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The efficacy and safety of Curcuma longa extract and curcumin supplements on osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 RCTs (n=1,621) in osteoarthritis: curcuma longa/curcumin versus placebo improved pooled pain and WOMAC pain, function, and stiffness scores with adverse-event rates comparable to placebo; versus NSAIDs, similar symptom effects with fewer adverse events on curcumin.
Design
- Systematic review + meta-analysis; 15 RCTs, n = 1,621 participants with osteoarthritis
- Interventions: Curcuma longa extract and curcumin formulations vs placebo, vs NSAIDs, and curcumin + NSAIDs vs NSAIDs alone
Symptom outcomes (abstract narrative)
- vs placebo: lower VAS pain and improved WOMAC pain, function, and stiffness; AE rates comparable to placebo
- vs NSAIDs: similar pooled effects on pain, function, and stiffness; lower AE incidence on curcumin
- Curcumin + NSAIDs vs NSAIDs: additional reductions in VAS and WOMAC domains without increasing AEs
Evidence hygiene
Formulation / bioavailability and trial duration vary—this row is a literature compass, not a product endorsement.
Publication
Zeng L, Yu G, Hao W, et al. Biosci Rep. 2021 Jun 25;41(6):BSR20201203. PMID 34017975; PMC8158852.
Outcomes
- Fifteen RCT meta-analysis: curcuma longa/curcumin improved VAS and WOMAC pain, function, and stiffness vs placebo with AE rates comparable to placebo (abstract).
- Versus NSAIDs, abstract reports similar joint symptom effects with lower adverse-event incidence on curcumin; combination with NSAIDs improved WOMAC/VAS without increasing AEs vs NSAIDs alone (abstract).