Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks the membrane that lines the body's joints, causing stiffness, pain and inflammation. As the disease progresses, the joints and bones become permanently damaged. There is no cure for this condition, but taking anti-inflammatory drugs and performing joint-strengthening exercises may help slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Herbal medicines like turmeric may also help relieve symptoms, although evidence to prove it can treat the disease itself is limited. Consult with your doctor before using turmeric as a medicinal treatment.
Properties and Administration
Turmeric is commonly used to flavor foods and as a dye in clothing, but it also is used to treat a variety of ailments, including heartburn, diarrhea, kidney problems and lung infections. Its main ingredient, curcumin, may also have anti-inflammatory effects. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking 400mg of standardized extracts of turmeric three times daily to alleviate rheumatoid arthritis-associated inflammation. However, this is only intended as a guideline. Ask your doctor if this dose is suitable for you.
Effectiveness
The results of a study published in the March 2006 issue of the "Journal of Natural Products" found that curcuminoid-containing turmeric extracts helped to prevent joint inflammation, leading the authors to conclude that turmeric may have anti-arthritic effects. However, the study was carried out in an experimental model of rheumatoid arthritis, not in people with the condition. Research published in the September 2007 issue of the "International Journal of Molecular Medicine" also found that turmeric's active ingredient, curcumin, inhibited the production of a hormone-like substance implicated in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Again, this study was carried out in the laboratory, not in humans with the condition.
Side Effects and Contraindications
Medline Plus says that taking medicinal amounts of turmeric is likely safe but adds that it may cause nausea or diarrhea. Do not use turmeric if you are pregnant, because it may affect the uterus. Also avoid taking turmeric if you have a bleeding disorder or if you have gallbladder disease. It may interact with other drugs you may be taking, including anti-coagulants such as aspirin and warfarin.
Other Potentially Helpful Herbs
The UMMC website lists several other herbs that may be beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers, including devil's claw and green tea. Devil's claw may reduce pain and improve mobility, while green tea may inhibit inflammatory chemicals involved in rheumatoid arthritis, UMMC says. Like turmeric, these herbs may cause side effects or interfere with other medicines you may be using. Only use them under your doctor's guidance.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Medline Plus: Turmeric
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Turmeric
- Journal of Natural Products: Turmeric Extracts Containing Curcuminoids Prevent Experimental Rheumatoid Arthritis
- International Journal of Molecular Medicine: Curcumin Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits Prostaglandin E(2) Production in Synovial Fibroblasts of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
