Turmeric and Reduced Interleukin-6 Levels

Research synthesisLow evidenceModerate effect3 studies · 2 beneficial · 1 neutral · 0 harmful

Across 3 studies, 2 reported beneficial moderate-sized effects of turmeric/curcumin on reducing interleukin-6 levels, while 1 reported a neutral small effect. Two studies reached statistical significance. Studies primarily involved clinical populations (chronic lower back pain, metabolic syndrome) and used doses around 300 mg to 2 g daily over a median duration of 66 days, suggesting effects typically observed at 6-12 weeks.

Effective dose range: 300 mg to 2 g daily
Studied populations: Adults with chronic lower back pain; adults with metabolic syndrome or related disorders (type 2 diabetes, NAFLD, obesity, PCOS)

Caveats: Evidence base is small (only 3 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary. One study in athletes showed no significant effect, suggesting benefit may be population-specific. Doses and forms varied across studies, and no form data was extracted, making it difficult to attribute effects to a specific preparation.

Generated May 17, 2026

Doses used in studies

g/day: 2 (median 2, IQR 2–2) — 1 study
mg/day: 300 (median 300, IQR 300–300) — 1 study

Time to effect

Median: 9.4 weeks · IQR 7.7 weeks–11.1 weeks · Range 6 weeks–3 months — Reported in 2 of 3 studies

Safety in these studies

Overall tolerabilityReported
No explicit adverse events or safety findings are reported in the abstract.
from: Clinical Potential of Curcuma longa Linn. as Nutraceutical/Dietary Supplement for Metaboli

3 of 3 papersPopulation:

Efficacy and safety evaluation of Boswellia serrata and Curcuma longa extract combination in the management of chronic lower back pain: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study.
- 2024-12-18
- RCT · n = 45
- Explore (New York, N.Y.) 21(1)
- - Anuradha Majumdar
  - Mungara Anjaneya Venkata Vara Prasad
  - Satish Reddy Gandavarapu
  - Kalakata Sudhir Kumar Reddy
  - Varun Sureja
  - Dharmeshkumar Kheni
  - Vishal Dubey
- PubMed: 39700654
- DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2024.103099
9 Insights on
- Reduced Interleukin-6 Levels
- High evidence
- Clinical
This group demonstrated a significant reduction in inflammatory biomarker levels (...interleukin-6...)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Significant
Yes
Dose
300 mg CL20192 once daily
Does curcumin supplementation affect inflammation, blood count and serum brain-derived neurotropic factor concentration in amateur long-distance runners?
- 2025-01-14
- RCT · n = 15
- PloS one 20(1)
- - Sebastian Bańkowski
  - Ziemowit Bronisław Wójcik
  - Małgorzata Grabara
  - Dariusz Ozner
  - Tomasz Pałka
  - Agata Stanek
  - Ewa Sadowska-Krępa
- PubMed: 39808679
- DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0317446
6 Insights on
- Reduced Interleukin-6 Levels
- High evidence
- Athletes
The results showed no significant changes in ... interleukin-6 (IL-6)... due to curcumin supplementation.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Significant
No
Dose
2g/day
Clinical Potential of Curcuma longa Linn. as Nutraceutical/Dietary Supplement for Metabolic Syndrome: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
- 2025-12-24
- Review
- Foods (Basel, Switzerland) 15(1)
- - Samuel Abiodun Kehinde
  - Zahid Naeem Qaisrani
  - Rinrada Pattanayaiying
  - Bo Bo Lay
  - Khin Yadanar Phyo
  - Wai Phyo Lin
  - Myat Mon San
  - Nurulhusna Awaeloh
  - Sasithon Aunsorn
  - Ran Kitkangplu
  - Sasitorn Chusri
- PubMed: 41517125
- DOI: 10.3390/foods15010060
9 Insights on
- Reduced Interleukin-6 Levels
- Low evidence
- Clinical
IL-6 (SMD = -0.50; 95% CI: -0.70 to -0.29)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Significant
Yes

Turmeric and Reduced Interleukin-6 Levels

Efficacy and safety evaluation of Boswellia serrata and Curcuma longa extract combination in the management of chronic lower back pain: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study.

Does curcumin supplementation affect inflammation, blood count and serum brain-derived neurotropic factor concentration in amateur long-distance runners?

Clinical Potential of Curcuma longa Linn. as Nutraceutical/Dietary Supplement for Metabolic Syndrome: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.