Study Finds Patented Turmeric Extract May Help Knee Discomfort

Turmeric is a spice that comes from the turmeric plant, which is a member of the ginger family. A recent study suggests that a patented turmeric extract, which combines curcumin and essentials oils from turmeric, may be effective for relieving knee joint discomfort.

Participants in the study included 144 adults who had been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. Each day, they took either 1,000 mg of the bioavailable turmeric extract (500mg twice daily) or 1,950 mg of paracetamol (650mg three times a day) for 6 weeks. The researchers used the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index to evaluate knee discomfort, joint stiffness, and physical function at baseline and at the end of the study period. They also measured serum inflammatory markers.

Participants in the turmeric group saw significant improvements in WOMAC scores for total score (23.59%), pain (32.09%), stiffness (28.5%), and function (20.25%). In addition, 18% of participants in the turmeric group saw more than 50% improvement in pain, function, and stiffness scores, and 3% saw more than 70% improvement. These scores were comparable to those seen by the paracetamol group.

Participants in the turmeric group also saw significant reductions in serum inflammatory markers. 

The study was conducted by researchers from Maulana Azad Medical College. It was published online ahead of print on January 30, 2021 in the journal BMC Trials.