The efficacy of high- and low-dose curcumin in knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#anti-inflammatory-agents-non-steroidal #curcumin #humans #knee-joint #osteoarthritis-knee

The efficacy of high- and low-dose curcumin in knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Hsiao et al., 2021 | Complement Ther Med | Meta Analysis

Citation

Hsiao An-Fang, Lien Yi-Chieh, ... Horng Yi-Shiung. The efficacy of high- and low-dose curcumin in knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2021-Dec;63:102775. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102775

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to critically appraise and evaluate effects of low- and high-dose curcuminoids on pain and functional improvement in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to compare adverse events (AEs) between curcuminoids and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). METHODS: We systematically reviewed all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on curcuminoids in knee osteoarthritis from the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, AMED, Cinahl, ISI Web of Science, Chinese medical database, and Indian Scientific databases from inception to June 21, 2021. RESULTS: We included eleven studies with a total of 1258 participants with primary knee OA. The meta-analysis results showed that curcuminoids were significantly more effective than comparators regarding visual analogue scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) pain scores. However, no significant difference in pain relief or AEs between the high-dose (daily dose ≥1000 mg or total dose ≥42 gm) and low-dose (daily dose <1000 mg or total dose <42 gm) curcuminoid treatments was observed. When comparing curcumininoids versus NSAIDs, a significant difference in VAS pain was found. For AE analysis, three of our included studies used NSAIDs as comparators, with all reporting higher AE rates in the NSAID group, though significance was reached in only one study. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our meta-analysis suggest that low- and high-dose curcuminoids have similar pain relief effects and AEs in knee OA. Curcuminoids are also associated with better pain relief than NSAIDs; therefore, using curcuminoids as an adjunctive treatment in knee OA is recommended.

Key Findings

We included eleven studies with a total of 1258 participants with primary knee OA. The meta-analysis results showed that curcuminoids were significantly more effective than comparators regarding visual analogue scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) pain scores. However, no significant difference in pain relief or AEs between the high-dose (daily dose ≥1000 mg or total dose ≥42 gm) and low-dose (daily dose <1000 mg or total dose <42 gm) curcuminoid trea

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population knee osteoarthritis
Sample Size 1258
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Curcumin
  • Humans
  • Knee Joint
  • Osteoarthritis, Knee
  • Pain Measurement
  • Treatment Outcome

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: curcumin-oa

Provenance

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