Looking for new strategies to reduce the risk factors of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), investigators recently studied the effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and chicory seed (Cichorium intybus L.) supplementation. A double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted among 92 patients with NAFLD with body mass index (BMI) 24.9-40 kg/m². Study participants were randomly allocated into 4 groups of 23 subjects each: 1) turmeric supplementation (TUR); 2) chicory seed supplementation (CHI); 3) turmeric and chicory seed supplementation (TUR + CHI); 4) placebo (PLA). The intervention period was 12 weeks. Investigators assessed fasting blood samples, anthropometric measurements, dietary records and physical activity at baseline and at the end of the study period.

There was significant reduction in BMI and waist circumference (WC) among subjects in CHI and TUR + CHI groups, compared with PLA group (p < 0.05). Turmeric and chicory seed combination led to significant reduction in serum alkaline phosphatase level (p < 0.05). Serum HDL-C increased in TUR and TUR + CHI groups (p < 0.05 vs. placebo). Turmeric supplementation alone and along with chicory seed yielded significant reduction in serum TG/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio in comparison with placebo (p < 0.05).

Researchers thus concluded that turmeric and chicory seed supplementation have beneficial effects in the management of NAFLD risk factors.

Source: Ghaffari A, Rafraf M, Navekar R, et al. Turmeric and chicory seed have beneficial effects on obesity markers and lipid profile in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2019 Nov;89(5-6):293-302.