The effect of curcumin with piperine supplementation on pro-oxidant and antioxidant balance in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Background The main causes of the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are enhanced levels of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation products. Therefore, the usage of antioxidant agents for the prevention and remedy of this disorder was recommended. Curcumin is proposed to treat NAFLD due to its high antioxidative activity. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of curcumin with piperine supplementation on oxidative stress in subjects with NAFLD. Methods In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 55 subjects were randomly divided into two groups (curcumin with piperine and placebo). The participants received administrations of curcumin (500 mg) in combination with piperine (5 mg) and placebo daily for 8 weeks. Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring serum pro-oxidant and antioxidant balance (PAB) assay before and after the intervention. Results The serum PAB values did not significantly change between the treatment group vs. age and gender-matched placebo group after 8 weeks of supplementation. Also, curcumin in combination with piperine did not show a significant decrease (p = 0.06) in PAB levels compared to baseline. Conclusions The present study demonstrated that a dose of curcumin, co-supplied with piperine might be less than a dose in which curcumin can significantly decrease PAB values in these patients.