Endpoint

Tumour necrosis factor alpha concentration

Serum glycoprotein produced by activated macrophages and other mammalian mononuclear leukocytes. It has necrotizing activity against tumor cell lines and increases ability to reject tumor transplants. Also known as tnf-alpha, it is only 30% homologous to tnf-beta (lymphotoxin), but they share TNF receptors.

Definition from MeSH (D014409), National Library of Medicine, read 2026-09-23. NLM revises MeSH; this copy may not reflect its current record.

CAT:outcome/tnf-alphareported in pg/mL38 findings from 21 compounds

Open in the graph

What moved it

How to read these marks

38 findings · 21 compounds · 13 null · by evidence strength

Compound	Direction	Findings	Strongest evidence
curcumin	down 6 · no effect 3	9	Evidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.
coenzyme Q10	down	3	Evidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.
L-arginine	no effect	3	Evidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.
L-glutamine	down	2	Evidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.
caffeine	down	1	Evidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.
magnesium(2+)	no effect	1	Evidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.
N-acetyl-L-cysteine	no effect	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.
titanium dioxide	no effect	1	Evidence strength: limited. Human evidence with several recorded weaknesses, or a design that tops out at limited.
astaxanthin	no effect 1 · down 1	2	Evidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.
creatine	down	2	Evidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.
resveratrol	down	2	Evidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.
ursolic acid	no effect 1 · down 1	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.
all-cis-docosa-4,7,10,13,16,19-hexaenoic acid	up	1	Evidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.
aspartame	up	1	Evidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.
chondroitin sulfate	down	1	Evidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.
Collagen	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.

Reported to move it

25 findings

L-glutamine — decreases
ModerateEvidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.Findingreplicated ×1
“The combined results showed that nutritional supplementation with Gln was effective in reducing TNF-α levels (SMD = −2.47, 95% CI: −3.27 to −1.66, P < 0.00001; Figure 19).”
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 -2.47 standardised mean difference, 95% CI -3.27 to -1.66
Efficacy of Glutamine in Treating Severe Acute Pancreatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.2022PMID:35774540Permalink
caffeine — decreases
ModerateEvidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.Finding
“TNF-α at 38 weeks was 23% lower in the caffeine group compared to placebo, adjusting for baseline and covariates (P < 0.02, Table 3).”
Quoted verbatim from Intermittent hypoxia and caffeine in infants born preterm: the ICAF Randomized Clinical Trial..
Study

RCT
Dose

caffeine base 5 mg/kg/day once daily, escalating to 5 mg/kg twice daily at 36 weeks PMA, continued through 42 weeks 6 days PMA
Population

very preterm infants (<=30 weeks + 6 days gestational age) randomised to extended caffeine therapy through 42 weeks 6 days PMA vs placebo; secondary endpoint
Intermittent hypoxia and caffeine in infants born preterm: the ICAF Randomized Clinical Trial.2026PMID:41285561Permalink
coenzyme Q10 — decreases
ModerateEvidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.Findingreplicated ×2
“The subjects in the Q10-300 group had a significantly lower level of TNF-α than those in the placebo group at week 12 (P = 0.039).”
Quoted verbatim from Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation (300 mg/day) on antioxidation and anti-inflammation in coronary artery disease patients during statins therapy: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial..
Study

RCT
Duration

3 months
Dose

300 mg/day (150 mg twice daily) for 12 weeks
Population

Patients with coronary artery disease on statin therapy for at least one month; single-blind placebo-controlled trial, 42 completers (placebo n = 19, coenzyme Q10 n = 23); week 12 between-group comparison
Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation (300 mg/day) on antioxidation and anti-inflammation in coronary artery disease patients during statins therapy: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.2013PMID:24192015Permalink
L-glutamine — decreases
ModerateEvidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.Findingreplicated ×1
“Compared with placebo, glutamine (MD −25.2; 95% CrI [−32.62, −17.95]) and probiotics (MD −12.55; 95% CrI [−15.19, −9.92]) significantly reduced TNF-α levels in CRC patients.”
Quoted verbatim from Comparative Effects of Different Nutritional Supplements on Inflammation, Nutritional Status, and Clinical Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

colorectal cancer (CRC) patients; network meta-analysis estimate for glutamine versus placebo
Effect -25.2 mean difference, 95% CI -32.62 to -17.95
Comparative Effects of Different Nutritional Supplements on Inflammation, Nutritional Status, and Clinical Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.2023PMID:37375676Permalink
curcumin — decreases
ModerateEvidence strength: moderate. Human evidence with one recorded weakness, or capped at moderate by its design or by unread numbers.Findingreplicated ×5
“Curcumin significantly reduced the pro-inflammatory biomarkers IL-1β and TNF-α, (Table 3).”
Quoted verbatim from Curcumin Attenuates Liver Steatosis via Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Pathways in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial..
Study

RCT
Dose

1500 mg/day curcuminoid extract
Population

obese adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, secondary endpoint
Curcumin Attenuates Liver Steatosis via Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Pathways in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial.2025PMID:41096556Industry fundedPermalink
curcumin — decreases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Findingreplicated ×5
“There was a significant reduction of circulating TNF-α concentrations following curcumin supplementation (WMD: -4.69pg/mL, 95% CI: -7.10, -2.28, p<0.001).”
Quoted verbatim from Curcumin downregulates human tumor necrosis factor-α levels: A systematic review and meta-analysis ofrandomized controlled trials..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

adults across 8 RCTs of curcumin supplementation (disease population not specified in abstract)
Effect -4.69 mean difference, 95% CI -7.1 to -2.28
Curcumin downregulates human tumor necrosis factor-α levels: A systematic review and meta-analysis ofrandomized controlled trials.2016PMID:27025786Permalink

Show the remaining 19

melatonin — decreases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Finding
“Enteral melatonin significantly reduced NEC incidence and mortality, accelerated achievement of full enteral feeding, and lowered TNF-α levels in preterm neonates with FI.”
Quoted verbatim from Role of melatonin for prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants: a randomized controlled trial..
Study

RCT
Dose

two doses of 10 mg each, 1 h apart
Population

preterm neonates with feeding intolerance (FI); enteral melatonin plus conventional therapy vs conventional therapy alone, measured 72 h posttreatment
Role of melatonin for prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants: a randomized controlled trial.2026PMID:41847903Permalink
all-cis-docosa-4,7,10,13,16,19-hexaenoic acid — increases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Finding
“DHA supplementation resulted in greater increases in the plasma cytokines IFN-γ and TNF-α compared to placebo (P-interaction < .05).”
Quoted verbatim from The effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on plasma cytokines, oxylipins, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes from women with breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the DHA-WIN trial..
Study

RCT
Duration

4 months
Dose

DHA-enriched algae, 4.4 g/day, 18 weeks
Population

women with breast cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (both arms)
The effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on plasma cytokines, oxylipins, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes from women with breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the DHA-WIN trial.2025PMID:40651709Permalink
curcumin — decreases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Findingreplicated ×5
“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
curcumin — decreases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Findingreplicated ×5
“Furthermore, curcumin decreases inflammatory cytokines interleukin 1β and tumor necrosis factor α level, increases plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, and decreases salivary cortisol concentrations compared with placebo group.”
Quoted verbatim from Chronic Supplementation of Curcumin Enhances the Efficacy of Antidepressants in Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study..
Study

RCT
Duration

6 weeks
Dose

1000 mg/day (2 capsules)
Population

adult men (31-59 years) with major depressive disorder, continuing their existing antidepressant medication regimen in both curcumin and placebo arms (adjunctive therapy)
Chronic Supplementation of Curcumin Enhances the Efficacy of Antidepressants in Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study.2015PMID:26066335Permalink
curcumin — decreases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Findingreplicated ×5
“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
(-)-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
Collagen — decreases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Finding
“Serum levels of IL-1 β, IL-6, and TNF- α were significantly increased after treatment with 10% CCl4 for 16 h, while Amp-fed significantly reduced the number of these inflammatory cytokines.”
Quoted verbatim from Preventive Effect of Collagen Peptides from Acaudina molpadioides on Acute Kidney Injury through Attenuation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation..
Study

animal · not in humans
Duration

3 weeks
Dose

Amp 50, 100 or 200 mg/kg daily for 21 consecutive days before CCl4
Population

Male ICR mice with acute kidney injury induced by intraperitoneal CCl4; Amp (collagen peptides of Acaudina molpadioides) fed at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg against a CCl4 model group given saline
Preventive Effect of Collagen Peptides from Acaudina molpadioides on Acute Kidney Injury through Attenuation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation.2022PMID:35592533Permalink
coenzyme Q10 — decreases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Findingreplicated ×2
“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
chondroitin sulfate — decreases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Finding
“DIO obese mice treated with CS showed lower serum levels of the mediators of the inflammatory response IL-1β and TNF-α than animals receiving vehicle.”
Quoted verbatim from Treatment with chondroitin sulfate to modulate inflammation and atherogenesis in obesity..
Study

animal · not in humans
Duration

6 days
Dose

1 g/kg/day
Population

Male diet-induced obese mice on a high-fat diet, CS 1 g/kg/day versus saline vehicle for 6 days
Treatment with chondroitin sulfate to modulate inflammation and atherogenesis in obesity.2016PMID:26714044Permalink
aspartame — increases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Finding
“In our chronic in vivo model, we found that compared with the controls, serum TNF-α was increased in both chow + ASP and HFD + ASP groups (1622.3 ± 184.1 pg/mg of protein and 2512.1 ± 251.4 pg/mg of protein, respectively), indicating a higher level of systemic inflammation in groups receiving ASP.”
Quoted verbatim from Inhibition of the gut enzyme intestinal alkaline phosphatase may explain how aspartame promotes glucose intolerance and obesity in mice..
Study

animal · not in humans
Duration

4 months
Dose

0.96 mg/mL aspartame in drinking water
Population

Male C57BL/6 mice on chow or high-fat diet, aspartame in drinking water versus plain water for 18 weeks; serum collected at sacrifice
Inhibition of the gut enzyme intestinal alkaline phosphatase may explain how aspartame promotes glucose intolerance and obesity in mice.2017PMID:27997218Permalink
ursolic acid — decreases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Finding
“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
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 -1.96 standardised mean difference, 95% CI -2.72 to -1.19
Crocin Supplementation on Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.2025PMID:39632602Permalink
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
resveratrol — decreases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Findingreplicated ×1
“Analysis in the overall population showed a significant effect of resveratrol consumption in reducing serum TNF-α levels (WMD = -0.66 pg/ml, 95% CI = -1.05 to -0.27, P = 0.001).”
Quoted verbatim from Effect of resveratrol on inflammatory cytokines: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

Adults with inflammatory disease, overall pooled population across resveratrol RCTs (21 studies contributed to the TNF-α analysis per Methods).
Effect of resveratrol on inflammatory cytokines: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.2021PMID:34303665Permalink
coenzyme Q10 — decreases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Findingreplicated ×2
“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 -0.49 mean difference, 95% CI -0.93 to -0.06
Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on inflammatory markers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.2017PMID:28179205Permalink
resveratrol — decreases
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.Findingreplicated ×1
“Resveratrol treatment significantly decreased TNF-α (P < 0.001), and MDA (P < 0.001) compared to the placebo.”
Quoted verbatim from Effects of resveratrol supplementation on inflammatory markers, fatigue scale, fasting blood sugar and lipid profile in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial..
Study

RCT
Duration

8 weeks
Dose

500 mg/day
Population

patients with multiple sclerosis (MS)
Effects of resveratrol supplementation on inflammatory markers, fatigue scale, fasting blood sugar and lipid profile in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial.2025PMID:39565038Permalink
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
astaxanthin — decreases
InsufficientEvidence strength: insufficient. Mechanistic inference, no evidence found, or evidence weakened below very limited.Finding
“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
curcumin — decreases
InsufficientEvidence strength: insufficient. Mechanistic inference, no evidence found, or evidence weakened below very limited.Findingreplicated ×5
“Furthermore, a meta-analysis of three studies suggested that curcumin significantly suppressed TNF-α levels (MD = -71.01, 95% CI = -98.65 to -43.37, p < 0.001).”
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 3 studies
Effect -71.01 mean difference, 95% CI -98.65 to -43.37
Integrated meta-analysis and exploratory small-sample machine learning to evaluate curcumin against osteoporosis: a preclinical evidence-based study.2026PMID:42656268Permalink

Measured, no effect detected

13 findings

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
L-arginine — 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 ×2
“However, we found no considerable impact of L-arginine treatment on creatine phosphokinase-MB (CPK-MB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and troponin I compared to the placebo groups.”
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
magnesium(2+) — 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
“For inflammatory parameters with fewer than 3 RCTs, magnesium supplementation showed no significant effects on serum IL-6 or tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels.”
Quoted verbatim from The effect of long-term magnesium intake on inflammatory markers in patients with metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

adults with metabolic syndrome or related insulin-resistant/diabetic conditions, oral magnesium supplementation for at least 2 months versus placebo (meta-analysis, fewer than 3 pooled RCTs for this analyte)
The effect of long-term magnesium intake on inflammatory markers in patients with metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.2025PMID:41245414Permalink
N-acetyl-L-cysteine — 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
“However, we saw no significant effect of NAC on TNF-α, CK or GSSG concentrations.”
Quoted verbatim from The impact of N-acetylcysteine on lactate, biomarkers of oxidative stress, immune response, and muscle damage: A systematic review and meta-analysis..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

Participants in pooled studies of NAC supplementation, concentrations after physical exertion
The impact of N-acetylcysteine on lactate, biomarkers of oxidative stress, immune response, and muscle damage: A systematic review and meta-analysis.2024PMID:39632267Permalink
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
titanium dioxide — no detected effect on
LimitedEvidence strength: limited. Human evidence with several recorded weaknesses, or a design that tops out at limited.FindingNull result
“Pro‐inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), showed no statistically significant differences between CTRL and E171 conditions.”
Quoted verbatim from Dietary Titanium Dioxide (E171) Alters the Colon Transcriptome-Evidence From a Human Dietary Intervention Study..
Study

crossover
Duration

14 days
Dose

2 mg/kg body weight/day of E171 for 2 weeks
Population

31 healthy adults
Dietary Titanium Dioxide (E171) Alters the Colon Transcriptome-Evidence From a Human Dietary Intervention Study.2026PMID:42613907Permalink

Show the remaining 7

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
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 resultreplicated ×2
“According to the results of the present systematic review and meta-analysis, L-Arginine does not significantly affect CRP and TNFα indices.”
Quoted verbatim from Effect of L-Arginine supplementation on lipid profiles and inflammatory markers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

humans
Effect of L-Arginine supplementation on lipid profiles and inflammatory markers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.2019PMID:31442577Permalink
astaxanthin — no detected effect on
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.FindingNull result
“The effects of astaxanthin on blood C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations were not significant.”
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

adults, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients; meta-analysis pooling 12 RCTs
Astaxanthin supplementation mildly reduced oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.2022PMID:35091276Permalink
curcumin — no detected effect on
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.FindingNull resultreplicated ×2
“Though, curcumin supplementation had no significant effect on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (SMD -1.62; 95% CI [-3.60, 0.36]; p = 0.10) and superoxide dismutase levels (SMD 0.34; 95% CI [-1.06, 1.74], p = 0.63).”
Quoted verbatim from The effects of curcumin-containing supplements on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

adults
Effect -1.62 standardised mean difference, 95% CI -3.6 to 0.36
The effects of curcumin-containing supplements on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.2019PMID:30402990Permalink
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 resultreplicated ×2
“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 resultreplicated ×2
“There was no significant change in HbA1C, plasma insulin, QUICKI, HDL, SBP, DBP, CRP, TNF-α and WC after curcumin therapy.”
Quoted verbatim from Curcumin effects on glycaemic indices, lipid profile, blood pressure, inflammatory markers and anthropometric measurements of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials..
Study

meta-analysis
Population

adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Curcumin effects on glycaemic indices, lipid profile, blood pressure, inflammatory markers and anthropometric measurements of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.2024PMID:38232906Permalink
curcumin — no detected effect on
Very limitedEvidence strength: very limited. Human evidence with major recorded weaknesses, or non-human, uncontrolled or unverified evidence.FindingNull resultreplicated ×2
“Although curcumin intervention could not change tumor neurosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentration (SMD = -0.3; 95% CI: -0.7 to 0.04; p = 0.08, I2 = 25.3%, 3 studies, 153 participants), when compared with the placebo group.”
Quoted verbatim from The effects of curcumin-containing supplements on inflammatory biomarkers in hemodialysis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis..
Study

meta-analysis
Participants

153
Population

hemodialysis patients
The effects of curcumin-containing supplements on inflammatory biomarkers in hemodialysis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.2022PMID:36205586Permalink

How it is measured

Circulating tumour necrosis factor alpha protein concentration in serum or plasma by immunoassay. Timing relative to any exercise bout, meal or challenge is recorded with each finding, since this analyte moves within hours.

Sources cited

38 papers

Subject: tumour necrosis factor alpha concentration
Findings: 38
Papers: 38