A systematic review and meta-analysis of the anti-inflammatory benefits of curcumin supplementation in individuals with metabolic syndrome and related diseases

Several randomized controlled studies (RTCs) have investigated the potential beneficial effects of curcumin in inflammatory process in metabolic syndrome. These studies have presented results controversial and inconclusive. In the present study, we aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of RCTs to assess the effect of curcumin supplementation on inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), C‐reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) among in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SciELO were searched from inception up to September 2023. The review has been registered at PROSPERO (CRD42023447460). Weighted mean differences (WMDs) were reported. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant. By employing the Cochrane tool, RCTs were assessed for bias risk. Assessment of study quality was conducted using the GRADE approach. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger’s tests. In total, 26 studies were included in the meta-analysis, including 27 arms. The meta‐analysis indicated that curcumin supplementation significantly decreased CRP (-0.75mg/dL, 95 % CI: -1.10, -0.39; p=