Curcumin and Biochemical Parameters in Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD)—A Review

Abstract

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), formerly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is characterized by excessive fat accumulation in hepatocytes. It is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide and is a significant public health problem. In the absence of pharmacological therapy, other treatments such as diet, physical activity, or supplementation are sought. Non-pharmacological therapies may include curcumin supplementation, which has been shown to have many health-promoting properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. For this reason, we reviewed available databases to analyze publications describing the effect of curcumin supplementation on biochemical parameters in MAFLD. Nine studies (eight RCTs and one CT) based solely on supplementation of patients with curcumin were included in this review. The results from the individual trials were varied and did not allow clear conclusions. Although they suggest that curcumin shows some potential in the treatment of MAFLD, further research is needed.

Effect of Different Types of Intermittent Fasting on Biochemical and Anthropometric Parameters among Patients with Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD)—A Systematic Review

“…Intermittent fasting has so far been used in studies in the course of many diseases, e.g., obesity, type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular diseases, with measurable effects [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 32 ]. It should be noted that these are diseases that often coexist with MAFLD [ 33 ], making it reasonable to examine the use intermittent fasting among patients with MAFLD.…”

“…Overweight or obesity is often observed among people with MAFLD, and diet should lead to effective weight reduction [ 24 , 33 ]. Aliasghari et al (4 weeks of Ramadan) [ 19 ] and Cai et al (12 weeks of TRF in one group and 12 weeks of ADMF in the other group) [ 18 ] reported statistically significant (Cai et al versus control group) decreases in weight in subjects.…”

Curcuminoids for Metabolic Syndrome: Meta-Analysis Evidences Toward Personalized Prevention and Treatment Management

“…As an anti-inflammatory modulator, curcumin might improve health parameters related to NAFLD ( 94 ). Some RCT reported the effectiveness of curcumin and curcuminoids in improving various health parameters in NAFLD patients, i.e., serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interferon γ, vascular endothelial growth factor, and epidermal growth factor, fasting plasma insulin (FPI), HOMA-IR, liver transaminases, fatty liver index, serum cortisol, ultrasound morphological of the liver, and other parameters included in MS ( p < 0.05) ( 94 – 112 ). The findings were consistent regarding the beneficial effects on improving NAFLD risk factors ( 113 ), with only one study having conflicting results, whereby curcumin was reported to have no impact on liver transaminases, metabolic and inflammatory parameters.…”

Antiradical and Antioxidant Activity of Compounds Containing 1,3-Dicarbonyl Moiety: An Overview

“…The wide application of curcumin in cancer therapy has forced Kong et al [55] to ask whether "curcumin is the answer to future chemotherapy cocktail?". This compound has been found to be helpful for the treatment of various diseases caused by free radicals: e.g., metabolic-associated fatty liver disease [56], Huntington's disease [57], diabetes mellitus [58] and diabetic complications [59], neurodegenerative diseases [60,61], and dermatological disorders [62]. In addition, both structural modifications of curcumin [49,63] and the synthesis of metal complexes [64] have led to compounds with promising pharmacological effects.…”