Effects of turmeric and chicory seed supplementation on antioxidant and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Background: To evaluate effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa L) and chicory seed (Cichorium intybus L) consumption on antioxidant status and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: In this double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial, 92 patients with NAFLD (46 males and 46 females) aged 20-60 year with body mass index (BMI) ranged 24.9-40 kg/m(2) were randomly assigned to 4 groups as follows: group TUR (n = 23) consumed 3 g/d turmeric; group CHI (n = 23) infused 9 g/d of powdered chicory seed; group TUR+CHI (n = 23) turmeric and chicory seed administered together (3 g/d turmeric + infused 9 g/d chicory seed); group PLA (n = 23) received placebo (6 x 500 mg corn starch capsules). Fasting blood samples, anthropometric measurements, physical activity and dietary records were collected at baseline and at the end of 12 weeks. All analyses were conducted on an intention-to-treat basis. Results: Significant decreases were observed in BMI of subjects in CHI and TUR + CHI groups, compared with PLA group (P < 0.05). Serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were increased in TUR and CHI groups (P < 0.05 vs. PLA group). Chicory seed and combination of chicory seed and turmeric significantly reduced serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in comparison with placebo (P < 0.05). Combination of turmeric and chicory seed marginally reduced serum level of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) (P = 0.058 vs. placebo). Conclusion: Turmeric and chicory seed may be applicable for reducing NAFLD risk factors. (c) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.