BENNY ANTONY
Co-Founder, Arjuna Natural Pvt Ltd, Aluva, India

Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability among the ageing population. OA is commonly treated with analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), potentially causing gastric side effects. Curcumin, a naturally occurring phytochemical of turmeric, has exhibited anti-inflammatory benefits in various studies, although bioavailability has been an issue in the past. A recent study was conducted comparing the efficacy of a bioavailable turmeric-extract formulation vs. paracetamol in treating knee OA. Pain levels and stiffness were assessed using WOMAC scores and inflammation biomarkers were measured. Results indicated improvement across all WOMAC scores in the curcumin group, comparable to those of the paracetamol group, yet without notable side effects. Serum inflammatory biomarker TNF-α showed a significant reduction in the curcumin group vs. the paracetamol group.

BACKGROUND
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful, degenerative disease, causing breakdown of cartilage, joint lining, ligaments and underlying bone. Approximately 250 million people, globally, suffer from OA, 85% reportedly associated with knee OA (1). OA is one of the 10 most disabling diseases in developed countries, with an estimated 10% of men and 18% of women aged over 60 being symptomatic; 80% of those having limitations in movement; and 25% unable to perform their major daily activities of life (2). Knee osteoarthritis, one of the leading causes of disability and pain in the adult and ageing population, is characterized as pain and stiffness. The increasing prevalence of knee OA has also been attributed to rising rates of obesity.

While all the mechanisms involving knee OA are not fully known, more and more knowledge has come to light in recent years—namely that inflammation is key, as it is in many other diseases including cancer. Pro-inflammatory signals such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes and cyclo-oxygenase-2 are underlying causes of the disease, as are pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators of their release such as tumor necrosis facto ...