The liver: the hepatoprotective effects of curcumin

You’re no doubt familiar with the health benefits of turmeric. In addition to being a cooking ingredient, the plant Curcuma longa L. is widely used in phytotherapy – and with good cause, since it contains a powerful active principle called curcumin. Scientists believe this substance has remarkable therapeutic benefits including anti-inflammatory activity, an anti-cancer effect and significant antioxidant potency. A recent study in which researchers investigated curcumin’s role in liver health suggests that hepatoprotective effects should now be added to this range of benefits¹. We explore their findings below.

Curcumin for combatting non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Elevated risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Given its natural antioxidant power, curcumin has attracted scientific interest for its potential to protect the liver against certain diseases such as or NAFLD (non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis). Characterised by a build-up of fat in liver cells, this is a common disease, with an estimated prevalence of 15%-30% among Western populations, and 50%-90% among obese individuals. Accumulation of fat in the body is a significant risk factor. Diabetics are more likely to develop NAFLD with a risk of more than 70%. Like excess fat, insulin resistance may be involved in the first stages of liver disease. Benefits of curcumin for liver health
While obesity and diabetes significantly increase the risk of developing NAFLD, there are other factors affecting liver function such as free radicals induced by oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, inflammatory response and hepatic fibrosis. A number of natural molecules are attracting scientific interest for their potential in combatting these processes and protecting liver health. One such substance is curcumin which is already recognised for its antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory activity and cholesterol-lowering effects.

Hepatoprotective effects of curcumin supplementation

Evaluation of the effects of curcumin supplementation

With its many health benefits, curcumin is believed to offer significant potential for preventing and treating NAFLD. The therapeutic benefits of this powerful natural antioxidant were actually confirmed by a recent study published in the journal Drug Research¹, in which scientists evaluated the effects of curcumin supplementation in NAFLD patients. Subjects were divided into two groups: 52 patients were given a placebo, while a further 50 were supplemented with 1000mg of curcumin a day.
Protective and beneficial effects for the liver

After eight weeks’ supplementation, the researchers observed positive results in the supplemented group. The condition of their livers had improved with significant decreases in fat levels. They also noted a reduction in pathogenic markers such as levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. Compared with the control group, the curcumin-supplemented patients had also lost weight and reduced their waist circumference.

With its protective action, anti-inflammatory activity and positive effects on the lipid profile, curcumin would seem to offer significant benefits for liver health. The many benefits of this powerful natural antioxidant have for some years been available in the form of nutritional supplements.

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> Source :
1. Yunes Panai et al., Efficacy and Safety of Phytosomal Curcumin in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Drug Res (Stuttg) 2017; 67(04): 244-251.