Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Curcumin, the principal curcuminoid found in turmeric (Curcuma longa), has been investigated for its potential to support or treat fibrosis in various organ systems, including the liver, lungs, kidneys, and heart. Fibrosis is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, leading to tissue scarring and impaired function. Numerous preclinical studies (in vitro and in animal models) indicate that curcumin can attenuate fibrotic processes by modulating key signaling pathways such as TGF-β/Smad, NF-κB, and oxidative stress pathways. Curcumin exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which are thought to underlie its antifibrotic effects. For example, in animal models of liver fibrosis, curcumin has been shown to reduce collagen deposition and suppress hepatic stellate cell activation. Similar beneficial effects have been observed in models of pulmonary and renal fibrosis.

However, clinical evidence in humans is limited, and most available data derive from preclinical research. A small number of clinical trials have investigated curcumin supplementation in patients with conditions associated with fibrosis (such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and chronic kidney disease), with some reports of improved biomarkers, but definitive conclusions are hampered by small sample sizes and methodological limitations. Overall, while there is a scientific rationale and moderate preclinical evidence supporting curcumin's use for fibrosis, robust clinical validation is still lacking. Thus, the current evidence level is rated as "3"—promising but not yet confirmed by high-quality human studies.

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Products containing curcumin

Nature's Sunshine Turmeric Curcumin (Formerly CurcuminBP)