Efficacy of curcumin/turmeric on inflammation and oxidative stress in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #curcumin #oxidative-stress #prediabetic-state #inflammation

Efficacy of curcumin/turmeric on inflammation and oxidative stress in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

Bahari et al., 2025 | Inflammopharmacology | Meta Analysis

Citation

Bahari Hossein, Omidian Kosar, ... Rafiei Hossein. Efficacy of curcumin/turmeric on inflammation and oxidative stress in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Inflammopharmacology. 2025-Dec;33(12):7179-7195. doi:10.1007/s10787-025-02038-9

Abstract

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are central to the development and progression of prediabetes and diabetes. Curcumin, the main bioactive component of turmeric, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, though evidence from human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) remains inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in individuals with prediabetes and diabetes. Comprehensive searches of PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus up to August 2025 identified RCTs comparing curcumin/turmeric supplementation with controls, reporting biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Data from 31 effect sizes across 28 RCTs were pooled using a random-effects model, with subgroup and meta-regression analyses to explore heterogeneity. Curcumin/turmeric supplementation significantly reduced CRP (SMD: - 0.50), TNF-α (SMD: - 1.70), IL-6 (SMD: - 2.97), and MDA (SMD: - 1.31), while significantly increasing GSH (SMD: 1.72) and TAC (SMD: 1.03). Greater improvements in CRP, GSH, and TAC were observed with unformulated curcumin and higher doses (≥ 1 g/day). Publication bias was detected for CRP and GSH, and the overall certainty of evidence was rated low for all biomarkers due to substantial heterogeneity. In conclusion, curcumin/turmeric supplementation may beneficially modulate inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in prediabetes and diabetes, though further high-quality, large-scale RCTs are needed to confirm these findings and determine optimal formulations and dosages.

Key Findings

In conclusion, curcumin/turmeric supplementation may beneficially modulate inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in prediabetes and diabetes, though further high-quality, large-scale RCTs are needed to confirm these findings and determine optimal formulations and dosages.

Outcomes Measured

  • C-reactive protein
  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population prediabetes and diabetes
Sample Size 28
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Curcumin
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Prediabetic State
  • Inflammation
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
  • Curcuma
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Biomarkers
  • Antioxidants
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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