Document Type : Original Research Article
Authors
1
Food Security Research Center and Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2
Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Anesthesia and Critical
3
Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
4
Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
5
Academic Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Allam Diabetes Centre Hull Royal Infirmary Anlaby Road HU3 2JZ, Hull, UK
6
Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
7
School of Nutrition and Food Science, Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
10.22038/ajp.2025.26943
Abstract
Objective: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by an excessive buildup of triglycerides in hepatocytes, currently lacks an approved pharmacological treatment. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of a curcumin-piperine supplement, leveraging curcumin's established antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-steatotic, and anti-fibrotic properties, with piperine enhancing its bioavailability. The objective was to assess its impact on cardiometabolic markers, liver function, and the progression of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis.
Materials and Methods: Sixty NAFLD patients were enrolled in a randomized, 12-week, placebo-controlled study. Participants were randomly assigned to a treatment group receiving a daily oral supplement of 500 mg curcumin and 5 mg piperine, or a control group receiving a placebo. Measurements of anthropometrics, biochemical indices, and hepatic steatosis and fibrosis via FibroScan were taken at baseline and study end.
Results: Anthropometric indices, and hepatic fibrosis decreased significantly within groups but not between groups for curcumin-piperine supplementation compared to placebo (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between curcumin-piperine supplementation and placebo in total cholesterol, LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein, cholesterol), HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein, cholesterol), ALT (alanine transaminase), AST (aspartate transaminase), FBS (fasting blood sugar) and hepatic steatosis after 12 weeks.
Conclusions: Curcumin-piperine supplementation showed no significant impact on hepatic or biochemical markers linked to NAFLD when compared to placebo, suggesting it may not be a beneficial adjunct therapy.
Methods: Sixty patients diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were enrolled in a randomized, 12-week, placebo-controlled study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a treatment group receiving a daily oral supplement of 500 mg curcumin and 5 mg piperine, or a control group receiving a 505 mg microcrystalline cellulose placebo. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical indices, and assessments of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis via FibroScan were conducted at both baseline and at the conclusion of the 12-week intervention period.
Results: Anthropometric indices (weight, BMI, waist circumference), and hepatic fibrosis decreased significantly within groups but not between groups for curcumin-piperine supplementation compared to placebo (p<0.05).There were no significant differences between curcumin-piperine supplementation and placebo on total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-C, high density lipoprotein-C, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, fasting glucose and hepatic steatosis after 12 weeks.
Conclusions: Compared to placebo, curcumin-piperine supplementation did not affect any of the hepatic or biochemical markers associated with NAFLD and would not appear to be an effective adjunct therapy.
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