A Systematic Review of the Clinical Use of Curcumin for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#curcumin #humans #osteoarthritis-knee #pain #pain-measurement

A Systematic Review of the Clinical Use of Curcumin for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Shokri-Mashhadi et al., 2021 | Adv Exp Med Biol | Systematic Review

Citation

Shokri-Mashhadi Nafiseh, Bagherniya Mohammad, ... Sahebkar Amirhossein. A Systematic Review of the Clinical Use of Curcumin for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2021;1291:265-282. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-56153-6_16

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is characterized by degeneration of joint structure over time, resulting in limitation of joint mobility. There is growing evidence that curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties and could be a potential therapeutic option for chronic inflammatory diseases. Hence, curcumin could potentially have a positive impact on osteoarthritis symptoms. This systematic review aimed to estimate the effects of curcumin on osteoarthritis. We systematically searched PubMed, ISI, Scopus, and Google Scholar up to March 4, 2020 to identify randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of consumption of all types of curcumin compounds in the treatment of osteoarthritis, especially in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Seventeen trials were identified. The duration of the included studies varied from 4 weeks to 8 months. Across all trials, 13 studies involved screening using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) scores and 11 studies used visual analog scales (VAS) for recording pain from baseline to post-intervention. There was a significant improvement in VAS and overall WOMAC scores with oral administration of various types of curcumin formulations with no severe adverse effects. In conclusion, different types of curcumin compounds may be beneficial as an alternative or complementary agent for the management of osteoarthritis. Moreover, certain curcumin compounds with higher bioavailability tended to show more positive effects.

Key Findings

Moreover, certain curcumin compounds with higher bioavailability tended to show more positive effects.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population knee osteoarthritis
Sample Size 13
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Curcumin
  • Humans
  • Osteoarthritis, Knee
  • Pain
  • Pain Measurement
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Visual Analog Scale

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: curcumin

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09