The Efficacy of Curcumin for the Management of Osteoarthritis-Related Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease, with pain being its primary symptom. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin in reducing pain and improving function in patients with OA.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to September 2025. We included studies comparing curcuminoids to placebo or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in OA patients. The primary outcomes were pain scores (e.g., VAS) and functional status (e.g., WOMAC). Data were pooled using a random-effects model, and the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used for quality assessment.

Results: A total of 18 RCTs involving 2,154 patients met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis revealed that curcumin supplementation significantly reduced pain scores compared to placebo (Standardized Mean Difference [SMD] = -0.78, 95% CI: -0.95 to -0.61, p < 0.001). Furthermore, curcumin showed comparable efficacy to NSAIDs in pain reduction but with a significantly lower rate of gastrointestinal adverse events.

Discussion: The findings suggest that curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that can effectively alleviate OA pain and improve physical function. Its favorable safety profile makes it a promising alternative to conventional NSAIDs. However, limitations include heterogeneity in curcumin formulations and study durations.

Conclusion: Current evidence supports the use of curcumin as an effective and safe therapeutic option for managing osteoarthritis. Further high-quality, long-term studies are needed to establish optimal dosage and formulation.