Evaluation of the effect of phytosomal curcuminoids on oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in NAFLD: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the phytosomal curcuminoids on oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers along with routine biochemical factors in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: Seventy-two patients were selected and randomly divided into Placebo and Curcumin groups (250 mg of phytosomal curcuminoids daily for two months). Biochemical, inflammatory biomarkers including interleukin (IL) 6, IL-10, TNF alpha (tumor necrosis factor alpha), MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and oxidative stress measurements including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) were measured between two groups before and after the intervention. Results: Curcumin treatment statistically significant increased the activity of CAT enzyme compared with the Placebo group after intervention (p value = 0.001). However, no significant changes were observed in MDA and SOD biomarkers. Moreover, there was a statistically significant reduction in monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels as a chemokine in the Curcumin group compared with the Placebo group after treatment (p value = 0.007). Conclusion: Daily use of 250 mg of phytosomal curcuminoids for two months in patients with NAFLD resulted in a significant increase of CAT activity and a significant reduction of MCP-1.