The effect of curcumin supplementation on cognitive function: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09

The effect of curcumin supplementation on cognitive function: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Wang et al., 2025 | Front Nutr | Systematic Review

Citation

Wang Wenlong, Zhao Rui, ... Li Kelei. The effect of curcumin supplementation on cognitive function: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Nutr. 2025;12:1549509. doi:10.3389/fnut.2025.1549509

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Previous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) did not draw a consistent conclusion about the effect of curcumin on cognitive function. METHODS: We searched Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase, and 9 RCTs (including 12 independent comparisons) with 501 subjects were included in the present meta-analysis. RESULTS: Compared with placebo, supplementation of curcumin significantly improved global cognitive function (SMD, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.19 to 1.45; p = 0.010). A curvilinear dose-response effect was observed, and the optimal dose is 0.8 g/day. Subgroup analysis indicated that the beneficial effect of curcumin on cognition was significant only if duration ≥24 weeks (SMD, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.13 to 2.18; p = 0.027), age of participants ≥60 years (SMD, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.03 to 2.21; p = 0.044), or participants from Asian countries (SMD, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.08 to 1.83; p = 0.032). Otherwise, this effect became non-significant (p > 0.05). Sensitivity analysis by excluding each study one by one or excluding all studies with high risk of bias did not obviously influence the final results. No significant publication bias was observed (P for Begg's Test and Egger's test = 0.150 and 0.493, respectively). CONCLUSION: Supplementation of curcumin can effectively improve global cognitive function, and the optimal dose and duration is 0.8 g/day and ≥24 weeks. The beneficial effect of curcumin on cognition is more potent in older and Asian participants than younger and Western ones.

Key Findings

Compared with placebo, supplementation of curcumin significantly improved global cognitive function (SMD, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.19 to 1.45; p = 0.010). A curvilinear dose-response effect was observed, and the optimal dose is 0.8 g/day. Subgroup analysis indicated that the beneficial effect of curcumin on cognition was significant only if duration ≥24 weeks (SMD, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.13 to 2.18; p = 0.027), age of participants ≥60 years (SMD, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.03 to 2.21; p = 0.044), or participants from Asia

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population older and
Sample Size 501
Age Range See abstract
Condition cognitive

MeSH Terms

  • No MeSH terms indexed

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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