Turmeric and Reduced Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Levels

Research synthesisLow evidenceMixed effect size3 studies · 2 beneficial · 1 neutral · 0 harmful

Across 3 studies, 2 reported beneficial effects with mixed (moderate to large) effect sizes on reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. The most studied population is adults with metabolic disorders, and the only reported dose is 1500 mg/day over 12 months.

Studied populations: adults with metabolic disorders (type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome)

Caveats: Evidence base is small (only 3 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary. Effect sizes were mixed (moderate to large) across the two beneficial studies, and one systematic review reported neutral findings.

Generated May 16, 2026

Doses used in studies

mg/day: 1,500 (median 1,500, IQR 1,500–1,500) — 1 study

Time to effect

Median: 12.2 months · IQR 12.2 months–12.2 months · Range 12.2 months–12.2 months — Reported in 1 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:

Curcumin Supplementation Reduces Inflammation, Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), and Antioxidant Status in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
- 2026-04-27
- RCT · n = 114
- International journal of molecular sciences 27(9)
- - Metha Yaikwawong
  - Khanittha Kamdee
  - Somlak Chuengsamarn
- PubMed: 42123439
- DOI: 10.3390/ijms27093854
8 Insights on
- Reduced Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Levels
- High evidence
- Large Human Trial
- Rigorous Journal
- Clinical
significant reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines (p < 0.001)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Large
Significant
Yes
Dose
1500 mg/day
Polyphenols in the Prevention and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review of Clinical Evidence.
- 2024-08-16
- Systematic Review · n = 100
- Nutrients 16(16)
- - Laura López-Gómez
  - Jose Antonio Uranga
- PubMed: 39203871
- DOI: 10.3390/nu16162735
5 Insights on
- Reduced Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Levels
- High evidence
- Rigorous Journal
Curcumin demonstrated promise in various trials, mainly decreasing inflammatory cytokines, though results varied
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Significant
No
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 Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Levels
- Low evidence
- Clinical
TNF-α (SMD = -0.57; 95% CI: -0.80 to -0.34)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Significant
Yes

Turmeric and Reduced Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Levels

Curcumin Supplementation Reduces Inflammation, Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), and Antioxidant Status in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Polyphenols in the Prevention and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review of Clinical Evidence.

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