Effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation on obesity indices and adipokines in adults: A grade-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Dehzad et al., 2023 | Phytother Res | Meta Analysis

Citation

Dehzad Mohammad Jafar, Ghalandari Hamid, ... Askarpour Moein. Effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation on obesity indices and adipokines in adults: A grade-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Phytother Res. 2023-Apr;37(4):1703-1728. doi:10.1002/ptr.7800

Abstract

In the present study, we explored the effect of curcumin/turmeric supplementation on anthropometric indices of obesity, leptin, and adiponectin. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar up to August 2022. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating the impact of curcumin/turmeric on obesity indices and adipokines were included. We applied the Cochrane quality assessment tool to evaluate the risk of bias. The registration number is CRD42022350946. Sixty eligible RCTs, with a total sample size of 3691 individuals were included for quantitative analysis. We found that supplementation with curcumin/turmeric significantly reduced body weight (WMD: -0.82 kg, 95% CI: -1.30, -0.35; p = 0.001), body mass index (WMD: -0.30 kg/m2 , 95% CI: -0.53, -0.06, p = 0.013), waist circumference (WMD: -1.31 cm, 95% CI: -1.94, -0.69, p < 0.001), body fat percentage (WMD: -0.88%, 95% CI: -1.51, -0.25, p = 0.007), leptin (WMD = -4.46 ng/mL; 95% CI: -6.70, -2.21, p < 0.001), and increased adiponectin (WMD = 2.48 μg/mL; 95% CI: 1.34, 3.62, p < 0.001). Overall, our study shows that supplementation with curcumin/turmeric significantly improves anthropometric indices of obesity and adiposity-related adipokines (leptin and adiponectin). However, due to high between-studies heterogeneity, we should interpret the results with caution.

Key Findings

However, due to high between-studies heterogeneity, we should interpret the results with caution.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 3691
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Adipokines
  • Adiponectin
  • Curcuma
  • Curcumin
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Leptin
  • Obesity
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance


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