Effect of curcumin on proinflammatory cytokines: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

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#adolescent #adult #aged #biomarkers #curcumin

Effect of curcumin on proinflammatory cytokines: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Gorabi et al., 2021 | Cytokine | Meta Analysis

Citation

Gorabi Armita Mahdavi, Razi Bahman, ... Sahebkar Amirhossein. Effect of curcumin on proinflammatory cytokines: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Cytokine. 2021-Jul;143:155541. doi:10.1016/j.cyto.2021.155541

Abstract

It has been suggested that curcumin has the potential for lowering inflammation. In the current meta-analysis, we attempted to clarify the efficacy of curcumin/turmeric supplementation in reducing concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in patients with an inflammatory background. The main databases were searched to identify eligible trials evaluating the effect of curcumin in reducing IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in serum up to March 2021. The effect sizes for weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Overall, 32 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. There was a significant decrease in the serum levels of IL-1 (WMD = -2.33 pg/ml, 95% CI = -3.33 to -1.34, P < 0.001) and TNF-α (WMD = -1.61 pg/ml, 95% CI = -2.72, -0.51, P < 0.001) compared to the placebo group following treatment. Nonetheless, curcumin/turmeric supplementation was non-significantly associated with reduced levels of IL-6 (WMD = -0.33 pg/ml, 95% CI = -0.99-0.34, P = 0.33) and increased levels of IL-8 (WMD = 0.52 pg/ml, 95% CI = -1.13-2.17, P = 0.53). The dose-responses analysis indicated that curcumin/turmeric supplementation resulted in IL-1 and IL-8 alteration in a non-linear model. Subgroup analysis according to duration and dose of treatment and target population revealed diverse outcomes. Curcumin could have a beneficial effect in reducing the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1 and TNF-α, but not IL-6 and IL-8 levels.

Key Findings

Curcumin could have a beneficial effect in reducing the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1 and TNF-α, but not IL-6 and IL-8 levels.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population an inflammatory background
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition inflammation

MeSH Terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Biomarkers
  • Curcumin
  • Cytokines
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Humans
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Middle Aged
  • Publication Bias
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Regression Analysis
  • Young Adult

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Review
  • Vertical: curcumin

Provenance

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