
from: Efficacy and Safety of Curcumin as an Adjuvant to Standard Chemotherapy in Advanced and MeThe intervention probably improves the quality of life, measured on the EQ-5D (MD 0.05, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.09)
Critical QoL scores greatly improved in the CL20192 group.
Curcumin-treated women displayed higher physical performance, better prognosis and QoL, better tolerance to chemotherapy, fewer adverse effects, and better PFS.
Among these, the use of CHM and curcumin concomitant with standard therapy was associated with survival and quality-of-life benefits.