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Effects of Turmeric and Turmeric Plus Piperine Supplementation on Lipid Profiles in Adults with Cardiometabolic Risk Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Following PRISMA Guidelines.

  • 2025-12-15
  • Pharmaceutics 17(12)
    • Francisco Epelde

Study Design

Type
Review
Population
adults with metabolic disorders
Methods
Systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane CENTRAL; randomized controlled trials evaluating turmeric supplementation (with or without piperine) on lipid outcomes; Cochrane RoB 2; GRADE; random-effects meta-analyses; PRISMA 2020 guidelines
Background: Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its main bioactive compound curcumin are widely promoted for cardiometabolic health, yet their efficacy on lipid parameters remains uncertain. Piperine, an alkaloid from black pepper, enhances curcumin bioavailability and may potentiate its effects. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of turmeric, alone or combined with piperine, on lipid profiles in adults with metabolic disorders. Methods: A systematic search was conducted (2010-2025) in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane CENTRAL. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating turmeric supplementation (with or without piperine) on lipid outcomes were included. Methodological quality was assessed with Cochrane RoB 2; certainty of evidence was rated using GRADE. Meta-analyses were performed with random-effects models. The protocol followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Results: Ten records were identified; six full texts were assessed; three RCTs (n ≈ 250) were included in quantitative synthesis, and three additional RCTs narratively. Pooled analysis demonstrated significant reductions in triglycerides (WMD -25.5 mg/dL, 95% CI -32.5 to -18.4), total cholesterol (-14.1 mg/dL, 95% CI -22.9 to -5.3), and LDL-C (-17.0 mg/dL, 95% CI -25.2 to -8.8), with an increase in HDL-C (+5.7 mg/dL, 95% CI +2.0 to +9.4). Subgroup analysis suggested greater LDL-C reduction with turmeric+piperine (-29.6 mg/dL) compared to turmeric alone (-16.2 mg/dL). Certainty of evidence was moderate for TG, TC, LDL-C, and low for HDL-C. Conclusions: Turmeric supplementation, particularly when combined with piperine, improves lipid profiles in adults with metabolic disorders. These effects are clinically relevant and comparable to other nutraceuticals, although evidence remains limited by short trial duration and small sample sizes. Larger, long-term RCTs are warranted before turmeric can be recommended in evidence-based dyslipidemia guidelines.

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