Effect of curcumin supplementation on symptoms of anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#curcumin #humans #randomized-controlled-trials-as-topic #anxiety #dietary-supplements

Effect of curcumin supplementation on symptoms of anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Fathi et al., 2024 | Clin Nutr ESPEN | Meta Analysis

Citation

Fathi Soroor, Agharloo Soheil, ... Shafagh Seyyed-Ghavam. Effect of curcumin supplementation on symptoms of anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2024-Aug;62:253-259. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2024.05.017

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Curcumin is a polyphenolic natural compound that has been used to treat various ailments such as symptoms of anxiety. However, the findings of studies regarding the anti-anxiety properties of curcumin are controversial. This review aims to evaluate if there are clinical benefits of curcumin in patients with symptoms of anxiety. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were retrieved to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from the database inception to August 16, 2023. The random-effects model was used to estimate the standard mean difference (SMD). RESULTS: A total of eight RCTs involving 567 participants were included in the analysis. A pooled analysis showed a significant effect of curcumin on anxiety symptoms (SMD: -1.56; 95% CI: -2.48, -0.64, p < 0.001; I2 = 95.6%, p-heterogeneity< 0.001). CONCLUSION: Present meta-analysis demonstrated that curcumin intake might contribute to alleviation of anxiety disorder. Due to the limited number of studies included, it is necessary to conduct more high-quality studies to confirm the clinical efficacy of curcumin.

Key Findings

A total of eight RCTs involving 567 participants were included in the analysis. A pooled analysis showed a significant effect of curcumin on anxiety symptoms (SMD: -1.56; 95% CI: -2.48, -0.64, p < 0.001; I2 = 95.6%, p-heterogeneity< 0.001).

Outcomes Measured

  • anxiety

Population

Field Value
Population symptoms of anxiety
Sample Size 567
Age Range See abstract
Condition anxiety

MeSH Terms

  • Curcumin
  • Humans
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Anxiety
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents
  • Anxiety Disorders

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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