The Role of Curcumin in the Management of Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease causing pain and functional limitation. Curcumin, a polyphenol derived from turmeric (Curcuma longa), is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of curcumin supplementation for the management of OA.

Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for RCTs that evaluated the effects of curcuminoids or turmeric extracts versus placebo or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients with OA. The primary outcomes were pain and physical function, assessed using standardized scales.

Results: Sixteen RCTs with a total of 1,810 patients were included. The meta-analysis showed that curcumin supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in pain scores (SMD: -0.85; 95% CI: -1.18 to -0.52) and a significant improvement in physical function scores (SMD: -0.79; 95% CI: -1.09 to -0.49) compared to placebo. The efficacy of curcumin in pain relief was comparable to that of NSAIDs, but curcumin was associated with a lower risk of gastrointestinal adverse events.

Discussion: The findings indicate that curcumin is an effective and safe alternative for managing OA symptoms. Its anti-inflammatory properties likely underpin its therapeutic effects. The optimal dosage and formulation of curcumin for maximum bioavailability remain areas for further investigation. The long-term effects of curcumin supplementation also need to be explored.

Conclusion: Curcumin supplementation provides clinically significant improvements in pain and function in patients with osteoarthritis, with a better safety profile than NSAIDs. It represents a promising natural therapeutic option for OA management.