Written by Alexa Heathorn, MS, CNS-c, Science Writer. Daily supplementation of 1500 mg of curcumin for 12 months significantly improved inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, liver steatosis, and metabolic parameters in individuals with MASLD receiving metformin. 

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as NADLF, is the more prevalent chronic liver condition globally and a major contributor to liver-related morbidity and mortality^1,2. The updated MASLD terminology, introduced in 2023, better reflects the disease’s metabolic underpinnings, including overweight status, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia¹. Its progression involves oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, hepatic stellate cell activation, and gut microbiota imbalance—highlighting the need for therapies that go beyond conventional glucose-lowering strategies.

Curcumin, the active polyphenol in turmeric, has garnered attention for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects¹. It supports lipid and glucose metabolism, regulates hunger hormones, and has shown potential liver-protective properties in earlier trials^3,4. Although most of these studies were brief—typically eight weeks—results have consistently shown improvements in liver fat, enzyme levels, and metabolic markers in NAFLD populations. Still, longer-term data have been lacking.

To address this gap, a recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was designed to evaluate the effects of curcumin over a 12-month period. The study investigated its impact on inflammatory and hepatic parameters, as well as antioxidant status and weight management, in patients diagnosed with MASLD¹.

This study included 78 Thai adults, all aged 35 years or older, with diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus and MASLD¹. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 1500 mg of curcumin per day (administered in capsule form) or a matching placebo for 12 months. All individuals were also receiving metformin for the management of hyperglycemia during the study period¹.

To assess the effects of curcumin, researchers tracked inflammatory markers (TNF, IL-1β, IL-6), oxidative stress (measured by malondialdehyde-MDA), and antioxidant activity (glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase)¹. Additional MASLD-related outcomes included non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), total body fat, body mass index (BMI), hepatic steatosis, liver stiffness and glycemic control via HBA1c and fasting plasma glucose¹.

Measurements were collected at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months to evaluate trends over time and compare treatment effects between the curcumin and placebo groups.

The results after 12 months of supplementation were as follows:

• Inflammation:
  • Levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were significantly reduced in the curcumin group at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months compared to placebo (p < 0.001), demonstrating a consistent anti-inflammatory effect throughout the study.
• Oxidative Stress & Antioxidant Activity:
  • Malondialdehyde (MDA), a key marker of oxidative stress, was significantly lower in the curcumin group across all time points (p < 0.001). In contrast, antioxidant enzymes—glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase—were significantly elevated in the curcumin group relative to placebo (p < 0.001), indicating improved antioxidant defense.
• Liver & Metabolic Health:
  • Curcumin supplementation led to significantly greater reductions in non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), total body fat, waist circumference, and BMI at all checkpoints. Measures of hepatic steatosis and liver stiffness also improved significantly in the curcumin group compared to placebo (p < 0.001).
• Glycemic Control:
  • By months 6, 9, and 12, fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c levels were significantly lower in the curcumin group (p < 0.01), supporting enhanced glycemic regulation alongside ongoing metformin use.

Potential limitations of the study include:

• The study population was limited to Thai adults with type 2 diabetes receiving metformin, therefore results may not generalize to individuals without diabetes, on other medications, or from different ethnic backgrounds.
• Curcumin was studied as an adjunct treatment alongside metformin, not as a standalone intervention, so findings reflect its effect in combination with existing glucose-lowering therapy.
• The sample was skewed toward women, despite MASLD being more prevalent in men, which may limit the applicability of findings to the broader population.
• Liver improvements were assessed using non-invasive imaging rather than biopsy, therefore histological changes in fibrosis could not be directly confirmed.
• Only one dose and form of curcumin was tested in this study, so results may not apply to other formulations or dosing strategies.
• The study did not include a follow-up period after cessation of supplementation, therefore the long-term effects of curcumin beyond the 12-month intervention remain unknown.

Daily supplementation of 1500 mg of curcumin for 12 months significantly improved inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, and metabolic parameters in patients with MASLD who were also receiving metformin¹. These findings support curcumin as a promising adjunct therapy for MASLD management. However, further research is needed to explore different formulations and dosages of curcumin, evaluate its effects in broader and more diverse populations, and determine the long-term outcomes following cessation of supplementation.

Source: Yaikwawong, Metha, Laddawan Jansarikit, Siwanon Jirawatnotai, and Somlak Chuengsamarn. “Curcumin for Inflammation Control in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Nutrients 17, no. 12 (2025): 1972.

© 2025 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Click here to read the full text study.

Posted August 12, 2025.

Alexa Heathorn, MS, CNS-c, is a clinical nutritionist specializing in metabolic health, hormonal balance, and gastrointestinal restoration through root-cause functional nutrition. She earned her master’s degree in Nutrition from Bastyr University and is currently a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) candidate. Alexa also works as a research writer and functional health consultant, translating complex science into actionable strategies for practitioners and wellness companies. Learn more at www.bloomedwellness.com.

References:

1. Yaikwawong M, Jansarikit L, Jirawatnotai S, Chuengsamarn S. Curcumin for Inflammation Control in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. Jun 10 2025;17(12)doi:10.3390/nu17121972
2. Chan WK, Chuah KH, Rajaram RB, Lim LL, Ratnasingam J, Vethakkan SR. Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): A State-of-the-Art Review. J Obes Metab Syndr. Sep 30 2023;32(3):197-213. doi:10.7570/jomes23052
3. Rahmani S, Asgary S, Askari G, et al. Treatment of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease with Curcumin: A Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial. Phytother Res. Sep 2016;30(9):1540-8. doi:10.1002/ptr.5659
4. Panahi Y, Kianpour P, Mohtashami R, Jafari R, Simental-Mendía LE, Sahebkar A. Efficacy and safety of phytosomal curcumin in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized controlled trial. Drug research. 2017;67(04):244-251.