Osteoarthritis can make simple tasks that most people take for granted, such as opening a jar, a real challenge. Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include stiffness, particularly upon awakening in the morning, and a deep ache in the affected joints. Some people with osteoarthritis turn to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications or other prescription medications to relieve the pain – and many experience side effects. Now, a new study shows that taking curcumin could help the symptoms of osteoarthritis – naturally.
Taking Curcumin for the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis: What a Study Shows
In a new study published in Panminerva Medica, researchers gave fifty people with osteoarthritis of the knee a curcumin supplement containing 200 milligrams of curcumin each day for three months. The participants quantified their osteoarthritis symptoms using a questionnaire and were then asked to walk on a treadmill to record how far they could walk without pain – both before and after the study. Researchers also measured their levels of c-reactive protein, a marker for inflammation.
The results were encouraging. The group treated with curcumin was able to walk significantly further on the treadmill and had fewer symptoms of osteoarthritis, than those who weren’t given the curcumin supplement. Their c-reactive protein levels also went down – an indication that there was less active inflammation in the body.
What is Curcumin?
Curcumin is a polyphenol found in tumeric, a popular spice used in Indian cooking that’s related to ginger. It’s currently the subject of numerous studies, looking at its potential to prevent or treat chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and even some infectious diseases. Animal studies suggest that it has antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties – and may improve memory and cognition.
Can Taking Curcumin Help People with Osteoarthritis?
More research is needed since this is a small study – but the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin have been shown in animal studies. On the other hand, large, double-blind, randomized human studies are still lacking. One problem with curcumin is that it’s not well absorbed. In this study, curcumin was combined with phospholipids to improve its absorption and bioavailability.
Should You Take Curcumin for the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis?
It’s too early to recommend curcumin or tumeric in supplement form since the long-term safety of taking large doses isn’t known. On the other hand, tumeric is available at the grocery store – as a spice. The dose of tumeric used in this study was only slightly higher than the amount the average Indian eats in a day, so adding it to your food regularly could offer some benefits. To increase absorption of curcumin, eat it with a fatty food and add some black pepper. A component in black pepper called piperine increases bioavailability of curcumin in the body. To get the proposed health benefits of curcumin, sprinkle tumeric into soups, vegetables, scrambled eggs, and stir fries – and, while you’re at it, explore the wonderful world of Indian recipes.
References:
Nutraingredients.com website. “Curcumin complex could provide arthritis benefits, Indena study”
