Osteoarthritis affects millions of individuals worldwide, causing joint pain and impairing quality of life. While various treatment options exist, there is a growing interest in natural approaches that can provide safe and effective relief. One such natural remedy gaining attention is turmeric extracts and its active compound, curcumin. In this article, we explore the scientific rationale and clinical trial evidence supporting their use in managing osteoarthritis.
Turmeric and Curcumin
Turmeric, derived from the Curcuma longa plant, has been used for centuries in traditional and ayurvedic medicine due to its potential health benefits. Curcumin, the primary active component of turmeric, is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties make curcumin an intriguing candidate for addressing the underlying mechanisms of osteoarthritis.
SUMMARY
Turmeric is derived from the Curcuma longa plant and curcumin is its primary active compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
How Do Turmeric and Curcumin Help Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis involves chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the joints, contributing to cartilage destruction and pain. Curcumin has been found to reduce the production of inflammatory molecules in the body. Additionally, its potent antioxidant activity helps neutralize free radicals that can damage joint tissues. These effects make curcumin a promising natural compound for combating the inflammatory and oxidative processes involved in osteoarthritis.
SUMMARY
Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it a promising candidate for reducing the inflammation and oxidative stress that occurs in patients with osteoarthritis.
Clinical Trial Evidence for Turmeric for Osteoarthritis?
Several clinical trials have investigated the effects of turmeric extracts and curcumin in osteoarthritis patients. One notable study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food examined the efficacy of curcumin extract in a group of individuals with knee osteoarthritis. The study found that curcumin supplementation significantly reduced pain and improved physical function compared to a placebo group.1
Another study also found that turmeric extracts and curcumin help reduce knee pain, but that they are less effective than ibuprofen.13
SUMMARY
Clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of turmeric extracts and curcumin in reducing pain and improving physical function in osteoarthritis patients.
What’s The Usual Dose of Turmeric Extract?
The dosage and formulation of turmeric extracts and curcumin supplements can vary. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Typically, curcumin supplements contain doses ranging from 180 to 1,000 mg per day depending on the formulation (see more information below). Look for products standardized to a high percentage of curcuminoids to ensure potency.
SUMMARY
Curcumin supplements typically range from 500 to 1,000 mg per day, and it is recommended to choose products with high curcuminoid standardization for potency.
Are Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin safe?
Turmeric extracts and curcumin are generally well-tolerated. However, some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or diarrhea. It’s generally accepted that they are also safer than over the counter NSAIDs such as naproxen and ibuprofen because they don’t cause damage to the stomach and kidneys like these NSAIDs can do.
Curcumin may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, so it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen.
SUMMARY
Turmeric extracts and curcumin are generally well-tolerated, but mild gastrointestinal symptoms may occur. They are safer than ibuprofen and naproxen.
Curcumin Products That Are Supported by Clinical Trial Evidence
Theracurmin
Theracurmin contains high-quality curcumin sourced from Japan, India, and China, and it is manufactured in Canada. The manufacturer, Natural Factors, prioritizes sourcing from reputable suppliers worldwide and follows strict good manufacturing practice (GMP) standards in its own facility. In addition, their facilities have been certified by the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia.6
They also have a dedicated quality assurance department that conducts audits and tests all raw materials to ensure safe and high-quality products. Natural Factor’s laboratories utilize advanced techniques such as mass spectrometry, to perform thorough testing for identification, purity, heavy metals, pesticides, and contaminants. All products undergo third-party testing by ISURA, an independent facility, checking for up to 800 contaminants.6
Theracurmin is specially formulated to be 27 times better absorbed than regular curcumin powder.7 Two clinical studies of Theracurmin suggests that it can reduce pain from knee osteoarthritis at a dose of 180mg per day.8,9 Theracurmin is available in 30mg and 60mg capsules. The doses used in the clinical studies of patients with knee osteoarthritis, as mentioned above, were 180mg per day, so definitely keep that in mind when purchasing this product.
Turmacin
Turmacin is an innovative turmeric extract that harnesses the benefits of turmeric for dietary supplements. When it comes to turmeric extracts, most focus on standardized curcuminoids. However, Turmacin takes a different approach by emphasizing the power of its exceptional polysaccharides. It contains a unique formulation of water-soluble Turmerosaccharides, which are a separate component in turmeric that is different than curcumin and are bioactive polysaccharides that have been clinically studied to reduce inflammation and pain in patients with osteoarthritis.
Turmacin is manufactured under strict global guidelines of safety and quality control. Its manufacturer, Natural Remedies, has been granted certifications such as ISO 22000, ISO 9001, OHSAS 18001 from Bureau Veritas, as well as NSF GMP-certification and USFDA inspection. Furthermore, Natural Remedies is proud to be an ISO14001-certified organization, prioritizing environmental management. Turmacin is independently tested by Alkemist labs.15
Clinical studies have shown promising results for Turmacin in patients with knee osteoarthritis. In three separate studies10,11,12, participants experienced a significant reduction in pain when taking Turmacin as part of their daily routine. The recommended dose is between 500mg to 1000mg per day. Here is a product that contains Turmacin and is sold by Irwin Naturals.
Curamed and Curamin
CuraMed from Terry Naturally brand supplements is curcumin supplement with each softgel capsule containing 500 mg of pure curcuminoids. To ensure maximum absorption, CuraMed is enhanced with turmeric essential oil, which contains beneficial compounds called turmerones. These turmerones not only aid in absorption but also possess their own health-supportive properties.
Curamin is also from Terry Naturally and also features the same potent curcumin found in CuraMed, but also adds boswellia extract, DL–phenylalanine (DLPA), and nattokinase.
Both products are manufactured under current good manufacturing practices and are internally tested for purity.
Notably, both CuraMed and Curamin have been studied for their effectiveness in reducing osteoarthritis pain. A study comparing the two supplements revealed that while both offered relief from osteoarthritis pain, Curamin exhibited greater efficacy than Curamed.14 It’s important to note that Curamed is taken as one softgel capsule once a day, whereas Curamin is typically consumed as three capsules once a day.
Wrapping Up
Turmeric extracts and curcumin offer promising natural approaches for managing osteoarthritis. The scientific rationale suggests their potential in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, addressing key mechanisms involved in osteoarthritis progression. Clinical trials have demonstrated positive effects on pain reduction and improved physical function in osteoarthritis patients. As with any treatment, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating turmeric extracts or curcumin into your osteoarthritis management plan.
References
- Daily JW, et al. Efficacy of Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin for Alleviating the Symptoms of Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. J Med Food. 2016;19(8):717-29.
- Kuptniratsaikul V, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Curcuma domestica Extracts in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis. Phytother Res. 2014;28(4):555-9.
- Gupta SC, et al. Therapeutic Roles of Curcumin: Lessons Learned from Clinical Trials. AAPS J. 2013;15(1):195-218.
- Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS. Curcumin: A Review of Its’ Effects on Human Health. Foods. 2017;6(10):92.
- Nelson KM, et al. The Essential Medicinal Chemistry of Curcumin. J Med Chem. 2017;60(5):1620-37.
- Email communication from Natural Factors regarding Theracurmin. Received 5/17/23.
- Sasaki H, Sunagawa Y, Takahashi K, Imaizumi A, Fukuda H, Hashimoto T, Wada H, Katanasaka Y, Kakeya H, Fujita M, Hasegawa K, Morimoto T. Innovative preparation of curcumin for improved oral bioavailability. Biol Pharm Bull. 2011;34(5):660-5. doi: 10.1248/bpb.34.660.
- Nakagawa Y, Mukai S, Yamada S, Matsuoka M, Tarumi E, Hashimoto T, Tamura C, Imaizumi A, Nishihira J, Nakamura T. Short-term effects of highly-bioavailable curcumin for treating knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled prospective study. J Orthop Sci. 2014 Nov;19(6):933-9.
- Nakagawa Y, Mukai S, Yamada S, Murata S, Yabumoto H, Maeda T, Akamatsu S. The Efficacy and Safety of Highly-Bioavailable Curcumin for Treating Knee Osteoarthritis: A 6-Month Open-Labeled Prospective Study. Clin Med Insights Arthritis Musculoskelet Disord. 2020 Aug 12;13:1179544120948471.
- Madhu K, Chanda K, Saji MJ. Safety and efficacy of Curcuma longa extract in the treatment of painful knee osteoarthritis: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Inflammopharmacology. 2013 Apr;21(2):129-36.
- Raj JP, Venkatachalam S, Racha P, Bhaskaran S, Amaravati RS. Effect of Turmacin supplementation on joint discomfort and functional outcome among healthy participants – A randomized placebo-controlled trial. Complement Ther Med. 2020 Sep;53:102522.
- Calderon-Perez et al. Acute Effects of Turmeric Extracts on Knee Joint Pain: A Pilot, Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Medicinal Food 2021 24:4, 436-440
- Onakpoya IJ, Spencer EA, Perera R, Heneghan CJ. Effectiveness of curcuminoids in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Int J Rheum Dis. 2017 Apr;20(4):420-433.
- Haroyan A, Mukuchyan V, Mkrtchyan N, Minasyan N, Gasparyan S, Sargsyan A, Narimanyan M, Hovhannisyan A. Efficacy and safety of curcumin and its combination with boswellic acid in osteoarthritis: a comparative, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2018 Jan 9;18(1):7.
- Email communication from Natural Remedies regarding Turmacin. Received 5/16/23.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. As a clinical pharmacist, I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, but the field of herbal supplements is constantly evolving. Individual responses to herbal supplements may vary, and it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new herbal supplement regimen. Additionally, it is crucial to carefully read and follow the instructions, warnings, and precautions provided by the manufacturers of herbal supplements. The author and the website disclaim any liability for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use or misuse of the information contained in this blog post.
