Safety and Efficacy of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Extract and Curcumin Supplements in Musculoskeletal Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Doyle et al., 2023 | Altern Ther Health Med | Meta Analysis

Citation

Doyle Lynda, Desomayanandam Prabakaran, ... Bachu Surendra. Safety and Efficacy of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Extract and Curcumin Supplements in Musculoskeletal Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Altern Ther Health Med. 2023-Sep;29(6):12-24

Abstract

CONTEXT: Turmeric is a well-known herb that has been used in many traditional medicinal systems since ancient times. Turmeric roots contain hydrophobic polyphenols called curcuminoids, which have proven anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and are shown to be beneficial for the management of musculoskeletal health. Various products containing curcumin or turmeric extract are commercially available. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) is intended to evaluate the effective dose, safety, and efficacy of commercial turmeric extract and curcumin supplements in musculoskeletal health. DESIGN: The research team performed a systematic literature search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library databases and conducted a meta-analysis according to PRISMA guidelines. SETTING: Authors from India and USA contributed to this systematic review and meta-analysis. RESULTS: The research team analyzed 21 prospective, randomized clinical studies, of which seven studies were focused on skeletal muscle health and fourteen on joint health. Statistical heterogeneity was established based on the results of heterogeneity analysis of a Chi-square (χ2) value for Cochran's Q statistic of 29.3765 for musculoskeletal and 3666.80 for joint health studies (P < .0001 for both analyses). Therefore, the random effects model was used. The χ2 value of the random effects model was 216.5545 for skeletal muscle health studies and 1400.65 for joint health studies, which was statistically significant with P < .0001 for both analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Turmeric extract and curcumin supplements can be effective adjuvants for the management of musculoskeletal health, with a low incidence of AEs. The water-dispersible turmeric extract, WDTE60N, at a dose of 250 mg per day, was found to be more effective than other curcumin products. However, the studies included in the analysis were conducted using diverse doses and treatment durations. Further evaluation using comparisons in future clinical trials can establish the appropriate effective dose of curcumin supplements for the overall maintenance of musculoskeletal health.

Key Findings

The research team analyzed 21 prospective, randomized clinical studies, of which seven studies were focused on skeletal muscle health and fourteen on joint health. Statistical heterogeneity was established based on the results of heterogeneity analysis of a Chi-square (χ2) value for Cochran's Q statistic of 29.3765 for musculoskeletal and 3666.80 for joint health studies (P < .0001 for both analyses). Therefore, the random effects model was used. The χ2 value of the random effects model was 216.

Outcomes Measured

inflammatory markers

Population

Field	Value
Population	See abstract
Sample Size	See abstract
Age Range	See abstract
Condition	See abstract

MeSH Terms

Humans
Curcumin
Curcuma
Plant Extracts
Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

PMID: 37574203
DOI: (not available)
PMCID: Not in PMC
Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

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