Considering the new guidelines to decrease 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 piloted between 92 patients with NAFLD and BMI 24.9-40 kg/m². Study participants were erratically allotted 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 intermediation period was 3 months. Investigators evaluated fasting blood samples, anthropometric measurements, dietary records and physical activity at baseline and at the end of the study period. 

There was noteworthy decline in BMI and waist circumference (WC) between patients in CHI and TUR + CHI groups, compared with PLA group (p < 0.05). Turmeric and chicory seed combination led to noteworthy decrease 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 unaided 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). 

Investigators therefore resolved that turmeric and chicory seed supplementation have positive effects in the management of NAFLD risk factors.

Source: Ghaffari A, Rafraf M, Navekar R, et al. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2019 Nov;89(5-6):293-302.