The effect of turmeric on lipid profile, malondialdehyde, liver echogenicity and enzymes among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized double blind clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common causes of liver transaminases elevation and a global health concern. PURPOSE: This study designed to evaluate the effects of turmeric rhizomes (Curcumalonga Linn.) on liver enzymes, Lipid profiles and Malondialdehyde (MDA) in patients with NAFLD. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial. METHODS: 64 cases of NAFLD randomly assigned to receive either turmeric (2 gr/day) or placebo for 8 weeks. The changes of liver transaminases, lipid profiles and MDA were measured before and after study period and compared between two groups (IRCT 2015092924262N1). RESULTS: At the end of the study, the Turmeric group showed a significant reduction in liver enzymes (AST before 26.81 ± 10.54 after 21.19 ± 5.67, P = 0.044, ALT before 39.56 ± 22.41, after 30.51 ± 12.61, P = 0.043 and GGT before33.81 ± 17.50, after 25.62 ± 9.88, P = 0.046) compared with the placebo group. The serum levels of triglycerides, LDL, HDL and MDA had also a significant decrease among turmeric group as compared to baseline while there was no significant change in placebo group (P < 0.05). The serum cholesterol, VLDL level and sonographic grades of NAFLD had not any significant change in both groups. CONCLUSION: In conclusion this study suggests that daily consumption of turmeric (and its active phenolic ingredients as curcumin) supplementation could be effective in management of NAFLD and decreasing serum level of liver transaminases.