Does turmeric/curcumin supplementation improve serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease? A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

We performed a meta‐analysis to evaluate the efficacy of turmeric/curcumin supplementation on serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to November 20, 2018. Studies that examined the effect of turmeric/curcumin on serum concentrations of ALT and AST among patients with NAFLD were included. The mean difference and standard deviation (SD) of changes in ALT and AST between intervention and control groups were used as effect size for the meta‐analysis. A total of six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible for meta‐analysis. Results from pooled analysis revealed that turmeric/curcumin supplementation reduced ALT (MD: −7.31 UL/L, 95% CI [−13.16, −1.47], p = 0.014) and AST (MD: −4.68 UL/L, 95% CI [−8.75 −0.60], p = 0.026). When RCTs stratified on the basis of their treatment duration, the significant reduction in serum concentrations of ALT and AST was observed only in studies lasting less than 12 weeks. This review suggests that turmeric/curcumin might have a favorable effect on serum concentrations of ALT and AST in patients with NAFLD. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.

A rare case of turmeric‐induced hepatotoxicity

“…Turmeric is an ancient health supplement that has recently become popularised for its anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects, commonly used in both the health supplements and foods industry. While touted for its many benefits, including paradoxically, anti‐inflammatory effect in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis, this case illustrates the significant risk of hepatotoxicity associated with turmeric. To date, there has been only one other case reported in current literature to support this finding .…”

Effect of adding turmeric powder to local buck rabbit’s rations on some production and blood traits

“…And it has been found the effect to decrease the cholesterol level in humans [17] and in rabbits which suggested the role to manage the cardiovascular disease [12]. Furthermore, it has been indicated the beneficial role of turmeric extract in other diseases and disorders including obesity, diabetes and liver disease [18][19][20][21]; whereas to the anti-inflammatory effects the immune system [22][23][24]. So, this study investigates the effect of the inclusion of turmeric powder in diets on fattening rabbits and some blood biochemical traits.…”

Quercetin improves nonalcoholic fatty liver by ameliorating inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolism in db/db mice

“…With the in‐depth research, the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been attracted worldwide attention for its potential beneficial effects and the special health care function. Many of the active ingredients of TCM have been found to have potential effects in relieving NAFLD, such as psoralea corylifolia L , turmeric , and green tea extract (Goodarzi, Sabzian, Shishehbor, & Mansoori, ; J. Liu, Zhao, Huang, Li, & Guo, ; Z. Yang, Zhu, et al, ). Quercetin, a well‐known natural flavonoid, is widely found in a variety of fruits and vegetables.…”