May is recognized as Arthritis Awareness Month and we will have several posts on arthritis during the month of May.

Curcumin is a spice that has been used since ancient times, often as a coloring agent in Asian foods. Curcumin is an active ingredient of the Asian spice turmeric, which is a member of the ginger family. Turmeric is a widely used spice in South Asian and Middle Eastern cooking and is grown in India, Nepal, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and elsewhere. Turmeric is also used in Ayurvedic Medicine, and is currently being studied in Western Medicine for possible uses. Curcumin has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. There has been a lot of interest in this spice due to its potential health benefits.

A research group in Thailand recently completed a study of the efficacy of an extract of curcuma domestica in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. A total of 367 subjects enrolled in the study. The participants in the study were primarily female (90%), with a mean age of 60 years. The group receiving the curcuma extract was compared to a similar group which instead received ibuprofen for the knee pain. 

The enrollees in the study were assessed at baseline, at 2 weeks, and at 4 weeks, which was the end of the study. Patients were assessed via a functional pain scale, and a six-minute walk test.

At the end of the four-week study the extract of curcuma domestica was found to be as effective as ibuprofen. The curcuma was generally well tolerated, with few side effects.

(Source- Clinical Interventions in Aging 2014:9)

This blog is a review of medical and scientific literature, and should only be used for informational purposes. It does not constitute medical or health advice, nor does it create a physician-patient relationship with anyone.. Discuss any health concerns with your personal physician.