Curcumin and Biochemical Parameters in Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD)—A Review

Abstract

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), formerly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is characterized by excessive fat accumulation in hepatocytes. It is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide and is a significant public health problem. In the absence of pharmacological therapy, other treatments such as diet, physical activity, or supplementation are sought. Non-pharmacological therapies may include curcumin supplementation, which has been shown to have many health-promoting properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. For this reason, we reviewed available databases to analyze publications describing the effect of curcumin supplementation on biochemical parameters in MAFLD. Nine studies (eight RCTs and one CT) based solely on supplementation of patients with curcumin were included in this review. The results from the individual trials were varied and did not allow clear conclusions. Although they suggest that curcumin shows some potential in the treatment of MAFLD, further research is needed.