The effect of curcumin-piperine supplementation on liver transient elastography and biochemical indices in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by an excessive buildup of triglycerides in hepatocytes, currently lacks an approved pharmacological treatment. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of a curcumin-piperine supplement, leveraging curcumin's established antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-steatotic, and anti-fibrotic properties, with piperine enhancing its bioavailability. The objective was to assess its impact on cardiometabolic markers, liver function, and the progression of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Materials and Methods: Sixty NAFLD patients were enrolled in a randomized, 12-week, placebo-controlled study. Participants were randomly assigned to a treatment group receiving a daily oral supplement of 500 mg curcumin and 5 mg piperine, or a control group receiving a placebo. Measurements of anthropometrics, biochemical indices, and hepatic steatosis and fibrosis via FibroScan were taken at baseline and study end. Results: Anthropometric indices, and hepatic fibrosis decreased significantly within groups but not between groups for curcumin-piperine supplementation compared to placebo (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between curcumin-piperine supplementation and placebo in total cholesterol, LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein, cholesterol), HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein, cholesterol), ALT (alanine transaminase), AST (aspartate transaminase), FBS (fasting blood sugar) and hepatic steatosis after 12 weeks. Conclusions: Curcumin-piperine supplementation showed no significant impact on hepatic or biochemical markers linked to NAFLD when compared to placebo, suggesting it may not be a beneficial adjunct therapy. © 2026, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.