The effect of oral curcumin supplementation on health-related quality of life: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background and Aims: With an aging society, a multitude of physical, mental, and emotional challenges are being faced both in the general population and by those with chronic disorders. An enhanced understanding of 'quality of life' could be considered a major criterion for improved clinical care. We performed a meta-analysis to examine the effect of oral curcumin on improving the health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Methods: A systematic search was performed through PubMed, Clarivate Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase up to February 2020 using relevant keywords. Trials that met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. We applied the standardized mean difference (SMD) in a random-effects model to analyze the impact of combined trials. Additionally, we used the Cochrane Risk Bias Tool to evaluate any potential risks of bias. Results: A total of 10 studies were considered eligible and included in the meta-analysis. We found an overall significant effect of oral curcumin supplementation on improved HRQOL (SMD: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.30, 3.63; I2=97.4). In the subgroup analysis, curcumin showed significantly favorable effects on HRQOL in trials with a short duration of curcumin intervention (<5 months) and those that used curcumin formulations with high bioavailability. Conclusion: Oral curcumin has a strong positive impact on HRQOL. Our analysis supports the use of an improved-bioavailability formulation of curcumin to improve HRQOL. However, given the heterogeneity among the studies included in this review, additional evidence from well-designed, large, and long-term trials is still required.

Automated summary

The meta-analysis showed a significant positive impact of oral curcumin supplementation on improving HRQOL, particularly in trials with short duration and high bioavailability formulations. However, further evidence from well-designed, large, and long-term trials is still required to confirm these findings due to the heterogeneity among included studies.