Turmeric Supports Joint Function

By CP Staff

A recently published clinical trial evaluated the efficacy of Curcuma domestica, more commonly known as Curcuma longa (turmeric), in subjects with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a type of degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage and underlying bone deteriorates, resulting in pain and stiffness. It is estimated that almost 27 million American adults have osteoarthritis, affecting approximately one-third of adults over the age of 65.

In this new study, researchers compared the efficacy of Curcuma to ibuprofen in subjects with osteoarthritis. The subjects included 107 patients over the age of 50 with knee osteoarthritis and an initial pain score of 5 or greater out of 10. The subjects received either 800 mg of ibuprofen or 2 grams of Curcuma extract daily for 6 weeks. The subjects were evaluated for pain while walking, pain walking on stairs and knee function at the beginning of the study and after weeks 2, 4 and 6.

The results of the study showed that pain while walking, pain walking on stairs and knee function significantly improved in both groups. The results were similar between the two groups for all parameters except the Curcuma group had less pain climbing stairs than the ibuprofen group. Patient satisfaction with the treatment was also similar between the two groups, with 91.1 percent in the Curcuma group and 80.4 percent in the ibuprofen group reporting moderate-to-high satisfaction. Mild adverse events such as digestive system symptoms were also similar between the two groups.

The researchers concluded, “Curcuma domestica extracts seem to be similarly efficacious and safe as ibuprofen for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.”

Reference:

Kuptniratsaikul V, Thanakhumtorn S, Chinswangwatanakul P, Wattanamongkonsil L, Thamlikitkul V. Efficacy and safety of Curcuma domestica extracts in patients with knee osteoarthritis. J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Aug;15(8):891-7.