Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, as a remedy for various ailments, including those related to the liver (hepatic system). However, beyond tradition, modern scientific research has also begun to elucidate mechanisms by which turmeric and its primary active constituent, curcumin, may support liver health.

Several preclinical studies (in vitro and animal models) indicate that curcumin possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties. For example, curcumin has been shown to attenuate liver injury induced by toxins, reduce markers of liver inflammation, and modulate pathways involved in fibrosis and oxidative stress. Some small clinical trials suggest that curcumin supplementation may improve markers of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), such as liver enzymes (ALT, AST) and imaging findings. However, these clinical studies are limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and varying dosages and formulations of turmeric/curcumin.

Overall, while there is a solid traditional basis and a growing but still preliminary scientific foundation for turmeric's use in supporting liver health, large, high-quality human clinical trials are needed for definitive conclusions. Current evidence supports a moderate rating (3/5) for scientific validation of turmeric's use in supporting the hepatic system.