Curcumin downregulates human tumor necrosis factor-α levels: A systematic review and meta-analysis ofrandomized controlled trials

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#animals #curcumin #down-regulation #humans #randomized-controlled-trials-as-topic

Curcumin downregulates human tumor necrosis factor-α levels: A systematic review and meta-analysis ofrandomized controlled trials

Sahebkar et al., 2016 | Pharmacol Res | Systematic Review

Citation

Sahebkar Amirhossein, Cicero Arrigo F G, ... Gupta Subash C. Curcumin downregulates human tumor necrosis factor-α levels: A systematic review and meta-analysis ofrandomized controlled trials. Pharmacol Res. 2016-May;107:234-242. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2016.03.026

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a key inflammatory mediator and its reduction is a therapeutic target in several inflammatory diseases. Curcumin, a bioactive polyphenol from turmeric, has been shown in several preclinical studies to block TNF-α effectively. However, clinical evidence has not been fully conclusive. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin supplementation on circulating levels of TNF-α in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: The search included PubMed-Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases by up to September 21, 2015, to identify RCTs investigating the impact of curcumin on circulating TNF-α concentration. Quantitative data synthesis was performed using a random-effects model, with weighed mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) as summary statistics. Meta-regression and leave-one-out sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the modifiers of treatment response. RESULTS: Eight RCTs comprising nine treatment arms were finally selected for the meta-analysis. There was a significant reduction of circulating TNF-α concentrations following curcumin supplementation (WMD: -4.69pg/mL, 95% CI: -7.10, -2.28, p<0.001). This effect size was robust in sensitivity analysis. Meta-regression did not suggest any significant association between the circulating TNF-α-lowering effects of curcumin with either dose or duration (slope: 0.197; 95% CI: -1.73, 2.12; p=0.841) of treatment. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis of RCTs suggested a significant effect of curcumin in lowering circulating TNF-α concentration.

Key Findings

Eight RCTs comprising nine treatment arms were finally selected for the meta-analysis. There was a significant reduction of circulating TNF-α concentrations following curcumin supplementation (WMD: -4.69pg/mL, 95% CI: -7.10, -2.28, p<0.001). This effect size was robust in sensitivity analysis. Meta-regression did not suggest any significant association between the circulating TNF-α-lowering effects of curcumin with either dose or duration (slope: 0.197; 95% CI: -1.73, 2.12; p=0.841) of treatment

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Curcumin
  • Down-Regulation
  • Humans
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: curcumin

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09