2018

Efficacy and safety of curcumin and its combination with boswellic acid in osteoarthritis: a comparative, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Haroyan A, Mukuchyan V, Mkrtchyan N, Minasyan N, Gasparyan S, Sargsyan A, Narimanyan M, Hovhannisyan A

Published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Abstract

Comparative RCT showing curcumin extract 500mg three times daily significantly reduced pain and improved function in knee osteoarthritis. Combination with boswellic acid provided additional benefits. Superior safety profile compared to NSAIDs.

Methodology

Comparative, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled three-arm trial with WOMAC scores and physical performance tests over 12 weeks.

Key Findings

In 201 adults aged 40-70 with knee osteoarthritis, 12 weeks of curcuminoid complex with turmeric volatile oil (500 mg three times daily) significantly reduced WOMAC pain and improved physical performance versus placebo; the curcumin plus boswellic acid combination produced larger improvements than curcumin alone.

Conclusions

Standardised curcumin, and especially curcumin combined with boswellia, offers clinically meaningful symptom relief in knee osteoarthritis over three months with good tolerability.

Limitations

Single-centre trial, 12-week duration, subjective primary endpoints, no imaging or structural outcomes, and the study was conducted with manufacturer-supplied product.