Cholesterol problems are an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Several studies have suggested that curcumin can help fight cholesterol. This new meta-analysis put the data on curcumin to the test.
This new meta-analysis gathered research that was published up until August 2025. In all, 16 controlled studies of 1038 people were included. The curcumin was combined with piperine to improve absorption.
The pooled results showed that curcumin significantly reduced triglycerides and total cholesterol. The reduction in the heart harmful LDL-cholesterol was not significant, but the even more important increase in the heart healthy HDL cholesterol was.
The researchers concluded that the benefits of curcumin are clinically meaningful. The benefits are greatest for people with cholesterol problems, metabolic disorders or who are overweight. They also say it works best with prolonged supplementation.
Lipids. 2026 Jan;61(1):91-107.