Curcumin, derived from turmeric root, exhibits notable anti-inflammatory effects. These anti-inflammatory properties might also provide advantages in reducing cardiovascular complications, such as atherosclerosis. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin in reducing the risk of atherogenesis in obese patients with type 2 diabetes. The study employed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial design with 227 participants diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The parameters used to assess atherogenic risk reduction included pulse wave velocity and metabolic profiles, including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Measurements were recorded at baseline and at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month intervals. After 12 months, participants receiving curcumin exhibited a significant reduction in pulse wave velocity (p < 0.001). This group showed significantly reduced levels of cardiometabolic risk biomarkers, including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, all with p values less than 0.001. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were also significantly lower in the curcumin group, with p values less than 0.001. The curcumin intervention significantly reduced pulse wave velocity and improved cardiometabolic risk profiles. These findings suggest that curcumin treatment may effectively reduce atherogenic risks in type 2 diabetes patients with obesity.

Background: Curcumin, a bioactive polyphenol derived from turmeric, has demonstrated potential therapeutic effects in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) by modulating inflammation, oxidative stress, hepatic fat accumulation, and fibrosis. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of curcumin in reducing hepatic steatosis and liver stiffness in patients with MASLD. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 78 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and MASLD were randomly assigned to receive either curcumin (1500 mg/day) or placebo for 12 months. The primary outcome was the change in tumor necrosis factor (TNF) levels. Secondary outcomes included changes in interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), antioxidant enzyme activities (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase), the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde, non-esterified fatty acids, and hepatic parameters (hepatic steatosis and liver stiffness). Assessments were conducted at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Results: All participants completed the study (curcumin group: n = 39; placebo group: n = 39). Curcumin significantly reduced TNF levels at all follow-up points compared to placebo (p < 0.001). IL-1β, IL-6, and malondialdehyde levels also declined significantly (p < 0.001), while antioxidant enzyme activities, including glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, increased significantly (p < 0.001), indicating improved oxidative balance. Furthermore, curcumin led to significant reductions in non-esterified fatty acids, total body fat, BMI, hepatic steatosis, and liver stiffness compared to placebo. Conclusions: Twelve months of curcumin supplementation improved glycemic control, reduced systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, and significantly improved hepatic steatosis and liver stiffness in patients with MASLD. These findings support curcumin as a promising adjunctive therapy for MASLD management.

Type 2 diabetes and depression co-occur in a bidirectional manner. Curcumin supplements exhibit antidepressant effects that may mitigate depression by modulating neurotransmitters and reducing inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin in improving depression severity in obese type 2 diabetes patients. The study employed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial design with 227 participants. The primary end-point was depression severity assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Biomarkers were measured at baseline and at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month intervals. The biomarkers assessed were serotonin levels, pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha), antioxidant activities (total antioxidant status, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase), and malondialdehyde. After 12 months, the curcumin group exhibited significantly improved depression severity (p = 0.000001). The curcumin group had higher levels of serotonin (p < 0.0001) but lower levels of interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (p < 0.001 for all) than the placebo group. Total antioxidant status, glutathione peroxidase activity, and superoxide dismutase activity were elevated in the curcumin group, whereas malondialdehyde levels were greater in the placebo group (p < 0.001 for all). These findings suggest curcumin may have antidepressant effects on obese type 2 diabetes patients.