Curcuminoid treatment for knee osteoarthritis: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.
Treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) is challenging owing to the inefficacy and long-term adverse events of currently available medications including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Curcuminoids are polyphenolic phytochemicals with established anti-inflammatory properties and protective effects on chondrocytes. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical efficacy of curcuminoids in patients suffering from knee OA. A pilot randomized double-blind placebo-control parallel-group clinical trial was conducted among patients with mild-to-moderate knee OA. Patients were assigned to curcuminoids (1500 mg/day in 3 divided doses; n = 19) or matched placebo (n = 21) for 6 weeks. Efficacy measures were changes in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), visual analogue scale (VAS) and Lequesne's pain functional index (LPFI) scores during the study. There was no significant difference in age, gender, body mass index, and VAS, WOMAC and LPFI scores between the study groups at baseline (p > 0.05). Treatment with curcuminoids was associated with significantly greater reductions in WOMAC (p = 0.001), VAS (p < 0.001) and LPFI (p = 0.013) scores compared with placebo. With respect to WOMAC subscales, there were significant improvements in the pain and physical function scores (p < 0.001) but not stiffness score (p > 0.05). There was no considerable adverse effect in both groups. To conclude, curcuminoids represent an effective and safe alternative treatment for OA.
Chemical Injuries Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Yunes
Y
Panahi
Ali-Reza
AR
Rahimnia
Mojtaba
M
Sharafi
Gholamhossein
G
Alishiri
Amin
A
Saburi
Amirhossein
A
Sahebkar
D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003474:Curcumin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010865:Pilot Projects
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D003474:Curcumin
arthritis; curcumin; herbal medicine; pain