Umar J. Masykur, Wike A. Cahayani, Karensa A. Janet, Dwi S. A. P. Putri, Akmal J. Irfan, Shahdevi N. Kurniawan, Hikmawan W. Sulistomo
Nano-curcumin, an advanced formulation designed to improve the absorption of curcumin, has been suggested as an adjunctive therapy for cardiometabolic disorders; however, its effects on lipid and glycemic parameters remain inconsistent. This study sought to evaluate the impact of nano-curcumin on lipid parameters and glucose-related outcomes through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. An extensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Taylor & Francis databases up to December 2024, following PRISMA recommendations (PROSPERO: CRD42024579256). Randomized controlled trials involving adults with cardiometabolic disorders that evaluated nano-curcumin and reported relevant lipid or glycemic outcomes were included in the study. Pooled analyses using random-effects models demonstrated that nano-curcumin significantly reduced triglycerides (−22.73 mg/dL; 95% CI −35.44 to −10.03; p = 0.0005), total cholesterol (−14.63 mg/dL; 95% CI −23.41 to −5.86; p = 0.001), and LDL cholesterol (−13.77 mg/dL; 95% CI −23.35 to −4.20; p = 0.005). Significant decreases were also observed in fasting blood glucose (−7.05 mg/dL; 95% CI −13.16 to −0.94; p = 0.02), fasting insulin (−0.71 μIU/mL; 95% CI −1.38 to −0.05; p = 0.04), and HOMA-IR (−0.45; 95% CI −0.78 to −0.12; p = 0.007), along with an increase in HDL cholesterol (4.14 mg/dL; 95% CI 2.10 to 6.17; p < 0.0001). Glycated hemoglobin showed a marginal reduction (−0.31%; 95% CI −0.62 to 0.00; p = 0.05). Overall, nano-curcumin use was associated with modest yet statistically significant improvements in lipid and glycemic markers, reinforcing its potential as an adjunctive therapy in cardiometabolic management. © 2026 Masykur et al. and 2026 the authors.
Biomedical Science Master Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Medical Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Saiful Anwar General Hospital, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, 65145, Indonesia