Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage, the spongy tissue that lines the joints, starts to wear away. Without the cushioning effects of cartilage, the bones rub together, causing inflammation, pain and stiffness. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but losing any excess weight and strengthening your muscles will reduce the amount of strain on your joints. Anti-inflammatory medicines can help alleviate pain and swelling, and turmeric may also reduce inflammation. Get medical advice before using it alongside your current treatment program.
Properties
Turmeric is most commonly used to flavor foods and as a fabric dye. However, the root of the turmeric plant is also used an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments, including heartburn, liver problems and headache. It contains a number of active ingredients, including a compound know as curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory effects. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking 300 mg of a standardized extract of turmeric three times daily to reduce pain and inflammation. Confirm with your doctor that this dose is suitable for you.
Effectiveness
Studies examining the role of turmeric in the treatment of osteoarthritis are limited. However, the results of a clinical study in 107 patients with primary knee osteoarthritis, published in the August 2009 issue of the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Therapy," show that turmeric's active ingredient, curcumin, has similar efficacy to ibuprofen. Research published in the February 2010 issue of "Osteoarthritis Cartilage" even suggests that curcumin and related chemicals may eventually become safer and more suitable nutraceutical alternatives to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs currently used to treat osteoarthritis.
Side Effects and Contraindications
MedlinePlus notes that consuming medicinal amounts of turmeric is probably safe but adds that some people may experience diarrhea and nausea. It may also slow blood clotting, so do not use turmeric if you are shortly to undergo a surgical procedure. Also avoid turmeric during pregnancy and breastfeeding or if you have gallstones or a bile duct obstruction.
Other Herbal Options
Several other herbs may help to alleviate osteoarthritis-associated pain and inflammation, including cat's claw, ginger and devil's claw. However, clinical evidence to support their use as treatments for osteoarthritis is limited. Get medical advice before using these herbs, as they may not be suitable for you. For example, people with diabetes or hypertension should not use devil's claw.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Osteoarthritis
- MedlinePlus: Turmeric
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Therapy;" Efficacy and Safety of Curcuma domestica Extracts in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis; V. Kuptniratsaikul et al; August 2009
- "Osteoarthritis Cartilage;" Biological Actions of Curcumin on Articular Chondrocytes; Y. Henroitin; February 2010
- RxList: Devil's Claw
