Curcumin as a novel approach in improving lipid profile: An umbrella meta-analysis

Aims: Several meta-analyses exist supporting the beneficial effects of curcumin supplementation on lipid profile parameters; however, some studies' findings are inconsistent. Therefore, the current umbrella of meta-analysis of clinical trials was performed to evaluate the findings of multiple meta-analyses on the efficacy of curcumin on lipid profiles in adults.

Data synthesis: A comprehensive systematic search of PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science and Google Scholar were carried out up to May 2022 (in English only). Random-effects model was employed to conduct meta-analysis. The quality assessment of the selected meta-analyses was measured using a measurement tool to assess multiple systematic reviews (AMSTAR). From 101 articles returned in the literature search, 19 articles were met the qualified for inclusion in the umbrella meta-analysis. The results revealed that the curcumin supplementation was effective on reduction of total cholesterol (TC) (ES = -0.81 mg/dl; 95% CI: 1.39, -0.24, p = 0.006; I² = 68.8%, p < 0.001), triglycerides (TG) (ES: 0.84 mg/dl, 95% CI: 1.42, -0.27, p = 0.004; I² = 84.2%, p < 0.001), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (ES: 0.49 mg/dl, 95%CI: 0.85, -0.13, p = 0.007; I² = 51.9%, p = 0.004). Beyond that, Curcumin intake significantly increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (ES: 1.34 mg/dl, 95% CI: 0.37, 2.31, p = 0.007; I² = 97.8%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Curcumin have ameliorating effects on TC, TG, LDL-c, and HDL-c levels. Overall, Curcumin could be recommended as an adjuvant anti-hyperlipidemic agent.

Registration number: PROSPERO, CRD42021289500.