Do you like curries? I do.

Many curries contain turmeric, which scientists are studying to

measure its health benefits.

This study1 is a meta-analysis that examined randomized controlled trials that have
studied curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, in the treatment of autoimmune
diseases. A meta-analysis is when researchers identify all randomized clinical trials with
a control arm and use them to evaluate a specific intervention. They searched common
scientific databases and identified 34 records with 31 randomized controlled clinical trials
looking at curcumin extract.

The randomization and control arm are essential to measuring whether the intervention
improves or worsens the outcomes of interest as compared to the control that doesn’t
get the intervention. Using a supplement makes it easier to have a blind placebo arm,
where neither the participant nor the investigator knows if the participant is taking the
active ingredient or the placebo. If the results of multiple studies are consistent, a meta-
analysis can provide compelling evidence of the benefit or lack of benefit of an
intervention.

This meta-analysis included 31 trials studying 10 autoimmune conditions: Ankylosing

spondylitis (AS) (one trial), Behcet's disease (BD) (one trial), Crohn's disease (two trials),
multiple sclerosis (MS) (two trials), oral lichen planus (six trials), psoriasis (two trials),
rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (five trials), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (two trials),
arteritis (one trial), and ulcerative colitis (UC) (nine trials).

In a study of curcumin extract and the treatment of Takayasu Arteritis, there were 120
patients in the intervention and 126 in the placebo group. The clinical scores improved
and cytokine scores (TNF alpha, CRP, and ESR) were reduced in the intervention group
as compared to controls.

Two trials on curcumin extract and the treatment of psoriasis were examined, with a total
of 39 participants. Both studies demonstrated clinically and statistically improved skin
scores (reduced psoriasis plaques) compared to the control arm.

In two trials on curcumin extract and the treatment of SLE with a total of 64 participants,
there was clinical improvement and reduction in inflammatory cytokine IL-, but it was not
different from the control arm.

Two trials were identified that examined curcumin extract and the treatment of MS. In
one trial, as compared to the control group, the intervention group decreased (improved)
disability as measured by EDSS, improved immune function as measured by Treg cells,
and improved levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. The second trial had too
great of a dropout rate to draw firm conclusions.

In a study on curcumin extract and the treatment of AS that included 24 patients, the
intervention group increased IL-10 and Treg cells and reduced IL-6, as compared to the
controls.
 In a study including 32 patients on curcumin extract and the treatment of BD, the
intervention group had clinical improvement, improved Treg cells and IL-10, and reduced
IL-17 and IL023 (both inflammatory cytokines).

Regarding curcumin extract and the treatment of UC, nine studies were analyzed. Of
those, seven studies reported clinical efficacy and consistently improved the likelihood of
remission as documented by endoscopy. Three studies reported ESR and CRP and the
intervention groups consistently had reduced ESR and CRP as compared to controls.

In two studies on curcumin extract and the treatment of Crohn’s, there was no significant
difference between the intervention group and the control group.

In the analysis of five studies on curcumin extract and the treatment of RA, the
intervention group consistently had a clinically and statistically significant reduction is
ESR. Four studies reported clinical scores significantly improved in the intervention
group as compared to the control group.

Six studies on curcumin extract and the treatment of lichen planus were analyzed. The
intervention was consistently associated with improved clinical scores and was not
significantly different than treatment with prednisone.

Most of these studies are small pilot studies. Adverse events were infrequent and minor.
While additional studies of curcumin extract are warranted, these results are very
promising. In these studies, curcumin extract was consistently associated with improved
immune function as measured by increased Treg cells, increased anti-inflammatory
cytokine IL-10, and reduced inflammatory cytokines of IL-6 and TNF alpha. For anyone
with a systemic autoimmune condition, the addition of a curcumin extract is a promising
adjustment to add to one’s self care and wellness plan. The cytokine modulator which
includes curcumin extract is an excellent product for further optimizing one’s immune
function.

1. Zeng L, Yang T, Yang K, et al. Curcumin and Curcuma longa Extract in the Treatment of
10 Types of Autoimmune Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 31
Randomized Controlled Trials. Front Immunol. 2022;13:896476.