A compound found in turmeric may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, according to a Mar. 30 paper from Saint Louis University researchers published in Inflammopharmacology.
The findings are significant because reducing these biological processes could support better metabolic health and potentially lower insulin resistance, which is important for managing metabolic diseases.
Hossein Rafiei, Ph.D., assistant professor of nutrition and dietetics at Saint Louis University and lead author of the study, said, “These biological processes play an important role in the development and progression of metabolic diseases, so reducing them may help support better metabolic health and potentially reduce insulin resistance.”
Rafiei’s team analyzed results from 28 randomized clinical trials that examined curcumin supplementation. The research found improvements in markers related to inflammation and oxidative stress. Rafiei said that while curcumin should not replace standard medical treatments, it might be considered as a complementary therapy alongside conventional approaches for managing conditions such as prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. “By helping reduce these biological processes that contribute to disease progression, curcumin may help improve the metabolic environment and potentially lower the risk of complications when combined with appropriate medical care and healthy lifestyle strategies,” he said.
Rafiei’s broader research focuses on how naturally occurring compounds in food can affect health. He noted growing scientific evidence suggests bioactive food components like flavonoids or polyphenols may promote health or decrease chronic disease risk. Curcumin has attracted attention due to its anti-inflammatory properties seen across various studies but results have been mixed until now. “In our study, we systematically reviewed and combined the evidence from many randomized clinical trials to better understand whether curcumin supplementation truly helps improve inflammation and oxidative stress in people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes,” Rafiei said.
Saint Louis University supports community engagement through service programs addressing social needs according to the official website. The university also extends its educational reach internationally by maintaining a campus in Madrid, Spain according to the official website. SLU offers more than 100 undergraduate programs as well as over 100 graduate or professional options according to the official website.
SLU maintains a tradition of Jesuit education emphasizing care for the whole person according to the official website while pursuing truth for greater glory of God as part of its mission according to the official website.
Rafiei concluded he is encouraged by these findings but believes more research is needed.
