12 Proven Benefits Of Turmeric For Liver Cirrhosis [UPDATED]

The liver is a critical organ that is required to store excess nutrients, manufacture blood proteins, get rid of toxic substances, store blood glucose and produce cholesterol.

Cirrhosis is a serious condition of the liver when healthy tissue gets replaced by scarred tissue, therefore, preventing the normal functioning of this organ.

More than 30,000 people die of this disease on a yearly basis in US. Alcohol abuse, hepatitis C and fatty liver are some of the causes for liver cirrhosis.

Some symptoms of liver cirrhosis include loss of appetite and energy, weight loss, bruises, itchy and yellowing skin, yellowing of whites in the eyes called jaundice, sudden weight gain, fever, personality changes, confusion, changing color of urine and stools.

It is diagnosed through blood and other tests, physical exam or biopsy.

Treatment options depend on the symptoms and causes. If alcohol is the cause, then stop drinking. For hepatitis, antiviral drugs or steroids maybe prescribed.

Liver transplant is the last resort for severe cirrhosis.

So how can turmeric help here? The answer again lies in curcumin which is the active ingredient in turmeric is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

If you already know about Turmeric, please jump to the relevant section using the Table of Contents below, else please read on.

What is turmeric?

Turmeric is an herbaceous plant belonging to the ginger family. It is a chief ingredient in almost all Indian dishes. Found primarily in South Asia, it has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine.

An added bonus is the spicy flavor it imparts to food. This must be the reason it is often referred to as ‘The Golden Spice’.

The yellow compound curcumin can be derived from the plant extract of turmeric. This compound is a blessing to the medical field and has proved its worth in the treatment of a variety of diseases irrespective of type and origin.

The compound displays a pain relieving and anti-oxidant effect on body cells.

12 Proven Benefits of Turmeric for Liver Cirrhosis

The therapeutic abilities of turmeric can be exploited in healing the symptoms of cirrhosis and driving away from the signs of the diseases. Extensive research is being conducted on the ability of this plant material to improve liver health. The basis and results of some such studies have been listed as follows:

1. Turmeric boosts antioxidant defenses and helps the liver detoxify

Oxidative stress is a toxic condition which arises in the body when the levels of harmful free radicles reach such a high value that antioxidant compounds which are responsible for eliminating them from the body cannot compete with them i.e. free radicle build up surpasses their antioxidant mediated elimination.

Curcumin present in turmeric is known to alleviate oxidative stress condition. This was validated by Reyes-Gordillo K et al through their experiment on an animal model.

Through the administration of curcumin and subsequent tissue analysis, they observe the marked reduction of several oxidative stress and metabolic markers of liver damage.

In particular, the levels of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) mRNA and proteins were monitored. This is a key factor in the onset of cirrhosis so its lower levels are indicative of curcumin’s ability to reverse the effects of the disorder.

What does this mean?
Curcumin improves oxidative stress condition and reverses liver damage by monitoring TGF-beta levels. This makes it a useful therapeutic agent for cirrhosis treatment.

2. Turmeric helps prevent liver cirrhosis

Cirrhosis sometimes occurs when an individual is genetically predisposed to the condition. Curcumin has the potential to delay or prevent the onset of this disease completely.

In order to further understand this mechanism, the preventive effects of curcumin on the liver-damaging chemical thioacetamide were studied in an animal model.

The study published in The Liver International Journal elaborated that the compound was able to moderate genetic signals and oxidative stress levels in the liver and therefore protect the organ from damage. It inhibited cirrhosis related mRNA expression.

What does this mean?
Curcumin bears clinical applications for cirrhosis as it has been successfully proven to reduce oxidative stress and control genetic signals related to liver damage expression.

3. Turmeric resolves inflammation

Cirrhosis is often characterized by inflammation induced pain. This is linked to the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Inflammatory status is also worsened by high levels of certain compounds like serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase.

Fu Y and his colleagues studied the effects of administering curcumin to the damaged liver in an animal model. The observed that the compound significantly suppresses inflammation and inactivates Hepatic Stellate Cells.

Levels of inflammatory markers such as the chemicals mentioned above also surprisingly reduced. This was validated through several biochemical tests on the damaged tissue sites.

What does this mean?
Curcumin can lower inflammation through obstructing several pathways. It lowers inflammatory enzymes and inactivates Hepatic Stellate Cells thereby reducing inflammation and the pain associated with it.

4. It regulates gene expression to reverse cirrhosis

As we have mentioned before, cirrhosis expression is very much dependent on genetic interactions. Compounds such as TGF-beta and HSC promote liver damage and help activate the related mRNA and proteins.

However, curcumin provides a solution to this problem. It is closely linked to increasing levels of another important gene, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma. PPAR- gamma blocks signals related to cirrhosis and also ensures that associated mRNA and protein levels are also kept in check.

It also shelters damaged tissues from the overproduction of extracellular matrix (ECM) which is a common cause of inflammation.

It also reverses liver degradation on an epigenetic level i.e. modification of genetic expression as opposed to the DNA make-up of the body.

What does this mean?
PPAR-gamma activity coupled with epigenetic regulation imparts curcumin with the ability to alter an individual’s genetics and prevent expression of cirrhosis causing genes.

5. Turmeric has anti-fibrotic activity

Fibrosis is a process of gradual thickening and scarring of tissues and is representative of damage at the site. It is often used to analyze the extent of deterioration of the liver during cirrhosis.

PPAR-gamma present in curcumin has demonstrated positive effects against fibrosis as well. HSCs activation is known to induce fibrosis.

The ability of PPAR-gamma to counter HSC expression comes in handy in this case. The various mechanisms through with PPAR-gamma acts against HSCs has been illustrated in numerous studies.

One such experiment published in the Chinese Medical Journal highlights that the PPAR-gamma gene expression pathway helps block Hepatic Stellate Cells fibrotic signals and in turn, induces apoptosis (program cell death) of Hepatic Stellate Cells.

Another study showed through an animal model, that PPAR-gamma was capable of obstructing the motility and vascularisation (formation of blood vessels) in Hepatic Stellate Cells. All these effects are seen in a dose-dependent manner.

In addition to gene regulation, curcumin exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects against fibrotic cells thereby repairing damage caused to the cells.

What does this mean?
Through several in vivo and in vitro studies, it has been seen that PPAR-gamma present in curcumin can prevent fibrosis by negatively influencing HSCs. Therefore, restoring a good health status to effected liver tissue.

6. It helps regulate cholesterol levels

In obesity linked models of cirrhosis, it is often seen that bad cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels are directly proportional to the extent of liver damage. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are also major influencers of hepatic fibrogenesis which are known to be activated by LDL.

Kang Q et al studied the effects of curcumin on LDL and HSCs wherein he observed that administration of curcumin showed a marked reduction in cholesterol levels per cell. It also reduced the number of LDL receptors (LDLRs) which are responsible for activating Hepatic Stellate Cells.

In addition, PPAR-gamma present in curcumin curbed the genetic signals involved in activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells overall preventing cirrhosis.

What does this mean?
LDL is one of the chief factors causing obesity related cirrhosis. Curcumin present in turmeric lowers cholesterol and also blocks genetic pathways of damaging Hepatic Stellate Cells.

7. It reduces blood sugar levels and protects the liver

In diabetes-related models of cirrhosis, it has been determined that higher levels of blood glucose (hyperglycaemia) is one of the chief activators of Hepatic Stellate Cells leading to liver fibrogenesis.

In a 2011 study published in the Journal of Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, the ability of curcumin to block cellular glucose transfer was highlighted.

Through regular measurement of cellular glucose levels and Hepatic Stellate Cells proliferation, it was seen that curcumin molecules were able to influence the level of certain proteins that affect glucose metabolism. PPAR-gamma activity mediated by curcumin was also successful in inhibiting Hepatic Stellate Cells proliferation.

Along with glucose higher insulin levels characteristic of type 2 diabetes are also capable of activating Hepatic Stellate Cells. Curcumin has been experimentally proven to provide aid in such conditions as well.

It attenuates oxidative stress conditions and blocks signals for insulin-induced Hepatic Stellate Cells activation.

What does this mean?
Curcumin has anti diabetic abilities whereby it lowers the high insulin and glucose levels linked with the disease. This in turn does not allow liver damaging HSCs to get activated.

8. It balances leptin levels

Leptin, also known as the satiety hormone, is an enzyme in control of regulating balance and controlling hunger in the human body. Elevated levels of leptin i.e. hyperleptinemia are closely related to obesity and in turn liver deterioration.

Tang and colleagues attempted to understand whether curcumin could act against leptin-mediated stimulation of the harmful hepatic stellate cells and the mechanisms through which the compound could bring about such beneficial effects. They used patients who had non-alcohol influenced liver problems.

Through this model, they were able to observe that curcumin ensured that leptin levels did not increase to a point where they promoted hepatic stellate cell activation. Curcumin also activated PPAR-gamma in order to combat HSC proliferation.

What does this mean?
Tumeric usage could curb leptin levels and in turn protect the liver from deterioration and fibrogenesis caused by Hepatic Stellate Cell activation.

9. It protects from hepatitis infection

Hepatitis is a viral infection that causes severe inflammation at the liver. Through its anti-inflammatory and gene silencing qualities, curcumin has the potential to be a novel drug in hepatitis induced liver cirrhosis.

It has shown promise in both Hepatitis B and C models. Curcumin administration blocks the replication of the virus in both these cases. In the former, it inhibits the activity of the p53 protein which aids in the replication of the

Hepatitis B virus while in the latter it suppresses another vital gene, Akt-SREBP-1’s activation. This disables the virus from growing or multiplying.

What does this mean?
Curcumin aids in hepatitis related liver problems as it halts the replication of viral cells. It also improves the inflammatory status at damaged sites.

10. It reduces the side effects of alcohol consumption

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a global concern. It generally takes place when lipids build up in the liver cells due to overconsumption of alcohol causing overall cholesterol build up.

Nanji AA et al. through an animal model examined that curcumin could reduce the harmful impacts of alcohol damaged liver. The mechanism through which the compound brings about these effects is a combination of silencing of critical cirrhosis regulatory genes such as NF-kappaB and anti-inflammatory action on affected cells.

Another study brought to light that in addition to gene silencing and inflammation regulation, treatment of ethanol affected tissues with curcumin displays an enzyme level alteration.

This means that through research it was proved that curcumin lowered enzyme markers of the disease. Lipid levels in cells were also reduced significantly.

Curcumin also activates the antioxidant defenses within the body and efficiently eliminates toxic free radicals which build up as a result of Alcoholic Liver Disease.

What does this mean?
Through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and enzyme regulating mechanisms turmeric lessens the harm caused to the liver by lipid build up from alcohol consumption.

11. Turmeric holds therapeutic potential in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Non-Alcoholic Fatty liver disease is another common liver caused to deposition of excess lipids and fats in the hepatocytes (liver cells). In order to find a scientifically sound natural remedy for this problem, researchers decide to inspect the use of turmeric for the same.

Recent studies such as that published in Phytotherapy Research state how the compound curcumin proved to have positive effects on NAFLD patients through a clinical trial.

Curcumin was able to bring about beneficial changes in several important parameters like LDL levels, glucose concentrations and even reduction in fat.

Similarly, another study based on a similar hypothesis showed that curcumin modified liver enzymatic reactions in such a manner that body mass index (height weight ratio used as a marker for obesity) and waist circumference of the subjects decreased.

What does this mean?
Turmeric administration can lower lipid and cholesterol levels along with BMI and other indicators of obesity. Therefore, it protects the liver from further damage.

12. It can prevent Liver cancer/ Hepatocellular carcinoma

Among the many diseases, turmeric is known to heal, cancers of varying origins constitute a large number. Turmeric consumption affects the body on a cellular level and controls genes related to tumor formation.

Several in vivo and in vitro studies have validated curcumin’s anti-tumor activity. In addition to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities, this compound could be a blessing to the world of oncology.

It was even proved that curcumin could regulate cancer mediating genes such as NFkappaB, beta-catenin, and cyclin D.

What does this mean?
The use of turmeric strengthens the genetic defenses in the body and is therefore useful in the prevention and treatment of liver cancer.

Dosage of Turmeric For Liver Cirrhosis

For healing liver cirrhosis it is recommended to consume the herb in the form of Turmeric milk or turmeric tea.
Golden paste combines turmeric with black pepper to aid absorption by the body.

There is no specific optimal dosage. It varies from person to person based on what suits them. Starting with a low dose is advised to avoid gastric side effects.

Start with small doses such as ¼-1/2 tsp a day for a week and if no gastric side effects are seen increase gradually by ¼-1/2 tsp every week. The recommended dose is 1-2 tsp 2-3 times a day (precisely 1 tsp 3 times a day).

You can find the recipe for Golden Paste here. You can also make Golden Paste from fresh roots.

Avoid taking on an empty stomach and if taking large doses avoid taking it the same time of taking medications. (Read Does Turmeric cause acid reflux? Black pepper in GP: Does it cause drug interaction?)

Some good brands to purchase are mentioned in our recommendations of organic turmeric brands.

If taking turmeric supplements consult a health practitioner prior.

Precautions

Despite the multiple benefits turmeric has to offer, it is best to seek the advice of a medical professional before beginning its use as a supplement.

Large dosages are sometimes linked to acid reflux. Its use is not advisable on an empty stomach. (Read Side effects of Turmeric)

Turmeric as spice must be taken in limited quantities if suffering from gout and kidney stones. (Read Is turmeric safe in gout? Does turmeric cause kidney stone?)

Turmeric has an anti-platelet property and hence turmeric supplements should be avoided if suffering from bleeding risks. You may consult a doctor before taking turmeric in this case. (Read Is Turmeric A Blood Thinner?)

Based on this, it is advised to discontinue turmeric use 2 weeks prior to any surgical procedure.

Curcumin supplements should be avoided in pregnancy and lactation.

Curcumin interferes with drug metabolism enzymes and hence curcumin supplements should not be taken concomitantly with any medication.

Conclusion

The benefits of Turmeric use in liver cirrhosis treatment are plenty. Turmeric is hepatoprotective in nature-it protects liver health.

Its anti-inflammatory action can help prevent the activation of hepatic stellate cells and prevent liver cirrhosis. The antioxidant activity of curcumin can improve liver function.

Turmeric’s anti-cancer activity can help prevent cirrhosis from progressing into liver cancer. Overall turmeric and curcumin are safe add-on therapeutic agents in liver cirrhosis.