Background

Dysregulation of blood triglycerides and cholesterol are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Turmeric and curcuminoids (the active compounds in turmeric) have shown some ability to modify blood lipids, but the evidence has been inconclusive.

The study

This systematic review and meta-analysis included 14 randomized controlled trials that investigated the effect of turmeric or curcuminoids on blood triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol.

The results

Turmeric and curcuminoids are able to reduce triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol, and raise HDL cholesterol. These findings should be evaluated with caution, however, due to the high level of heterogeneity among the analyzed studies.

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This Study Summary was published on November 5, 2020.