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An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials Investigating the Effect of Curcumin Supplementation on Lipid Profiles.

  • 2025-08-01
  • Nutrition reviews 83(8)
    • Chanita Unhapipatpong
    • Narachai Julanon
    • Prapimporn Chattranukulchai Shantavasinkul
    • Nint Polruang
    • Pawin Numthavaj
    • Ammarin Thakkinstian

Study Design

Type
Meta-Analysis
Population
patients with noncommunicable diseases (including those with metabolic-related diseases)
Methods
Umbrella review and updated meta-analysis of 72 RCTs comparing curcumin supplementation to placebo, measuring lipid profiles.
Funding
Unclear

Context

Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and curcumin may help improve lipid metabolism.

Objective

This umbrella review and updated meta-analysis assessed the effects of curcumin supplementation on lipid profiles.

Data sources

Electronic databases (Medline, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google Scholar) were searched through March 31, 2023, without language restrictions.

Data extraction

Two independent authors selected eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving curcumin supplementation compared with placebo, measuring total cholesterol (TC), low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and triglyceride (TG) levels.

Data analysis

This study identified 26 systematic reviews and meta-analyses (MAs) that met the inclusion criteria for the umbrella review. Of these, 53 RCTs, with a corrected coverage area of 9.76% indicating a moderate degree of overlap, were included for re-pooling. Additionally, this study found 19 more RCTs, bringing the total number of studies for the updated MAs to 72.

Results

Curcumin significantly reduced TC, LDL-c, and TG, with mean differences (MDs) of -7.76 mg/dL (95% CI: -11.29, -4.22; I2 = 97%), -5.84 mg/dL (95% CI: -11.63, -0.05; I2 = 98%), and -13.15 mg/dL (95% CI: -17.31, -8.98; I2 = 94%), respectively, and increased HDL-c by 2.4 mg/dL (95% CI: 1.22, 3.57; I2 = 94%). The reductions in LDL-c and TG reached the minimally clinically important differences (MCIDs). However, the reduction in TC and increase in HDL-c did not meet their respective MCIDs. Subgroup analysis showed greater lipid improvements in patients with metabolic-related diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes. Enhanced bioavailability forms of curcumin, supplementation for at least 8 weeks, and exercise yielded additional benefits.

Conclusion

The study confirmed that curcumin has an anti-lipidemic effect on patients with noncommunicable diseases. A form of curcumin with enhanced bioavailability is preferred, and supplementation for at least 8 weeks, along with exercise, may be used as an accessible approach to reduce the risk of ASCVD.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023415577.

Research Insights

  • Turmeric→Increased High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol

    Curcumin significantly reduced TC, LDL-c, and TG, ... and increased HDL-c by 2.4 mg/dL (95% CI: 1.22, 3.57; I2 = 94%)

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
  • Turmeric→Reduced Blood Cholesterol

    Curcumin significantly reduced TC, LDL-c, and TG, with mean differences (MDs) of -7.76 mg/dL (95% CI: -11.29, -4.22; I2 = 97%)

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
  • Turmeric→Reduced LDL Cholesterol

    Curcumin significantly reduced TC, LDL-c, and TG, with mean differences (MDs) of ... -5.84 mg/dL (95% CI: -11.63, -0.05; I2 = 98%)

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
  • Turmeric→Reduced Triglyceride Levels

    Curcumin significantly reduced TC, LDL-c, and TG, with mean differences (MDs) of ... -13.15 mg/dL (95% CI: -17.31, -8.98; I2 = 94%)

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
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