The Effect of Curcumin Pill in Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Clinical Trial Study Publisher



Pakzad B¹ ; Hedayat A^{2, 3} ; Ahmadian M^{2, 3} ; Bagherighalehsalimi A^{2, 3} ; Akbari M⁴ Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2017

Abstract

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common type of liver disease across the world. Due to the high prevalence of NAFLD, some patients tend to use herbal medicines for its treatment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of curcumin pill on NAFLD. Methods: In this clinical trial study, 100 patients with NAFLD were enrolled. Then, their height, weight, and body mass index were measured, and liver function tests and liver ultrasound were performed, too. The patients were then divided into two groups of case and control, and received curcumin and placebo for eight weeks, respectively. Before and after intervention, fasting blood sugar (FBS), lipid profile levels [including total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL)], human C-reactive protein (hCRP) level, and liver markers such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and alanine transaminase (ALT) were measured and recorded again. Data were analyzed and compared between two groups using SPSS software. Findings: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of gender, age, clinical features, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL, FBS, liver function markers such as ALP, ALT, and AST, and hCRP, and fatty liver grade at the onset of the study (P > 0.050). However, the level of ALT, AST, and hCRP significantly reduced in the case group after the intervention (P < 0.001). Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, it seems that curcumin can be recommended for appropriate treatment of NAFLD. © 2017 Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.