Overview
Arthritis is a leading cause of disability with symptoms that include pain, swelling and stiffness in your joints and limited joint function. The most common form is osteoarthritis, which is largely due to aging and typically affects the fingers, knees and hips. Research shows that turmeric, a key ingredient found in curry, may help to relieve your symptoms.
Turmeric and Curcumin
Curcumin, or Curcuma longa, is the most active compound found in turmeric. It is a potent antioxidant and has been used for 4,000 years to treat a variety of ailments, including pain, and it also has anti-inflammatory properties. As an antioxidant, curcumin fights free radicals and helps to protect cells in your body from damage. In conditions related to inflammation, it can suppress inflammatory enzymes known as cyclooxygenase-2, or COX-2 and lipoxygenase-2.
Evidence for Rheumatoid Arthritis
In a study published in the journal "Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology," researcher J.J. Bright of the Methodist Research Center points out that curcumin has been shown to improve autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. It helps to regulate inflammatory substances called cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor, interferon gamma and interleukin-1beta.
Research on Osteoarthritis
For an article published in the journal "Osteoarthritis and Cartilage" in 2010, a team of Belgian researchers reviewed studies on the effects of curcumin on articular chondrocytes, cells found in the cartilage at the end of bones. In osteoarthritis, cartilage becomes damaged and starts to break down, leading to bones rubbing together in advanced cases. The researchers found that curcumin blocks several processes that contribute to cartilage damage in osteoarthritis. However, they add that more research is needed on issues such as curcumin's absorption, safety and efficacy.
Dosage
You can get turmeric by adding turmeric or curry powder to your dishes when cooking or to a glass of juice or tea. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends a dose of 1 to 3 g of dried turmeric powder per day. However, for medicinal uses, it's better to take turmeric in a form standardized to curcumin content, according to NYU Langone Medical Center. A typical dose is 400 to 600 mg of curcumin three times daily.
Side Effects
Turmeric is generally safe for adults to take. However, in high doses it can cause side effects such as diarrhea, indigestion and nausea, warns the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Do not take turmeric if you have gallbladder disease. Seek more advice from your doctor on taking turmeric for arthritis.
source : livestrong.com
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