---
title: "Evidence: lowers CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha"
description: "Curcumin supplementation can reduce several markers of inflammation in humans, but more research is needed to determine optimal usage."
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s104.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s104.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s104.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "s104"
journal: "Nutr Rev"
year: 2021
pmid: "34378053"
doi: "10.1093/nutrit/nuaa114"
citations: 1
updated: 2026-09-02
author: "Gabriel Radu, DO"
author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765."
publisher: "Magellan Longevity"
content_format: "markdown"
---

# Evidence: lowers CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha

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**HTML version:** https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s104.html · **In the Magellan app:** https://magellanlongevity.com/#/study/s104

## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | Nutr Rev |
| Year | 2021 |
| PMID | [34378053](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34378053/) |
| DOI | [10.1093/nutrit/nuaa114](https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuaa114) |
| Study key | s104 |

## Takeaway

Curcumin supplementation can reduce several markers of inflammation in humans, but more research is needed to determine optimal usage.

## The question

Does curcumin supplementation effectively reduce systemic inflammatory mediators in humans?

## Hypothesis

The study implicitly hypothesizes that curcumin, a known anti-inflammatory agent in preclinical research, will demonstrate efficacy in reducing systemic inflammatory mediators in humans.

## Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis searched Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases for randomized controlled trials from 1980 to May 2019. Eligible studies investigated dietary curcumin's effects on inflammatory mediators in humans not receiving anti-inflammatory treatment. Two authors independently screened articles, and evidence quality was appraised using the Quality Criteria Checklist for Primary Research. Thirty-two trials were included, and 28 were meta-analyzed using a random-effects model.

## Results

Pooled data from 28 meta-analyzed trials (N = 2,038 participants) showed that curcumin supplementation significantly reduced C-reactive protein (-1.55 mg/L), interleukin-6 (-1.69 pg/mL), tumor necrosis factor " (-3.13 pg/mL), IL-8 (-0.54 pg/mL), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (-2.48 pg/mL). It also increased IL-10 (0.49 pg/mL), but had no effect on intracellular adhesion molecule-1.

## Conclusion

Curcumin supplementation demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects by reducing several systemic inflammatory mediators and increasing IL-10. Further research is needed to optimize dose, duration, and formulation for chronic inflammation in humans.

## Limitations

The abstract does not explicitly state limitations of the review, but it does highlight that clinical evidence for curcumin remains inconclusive due to discrepancies regarding optimal dosage, duration, and formulation, suggesting these are areas needing further clarification.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> a reduction in C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor

## Effect of Curcumin on Inflammatory Mediators

| Measure | Weighted Mean Difference |
| --- | --- |
| C-reactive protein | -1.55 |
| Interleukin-6 | -1.69 |
| Tumor necrosis factor ", | -3.13 |
| IL-8 | -0.54 |
| Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 | -2.48 |
| IL-10 | 0.49 |

*Weighted mean difference in inflammatory mediators after curcumin supplementation.*

## Where this study is used on Magellan

This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions.

| Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| High-Bioavailability Curcumin | Moderate evidence | [High-Bioavailability Curcumin](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/104.md) |

## Reference

1. **Evidence: lowers CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha**
   Nutr Rev 2021 · [PMID 34378053](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34378053/) · [DOI 10.1093/nutrit/nuaa114](https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuaa114)

   > a reduction in C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor

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## Related on Magellan Longevity

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## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases.

Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).