Endocrinol Diabetes Metab. 2026 Jan;9(1):e70145. doi: 10.1002/edm2.70145.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor in individuals with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Curcumin, with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has emerged as a potential adjunct therapy, but its effect on blood pressure in this population remains unclear.
AIMS: This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of curcumin or turmeric supplementation on systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure in adults with prediabetes or T2D.
METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted until August 2025. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating curcumin/turmeric supplementation on blood pressure in adults with prediabetes or T2D were included. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model.
RESULTS: Fifteen RCTs comprising 16 treatment arms (n = 855 participants) were included. Pooled results indicated that curcumin/turmeric supplementation significantly reduced SBP (WMD: -2.69 mmHg; 95% CI: -3.84 to -1.55; p < 0.001; I2 = 30.1%) compared to control groups. A more substantial reduction in SBP (-3.41 mmHg) was observed in the subgroup of participants with baseline hypertension (SBP ≥ 130 mmHg). However, no significant effect was found on DBP (WMD: -1.20 mmHg; 95% CI: -2.84 to 0.44; p = 0.15; I2 = 84.3%). Subgroup analyses showed significant reductions in SBP in individuals with T2D or prediabetes, in those who were overweight, and with interventions using nano-curcumin, turmeric, or curcumin with piperine at doses > 1 g/day. In addition, subgroup analysis showed that curcumin/turmeric supplementation led to a significant reduction in DBP in individuals with T2D.
CONCLUSIONS: Curcumin/turmeric supplementation demonstrates a modest, yet significant reduction in SBP in individuals with prediabetes and diabetes, with a more pronounced effect in those with baseline hypertension. Further high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm these findings and establish optimal dosing.
PMID:41388744 | DOI:10.1002/edm2.70145