Curcumin supplementation alleviates hepatic fat content associated with modulation of gut microbiota-dependent bile acid metabolism in patients with non-alcoholic simple fatty liver disease: a randomized controlled trial
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Our previous studies showed that curcumin prevented hepatic steatosis in animal models.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to assess the effects of curcumin on hepatic fat content, body composition, and gut microbiota-dependent bile acid (BA) metabolism in patients with non-alcoholic simple fatty liver (NASFL).
METHODS
In a 24-week double-blind randomized trial, 80 patients with NASFL received 500 mg/d curcumin or placebo. Hepatic fat content was measured using FibroTouch-based controlled attenuation parameters (CAP). Microbial composition and BA metabolites were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolomics.
RESULTS
Curcumin consumption significantly reduced CAP value compared to placebo (-17.5 dB/m; 95%CI: -27.1, -7.8; P < 0.001). This corresponded to reduction in weight (-2.6 kg; 95%CI: -4.4, -0.8; P < 0.001) and BMI (-1.0 kg/m2; 95%CI: -2.0, -0.1; P = 0.032) compared to placebo group. Additionally, free fatty acid (-0.12 mmol/L; 95%CI: -0.20, -0.04; P = 0.004), triglycerides (-0.29 mmol/L; 95%CI: -0.41, -0.14; P < 0.001), fasting blood glucose (-0.06 mmol/L; 95%CI: -0.12, -0.01; P = 0.038), HbA1c (-0.06%; 95%CI: -0.33, -0.01; P = 0.019), and insulin (-4.94 μU/L; 95%CI: -9.73, -0.15; P = 0.043) showed significant reductions in the curcumin group compared to placebo group. Gut microbiota analysis indicated that curcumin significantly decreased Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio and significantly increased Bacteroides abundance. Serum levels of deoxycholic acid, the…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 80 participants or records.
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