Endpoint

Interleukin-6 concentration

A cytokine that stimulates the growth and differentiation of b-lymphocytes and is also a growth factor for hybridomas and plasmacytomas. It is produced by many different cells including t-lymphocytes; monocytes; and fibroblasts.

Definition from MeSH (D015850), National Library of Medicine, read 2026-09-23. NLM revises MeSH; this copy may not reflect its current record.

CAT:outcome/interleukin-6reported in pg/mL40 findings from 19 compounds

Open in the graph

What moved it

How to read these marks

40 findings · 19 compounds · 13 null · by evidence strength

Compound	Direction	Findings	Strongest evidence
curcumin	down 7 · no effect 1	8	Evidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.
L-glutamine	down	3	Evidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.
empagliflozin	no effect	2	Evidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.
L-arginine	down 1 · no effect 1	2	Evidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.
folic acid	no effect	1	Evidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.
lycopene	down	1	Evidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.
pravastatin	no effect	1	Evidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.
sertraline	no effect	1	Evidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.
astaxanthin	no effect 1 · down 2	3	Evidence strength: limited. Human evidence with several recorded weaknesses, or a design that tops out at limited.
creatine	no effect 1 · down 2	3	Evidence strength: limited. Human evidence with several recorded weaknesses, or a design that tops out at limited.
berberine	no effect 1 · down 1	2	Evidence strength: limited. Human evidence with several recorded weaknesses, or a design that tops out at limited.
resveratrol	down 1 · no effect 2	3	Evidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.
ursolic acid	down 2 · no effect 1	3	Evidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.
coenzyme Q10	down	2	Evidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.
(-)-epigallocatechin 3-gallate	down	1	Evidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.
crocin-1	down	1	Evidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.
melatonin	down	1	Evidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.
riboflavin	down	1	Evidence strength: insufficient. Mechanistic inference, no evidence found, or evidence weakened below very limited.
sodium ascorbate	down	1	Evidence strength: insufficient. Mechanistic inference, no evidence found, or evidence weakened below very limited.

Reported to move it

27 findings

L-arginine — decreases
ModerateEvidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.Finding
“Our analysis also showed that L-arginine had a noticeable impact on decreasing interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels (WMD = -7.72 pg/ml; 95% CI: -15.05, -0.39).”
Quoted verbatim from L-arginine impact on inflammatory and cardiac markers in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

adults undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting; overall pooled estimate
L-arginine impact on inflammatory and cardiac markers in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.2024PMID:39538180Permalink
curcumin — decreases
ModerateEvidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.Findingreplicated ×6
“The combined effect size for curcumin supplementation in reducing IL-6 levels was MD = -0.33, indicating a substantial improvement.”
Quoted verbatim from Meta-analysis of the effect of curcumin supplementation on skeletal muscle damage status..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

trained and untrained adults undergoing muscle-damaging exercise
Effect -0.33 mean difference
Meta-analysis of the effect of curcumin supplementation on skeletal muscle damage status.2024PMID:39008500Permalink
curcumin — decreases
ModerateEvidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.Findingreplicated ×6
“Median IL-6 levels were markedly lower in the curcumin group than in the placebo group (5.50 [4.39–9.00] vs. 13.69 [11.27–15.65], p < 0.001), with a large effect size ( r = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.68–0.86).”
Quoted verbatim from Curcumin Supplementation Reduces Inflammation, Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), and Antioxidant Status in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial..
Study

RCT
Duration

12 months
Dose

Curcumin 1500 mg/day orally for 12 months
Population

Adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity (n=114 randomised); secondary endpoint; between-group comparison at 12 months
Curcumin Supplementation Reduces Inflammation, Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), and Antioxidant Status in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.2026PMID:42123439Industry fundedPermalink
L-glutamine — decreases
ModerateEvidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.Findingreplicated ×2
“The results indicated that Gln supplementation effectively reduced IL-6 levels (SMD = −1.23, 95% CI: −1.68 to −0.78, P < 0.00001; Figure 17).”
Quoted verbatim from Efficacy of Glutamine in Treating Severe Acute Pancreatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

Severe acute pancreatitis patients, pooled across parenteral and enteral glutamine-supplemented nutrition trials
Effect -1.23 standardised mean difference, 95% CI -1.68 to -0.78
Efficacy of Glutamine in Treating Severe Acute Pancreatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.2022PMID:35774540Permalink
lycopene — decreases
ModerateEvidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.Finding
“Furthermore, at post, compared with the HBO group, the IL-6 levels was significantly reduced in the HBO+LYC group (p < 0.05) (Table S2).”
Quoted verbatim from Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Combined with Lycopene on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Collegiate Badminton Players After High-Intensity Training..
Study

RCT
Duration

4 weeks
Dose

15 mg lycopene daily (three 5 mg softgels with dinner)
Population

Collegiate badminton players after high-intensity training; hyperbaric oxygen plus lycopene capsules versus hyperbaric oxygen plus placebo capsules (hyperbaric oxygen given to both arms); post-intervention timepoint
Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Combined with Lycopene on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Collegiate Badminton Players After High-Intensity Training.2026PMID:42739033Industry fundedPermalink
curcumin — decreases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Findingreplicated ×6
“There was a significant reduction of circulating IL-6 concentrations following curcuminoids supplementation (WMD: -0.60pg/mL, 95% CI: -1.06, -0.14, p=0.011).”
Quoted verbatim from Effect of curcumin on circulating interleukin-6 concentrations: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

adults in 9 RCTs (10 treatment arms) receiving curcuminoids supplementation compared with placebo
Effect -0.6 mean difference, 95% CI -1.06 to -0.14
Effect of curcumin on circulating interleukin-6 concentrations: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.2016PMID:27392742Permalink

Show the remaining 21

curcumin — decreases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Findingreplicated ×6
“Between-group comparison suggested significantly greater reductions in serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β and MCP-1 in the curcumin versus placebo group (p<0.001).”
Quoted verbatim from Effects of curcumin on serum cytokine concentrations in subjects with metabolic syndrome: A post-hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial..
Study

RCT
Duration

8 weeks
Dose

curcumin 1 g/day for 8 weeks
Population

adults with metabolic syndrome (NCEP-ATPIII criteria), post-hoc analysis
Effects of curcumin on serum cytokine concentrations in subjects with metabolic syndrome: A post-hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial.2016PMID:27470399Permalink
(-)-epigallocatechin 3-gallate — decreases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Finding
“After treatment with EGCG, IL-2 and IFN-γ levels were significantly increased (P<0.05 vs. asthma group); IL-4, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were significantly diminished (P<0.05 vs. asthma group).”
Quoted verbatim from Epigallocatechin gallate improves airway inflammation through TGF‑β1 signaling pathway in asthmatic mice..
Study

animal · not in humans
Duration

7 days
Dose

10 or 20 mg/kg/day EGCG by caudal vein injection; the sentence does not say which EGCG group
Population

Male Balb/c mice with ovalbumin-induced asthma, serum cytokines by cytometric bead array, EGCG-treated groups versus untreated asthma model group
Epigallocatechin gallate improves airway inflammation through TGF‑β1 signaling pathway in asthmatic mice.2018PMID:29916550Permalink
crocin-1 — decreases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Finding
“Our findings indicated that crocin supplementation significantly reduced c-reactive protein (CRP) levels (SMD: -0.50; 95%CI: -0.86 to -0.13; p = 0.008), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (SMD: -1.96; 95%CI: -2.72 to -1.19; p < 0.001), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (SMD: -3.52; 95%CI: -6.84 to -0.20; p = 0.03).”
Quoted verbatim from Crocin Supplementation on Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

Adults supplemented with crocin in pooled randomised clinical trials
Effect -3.52 standardised mean difference, 95% CI -6.84 to -0.2
Crocin Supplementation on Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.2025PMID:39632602Permalink
ursolic acid — decreases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Findingreplicated ×1
“UA treatment also dramatically decreased the plasma levels of CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α in the HIRT+UA group versus the HIRT+P group (p<0.05).”
Quoted verbatim from Synergism Effects of Ursolic Acid Supplementation on the Levels of Irisin, C-reactive Protein, IL-6, and TNF-α During High-intensity Resistance Training in Low Activity Men..
Study

RCT
Duration

8 weeks
Dose

1 capsule 3 times/day
Population

Healthy low-activity men; high-intensity resistance training in both arms, UA versus placebo
Synergism Effects of Ursolic Acid Supplementation on the Levels of Irisin, C-reactive Protein, IL-6, and TNF-α During High-intensity Resistance Training in Low Activity Men.2020PMID:31533605Permalink
ursolic acid — decreases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Findingreplicated ×1
“Interleukin-15 (IL-15), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Insulin, and HOMA-IR decreased significantly in the placebo and UA groups versus control, but the UA group significantly decreased compared with the placebo (p<0.05).”
Quoted verbatim from The Assessment of Some Metabolic Markers by Combination of Ursolic Acid Supplementation and Resistance Training in Young Older Obese Women..
Study

RCT
Duration

8 weeks
Dose

capsule three times per day
Population

Obese women aged 50 to 70 years; moderate-to-high intensity resistance circuit training in both the UA and placebo arms
The Assessment of Some Metabolic Markers by Combination of Ursolic Acid Supplementation and Resistance Training in Young Older Obese Women.2021PMID:34528871Permalink
astaxanthin — decreases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Findingreplicated ×1
“The results showed that administration of astaxanthin significantly decreased the production of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10.”
Quoted verbatim from Astaxanthin Protects Dendritic Cells from Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Immune Dysfunction..
Study

animal · not in humans
Population

LPS-challenged C57BL/6 mice, serum cytokines measured by ELISA 4 h after LPS injection
Astaxanthin Protects Dendritic Cells from Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Immune Dysfunction.2021PMID:34204220Permalink
astaxanthin — decreases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Findingreplicated ×1
“Astaxanthin significantly reduced blood interleukin-6 concentration in T2DM patients (weighted mean difference: -0.70 pg/mL; 95% CI, -1.29 to -0.11 pg/mL; P = .02).”
Quoted verbatim from Astaxanthin supplementation mildly reduced oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients; meta-analysis subgroup within the pooled 12-RCT synthesis
Effect -0.7 mean difference, 95% CI -1.29 to -0.11
Astaxanthin supplementation mildly reduced oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.2022PMID:35091276Permalink
melatonin — decreases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Finding
“In summary, the current meta-analysis showed the promising effect of melatonin administration on reducing CRP and IL-6, but not TNF-α levels among patients with MetS and related disorders.”
Quoted verbatim from The effects of melatonin supplementation on inflammatory markers among patients with metabolic syndrome or related disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

patients with metabolic syndrome or related disorders
The effects of melatonin supplementation on inflammatory markers among patients with metabolic syndrome or related disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.2018PMID:29907916Permalink
resveratrol — decreases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Finding
“A significant reduction of IL-6 concentration was observed only in the patients receiving ≥500 mg/day dose of resveratrol (WMD = -1.89 pg/ml, 95% CI = -3.73 to -0.05, P = 0.04) with inter-study heterogeneity (I2 = 94.4%, P < 0.001).”
Quoted verbatim from Effect of resveratrol on inflammatory cytokines: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials..
Study

meta-analysis
Dose

≥500 mg/day (dose-stratified subgroup)
Population

Adults with inflammatory disease receiving ≥500 mg/day resveratrol (dose subgroup, one of 26 studies on IL-6 per Methods); the abstract does not report a significant result for the overall/lower-dose population.
Effect of resveratrol on inflammatory cytokines: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.2021PMID:34303665Permalink
berberine — decreases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Finding
“Oral berberine significantly decreased lipopolysaccharide, CRP (C-reactive protein), and IL (interleukin)-6 levels.”
Quoted verbatim from Preventive Effect of Berberine on Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation..
Study

RCT
Population

patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting
Preventive Effect of Berberine on Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation.2022PMID:36178742Permalink
coenzyme Q10 — decreases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Findingreplicated ×1
“CoQ10 supplementation significantly reduced the levels of circulating CRP (WMD: -0.35mg/L, 95% CI: -0.64 to -0.05, P=0.022), IL-6 (WMD: -1.61pg/mL, 95% CI: -2.64 to -0.58, P=0.002) and TNF-α (WMD: -0.49pg/mL, 95% CI: -0.93 to -0.06, P=0.027).”
Quoted verbatim from Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on inflammatory markers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

patients from randomized controlled trials of CoQ10 supplementation (disease population not specified in abstract)
Effect -1.61 mean difference, 95% CI -2.64 to -0.58
Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on inflammatory markers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.2017PMID:28179205Permalink
coenzyme Q10 — decreases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Findingreplicated ×1
“At the end of study, compared with pldacebo, CoQ10 supplementation resulted in significant decreases in serum levels of TNF-α (p = 0.009), hs-CRP and IL-6 (p = 0.001, p = 0.007, respectively).”
Quoted verbatim from The effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction markers in overweight/obese polycystic ovary syndrome patients..
Study

RCT
Duration

8 weeks
Dose

200 mg CoQ10 capsules per day, 8 weeks
Population

Overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
The effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction markers in overweight/obese polycystic ovary syndrome patients.2021PMID:32544011Permalink
L-glutamine — decreases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Findingreplicated ×2
“Serum levels of leptin, interleukin-6, cholesterol, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein, as well as the ratio of oxidized low-density lipoprotein to high-density lipoprotein, were significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to the control group after exhaustive exercise (P < 0.05).”
Quoted verbatim from Glutamine supplementation can reduce some atherosclerosis markers after exhaustive exercise in young healthy males..
Study

RCT
Duration

14 days
Dose

0.3 g glutamine per kilogram body weight per day, oral, for 14 days, with 25 g sugar in 250 mL water
Population

Healthy young males (n=30, 15 per group) given oral glutamine 0.3 g/kg/day for 14 days then performing one session of exhaustive exercise, vs isocaloric sugar-water control
Glutamine supplementation can reduce some atherosclerosis markers after exhaustive exercise in young healthy males.2022PMID:34844156Permalink
creatine — decreases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Findingreplicated ×1
“Creatine provided additional benefits, increasing GPx, reducing IL-6/TNF-α and improving strength and function when combined with exercise modalities.”
Quoted verbatim from Effects of high-load, velocity-intentional variable resistance training combined with creatine supplementation on neuroplasticity, oxidative stress, inflammation, physical function, cognitive performance and quality of life in older adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial..
Study

RCT
Duration

4 months
Dose

3 g/day
Population

older adults (68.2±4.6y); creatine + resistance training (EB or AQ modalities pooled) vs placebo + training
Effects of high-load, velocity-intentional variable resistance training combined with creatine supplementation on neuroplasticity, oxidative stress, inflammation, physical function, cognitive performance and quality of life in older adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.2026PMID:41941966Permalink
curcumin — decreases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Findingreplicated ×6
“Curcuminoids supplementation led to significant decreases in serum A-FABP, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 levels.”
Quoted verbatim from Curcuminoids Target Decreasing Serum Adipocyte-fatty Acid Binding Protein Levels in Their Glucose-lowering Effect in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes..
Study

RCT
Participants

100
Duration

3 months
Population

adults with type 2 diabetes, reassessed from a prior 3-month curcuminoids RCT cohort
Curcuminoids Target Decreasing Serum Adipocyte-fatty Acid Binding Protein Levels in Their Glucose-lowering Effect in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.2014PMID:25374024Permalink
riboflavin — decreases
InsufficientEvidence strength: insufficient. Mechanistic inference, no evidence found, or evidence weakened below very limited.Finding
“Vitamin B2 at 20 mg/kg (protective effect on mice mortality induced by LPS), intravenously administered 6 h after LPS injection, significantly decreased the plasma elevated levels of IL-6 and MIP-2 at 9 and 12 h.”
Quoted verbatim from Inhibitory mechanisms of highly purified vitamin B2 on the productions of proinflammatory cytokine and NO in endotoxin-induced shock in mice..
Study

animal · not in humans
Dose

20 mg/kg intravenously, 6 h after LPS
Population

Mice with LPS-induced endotoxic shock; treatment given 6 h after LPS injection; plasma IL-6 at 9 and 12 h
Inhibitory mechanisms of highly purified vitamin B2 on the productions of proinflammatory cytokine and NO in endotoxin-induced shock in mice.2005PMID:16112685Permalink
L-glutamine — decreases
InsufficientEvidence strength: insufficient. Mechanistic inference, no evidence found, or evidence weakened below very limited.Findingreplicated ×2
“All the detected inflammation factors [C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-18, tumor necrosis factor] showed significantly higher in all the PCOS groups compared to the control group (P < 0.01), and were significantly decreased with the supplementation of 0.5 g/kg glutamine (P < 0.01).”
Quoted verbatim from The effect of glutamine on Dehydroepiandrosterone-induced polycystic ovary syndrome rats..
Study

animal · not in humans
Dose

0.5 g/kg, intraperitoneal, twice on the morning after the last DHEA injection
Population

Female Sprague-Dawley rats, DHEA-induced PCOS model, 0.5 g/kg glutamine dose
The effect of glutamine on Dehydroepiandrosterone-induced polycystic ovary syndrome rats.2020PMID:32386521Permalink
sodium ascorbate — decreases
InsufficientEvidence strength: insufficient. Mechanistic inference, no evidence found, or evidence weakened below very limited.Finding
“Sodium ascorbate slightly reduced the sepsis-induced increase in interleukin-6, returned VEGF-A to normal (both PGroupxTime<0.01), and increased plasma ascorbate (20 000 [300] μM; PGroup<0.001).”
Quoted verbatim from Reversal of cerebral ischaemia and hypoxia and of sickness behaviour by megadose sodium ascorbate in ovine Gram-negative sepsis..
Study

animal · not in humans
Dose

0.5 g/kg IV over 30 min followed by 0.5 g/kg/h for 6.5 h
Population

unanaesthetised Merino ewes with Gram-negative (E. coli) sepsis, megadose sodium ascorbate IV arm
Reversal of cerebral ischaemia and hypoxia and of sickness behaviour by megadose sodium ascorbate in ovine Gram-negative sepsis.2024PMID:38960833Permalink
curcumin — decreases
InsufficientEvidence strength: insufficient. Mechanistic inference, no evidence found, or evidence weakened below very limited.Findingreplicated ×6
“As expected, the ELISA results showed that the concentrations of the ds-DNA antibody, IL-6 and IFN-γ were notably lower in the curcumin treatment group than in the control group.”
Quoted verbatim from Curcumin attenuates lupus nephritis by inhibiting neutrophil migration via PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signalling pathway..
Study

animal · not in humans
Duration

14 days
Dose

50 mg/kg daily, intraperitoneal, dissolved in DMSO
Population

MRL/lpr lupus mice treated daily with curcumin or vehicle for 2 weeks; serum measured by ELISA
Curcumin attenuates lupus nephritis by inhibiting neutrophil migration via PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signalling pathway.2024PMID:39053932Permalink
curcumin — decreases
InsufficientEvidence strength: insufficient. Mechanistic inference, no evidence found, or evidence weakened below very limited.Findingreplicated ×6
“Regarding pro-inflammatory cytokines, the results from four studies showed that curcumin treatment led to a significant reduction in IL-6 concentrations (SMD = -2.59, 95% CI = -4.32 to -0.86, p = 0.003).”
Quoted verbatim from Integrated meta-analysis and exploratory small-sample machine learning to evaluate curcumin against osteoporosis: a preclinical evidence-based study..
Study

animal · not in humans
Population

ovariectomized/GIOP/metabolic osteoporosis rodent models, meta-analysis of 4 studies
Effect -2.59 standardised mean difference, 95% CI -4.32 to -0.86
Integrated meta-analysis and exploratory small-sample machine learning to evaluate curcumin against osteoporosis: a preclinical evidence-based study.2026PMID:42656268Permalink
creatine — decreases
InsufficientEvidence strength: insufficient. Mechanistic inference, no evidence found, or evidence weakened below very limited.Findingreplicated ×1
“Creatine intake promoted lower levels of plasma TNF-α and IL-6 and smaller spleen morphology changes such as reduced size of white pulp and lymphoid follicle compared to tumor-bearing rats.”
Quoted verbatim from Creatine supplementation in Walker-256 tumor-bearing rats prevents skeletal muscle atrophy by attenuating systemic inflammation and protein degradation signaling..
Study

animal · not in humans
Duration

3 weeks
Population

Walker-256 tumor-bearing Wistar rats given creatine in drinking water for 21 days (tumor implanted after 11 days), compared with tumor-bearing rats without creatine
Creatine supplementation in Walker-256 tumor-bearing rats prevents skeletal muscle atrophy by attenuating systemic inflammation and protein degradation signaling.2020PMID:30806774Permalink

Measured, no effect detected

13 findings

empagliflozin — no detected effect on
ModerateEvidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.FindingNull resultreplicated ×1
“Significant effects of empagliflozin were not noted for the following outcomes: hs-CRP (SMD = −0.29, 95% CI = −0.85 to 0.26, p = 0.30), WBC count (SMD = −0.46, 95% CI = −1.58 to 0.66, p = 0.42), IL-6 (SMD = 0.43, 95% CI = −0.12 to 0.97, p = 0.12), ketone bodies (SMD = 2.95, 95% CI = −1.82 to 7.72, p = 0.23), HbA1c (SMD = −0.05, 95% CI = −0.38 to 0.29, p = 0.79), eGFR (SMD = 0.18, 95% CI = −0.16 to 0.51, p = 0.30), NT-proBNP (SMD = −0.19, 95% CI = −0.59 to 0.21, p = 0.35), E/e’ ratio (SMD = −0.55, 95% CI = −1.54 to 0.44, p = 0.28), TAPSE (SMD = 0.09, 95% CI = −0.12 to 0.30, p = 0.38), and DBP (SMD = −0.27, 95% CI = −0.60 to 0.07, p = 0.12).”
Quoted verbatim from Efficacy and safety of empagliflozin for the acute myocardial infarction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials..
Study

meta-analysis
Dose

10 mg daily in eight included trials, 25 mg daily in one
Population

Patients with acute myocardial infarction; pooled RCTs, empagliflozin versus placebo; secondary outcome
Effect 0.43 standardised mean difference, 95% CI -0.12 to 0.97
Efficacy and safety of empagliflozin for the acute myocardial infarction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.2025PMID:40489293Permalink
pravastatin — no detected effect on
ModerateEvidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.FindingNull result
“Pravastatin use did not result in a significant change in CRP, LDL particle size, fasting triglycerides, Il-6, or TNF-α (Table 2).”
Quoted verbatim from A randomized placebo-controlled pilot study of pravastatin as an adjunctive therapy in schizophrenia patients: effect on inflammation, psychopathology, cognition and lipid metabolism..
Study

RCT
Duration

3 months
Dose

40 mg/day
Population

Outpatients aged 18 to 68 with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder on stable antipsychotic treatment; change from baseline to week 12 in the whole randomised sample
A randomized placebo-controlled pilot study of pravastatin as an adjunctive therapy in schizophrenia patients: effect on inflammation, psychopathology, cognition and lipid metabolism.2014PMID:25261882Permalink
empagliflozin — no detected effect on
ModerateEvidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.FindingNull resultreplicated ×1
“Empagliflozin did not affect IL-6 (ETR: 1.03, 95% CI 0.82-1.30, p = 0.78) or hsCRP (ETR: 1.15, 95% CI 0.87-1.51, p = 0.33) compared to placebo.”
Quoted verbatim from The effect of empagliflozin on inflammation in patients with overweight or obesity and risk of heart failure: a substudy from the Empire Prevent Metabolic trial..
Study

RCT
Duration

6 months
Dose

10 mg
Population

Outpatients without diabetes with BMI above 28 kg/m2 and risk factors for heart failure, empagliflozin 10 mg versus placebo
The effect of empagliflozin on inflammation in patients with overweight or obesity and risk of heart failure: a substudy from the Empire Prevent Metabolic trial.2026PMID:42286641Permalink
folic acid — no detected effect on
ModerateEvidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.FindingNull result
“Only two trials assessed the effect of folate on IL-6; the evidence from the random-effect meta-analysis showed a small effect size, and this also not significant, SMD = −0.04, 95%CI (−1.08, 1.01), p = 0.95.”
Quoted verbatim from Folic acid supplementation on inflammation and homocysteine in type 2 diabetes mellitus: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

Adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus; two randomized placebo-controlled trials pooled for IL-6
Effect -0.04 standardised mean difference, 95% CI -1.08 to 1.01
Folic acid supplementation on inflammation and homocysteine in type 2 diabetes mellitus: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.2024PMID:38649347Permalink
sertraline — no detected effect on
ModerateEvidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.FindingNull result
“Overall, the pooled results suggest that sertraline did not significantly alter circulating levels of IL-6, IL-10, or TNF-α across the included studies.”
Quoted verbatim from Sertraline as an Antidepressant and Inflammatory Cytokines in Depressive Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trials..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

adults treated with sertraline for depressive disorders, pooled across trials with mixed comorbidities including coronary heart disease and chronic kidney disease
Sertraline as an Antidepressant and Inflammatory Cytokines in Depressive Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trials.2026PMID:42646594Permalink
berberine — no detected effect on
LimitedEvidence strength: limited. Human evidence with several recorded weaknesses, or a design that tops out at limited.FindingNull result
“The effect of BBR supplementation on IL-6 was non-significant (WMD = −0.53; 95%CI, −1.11 to 0.05; P = 0.073).”
Quoted verbatim from The effects of berberine supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

Adults in randomised controlled trials of berberine (four trials pooled)
Effect -0.53 mean difference, 95% CI -1.11 to 0.05
The effects of berberine supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.2022PMID:36313096Permalink

Show the remaining 7

creatine — no detected effect on
LimitedEvidence strength: limited. Human evidence with several recorded weaknesses, or a design that tops out at limited.FindingNull result
“Chronic effects of creatine on CRP (SMD = -0.11; 95% CI: -0.69 to 0.48; p = 0.73; I² = 0%) and IL-6 (SMD = -0.06; 95% CI: -0.64 to 0.53; p = 0.84; I² = 0%) were also no significant.”
Quoted verbatim from Impact of creatine supplementation on inflammation: evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized double-blind placebo trials..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

healthy individuals, athletes and clinical populations
Impact of creatine supplementation on inflammation: evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized double-blind placebo trials.2026PMID:41798953Permalink
astaxanthin — no detected effect on
LimitedEvidence strength: limited. Human evidence with several recorded weaknesses, or a design that tops out at limited.FindingNull result
“The pooled effect showed no statistically significant influence of astaxanthin supplementation on IL-6 (SMD = −0.23, 95% CI: −0.65 to 0.20), and statistical heterogeneity was absent (I2 = 0.0%).”
Quoted verbatim from The Effects of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Exercise Recovery Biomarkers and Exercise Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

healthy adults and athletes; meta-analysis pooling 3 RCT comparisons
Effect -0.23 standardised mean difference, 95% CI -0.65 to 0.2
The Effects of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Exercise Recovery Biomarkers and Exercise Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.2026PMID:42197030Industry fundedPermalink
L-arginine — no detected effect on
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.FindingNull result
“Results indicated that L-arginine supplementation had no significant effect on inflammatory biomarkers including CRP, IL-6 and TNFα.”
Quoted verbatim from Effect of l-arginine supplementation on C-reactive protein and other inflammatory biomarkers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

participants in randomised controlled trials of L-arginine supplementation
Effect of l-arginine supplementation on C-reactive protein and other inflammatory biomarkers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.2019PMID:31780028Permalink
curcumin — no detected effect on
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.FindingNull result
“Also, curcumin supplementation elicited significant improvements in MVC [WMD = 3.10 nm, 95% CI (1.45-4.75)] and ROM [WMD = 6.49°, 95% CI (3.91-9.07)], although no significant changes in IL-6 and IL-8 levels were found.”
Quoted verbatim from The effect of curcumin supplementation on delayed-onset muscle soreness, inflammation, muscle strength, and joint flexibility: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

adults, dose-response meta-analysis of 10 RCTs (exercise-induced muscle damage)
The effect of curcumin supplementation on delayed-onset muscle soreness, inflammation, muscle strength, and joint flexibility: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.2022PMID:35574627Permalink
ursolic acid — no detected effect on
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.FindingNull result
“In conclusion, UA supplementation for 8weeks was not able to change the blood TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-6 concentrations in healthy men undergoing RT.”
Quoted verbatim from Ursolic acid does not change the cytokine levels following resistance training in healthy men: A pilot balanced, double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial..
Study

RCT
Duration

8 weeks
Dose

400 mg/day
Population

Healthy men undergoing resistance training in both arms; UA 400 mg/day versus placebo 400 mg/day
Ursolic acid does not change the cytokine levels following resistance training in healthy men: A pilot balanced, double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial.2022PMID:34799219Permalink
resveratrol — no detected effect on
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.FindingNull resultreplicated ×1
“Resveratrol supplementation had no significant effect on the level of IL-6 (WMD, -0.16; 95% CI, -0.53 to 0.20; P = 0.38; Q statistic = 36.0; I2 = 72.3%; P = 0.001).”
Quoted verbatim from Effect of Resveratrol Supplementation on Inflammatory Markers: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

Adults aged 17 years and older across 17 pooled placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials (736 subjects) of resveratrol supplementation
Effect -0.16 mean difference, 95% CI -0.53 to 0.2
Effect of Resveratrol Supplementation on Inflammatory Markers: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.2018PMID:30017172Permalink
resveratrol — no detected effect on
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.FindingNull resultreplicated ×1
“The effects of resveratrol on body weight and Interleukin-6 levels of participants were not significant.”
Quoted verbatim from Effects of resveratrol on the anthropometric indices and inflammatory markers: an umbrella meta-analysis..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

Adults; umbrella meta-analysis pooling 19 meta-analyses of 81 RCTs of resveratrol supplementation (anthropometric and inflammatory outcomes).
Effects of resveratrol on the anthropometric indices and inflammatory markers: an umbrella meta-analysis.2024PMID:38374352Permalink

How it is measured

Serum or plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) by immunoassay. Timing relative to exercise recorded with each finding.

Measured, not recorded

Subject: interleukin-6 concentration
Measurements: 1 measurement
Recorded as a finding: No

Show what was measured

interleukin-6 concentration
decreases, 4.94 to 4.53 to 3.01 pg/mL over 12 weeks
Not recorded as a finding: within_arm_only — only the pre/post trend inside the magnesium-treated group is given; the control-group IL-6 values are described in a separate sentence with no direct between-group statistical test
Additional magnesium supplementation decreased interleukin-6 values significantly from 4.94 ± 3.30 to 4.53 ± 6.89 pg/mL after 6 weeks to 3.01 ± 1.32 pg/mL after 12 weeks (mean ± SD) (p < 0.01).
PMID:39380547 · one of two readings recorded this

Sources cited

40 papers

Subject: interleukin-6 concentration
Findings: 40
Papers: 40