Evidence supporting the use of: Curcuminoids
For the health condition: Fibrosis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Curcuminoids, the active polyphenolic compounds found in turmeric (Curcuma longa), have been investigated for their anti-fibrotic properties in both preclinical and early clinical studies. Fibrosis, characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins leading to tissue scarring, can affect various organs such as the liver, lungs, kidneys, and heart.
Preclinical studies (in vitro and animal models) have shown that curcuminoids may attenuate fibrosis by modulating several molecular pathways, such as inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells in liver fibrosis, suppressing TGF-β signaling, reducing oxidative stress, and decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. For example, animal studies demonstrate that curcumin can reduce markers of liver, lung, and renal fibrosis.
However, robust clinical evidence in humans is limited. Some small pilot studies and clinical trials suggest that curcumin supplementation may improve surrogate markers of liver fibrosis in conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but data are inconsistent and often limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and methodological variability.
Overall, while there is promising preclinical and some preliminary clinical evidence supporting the anti-fibrotic effects of curcuminoids, the strength of evidence is moderate at best, and large, well-controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm their efficacy in treating or preventing fibrosis in humans.
Other health conditions supported by Curcuminoids
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Acne
Alzheimer's Disease
Arthritis
Asthma
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Bleeding (external)
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Bursitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Colitis
Conjunctivitis
Cuts
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Edema
Endometriosis
Fatty Liver Disease
Fever
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Fibrosis
Fungal Infections