The Effects of Curcumin Treatment for Arthritis in Decreasing Inflammation: A Systematic Review

Statement of Problem Persons who suffer from arthritis have chronic and extensive inflammation, pain and joint damage. Current conventional pharmacological treatment halts the progression of joint damage, decreases inflammation and pain but may have devastating side effects. This is the impetus to consider alternative intervention that has lesser side effects but can yield similar caliber of reducing inflammation and subsequent pain. Sources of Data Three databases were searched to evaluate research studies fitting the inclusion criteria of curcumin therapy to reduce inflammation in arthritis. Eight articles were selected for systematic review. Studies reviewed included meta-analyses, previous systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, cross- sectional survey studies and controlled trials. Conclusions Reached Curcumin has multiple molecular targets and good potential as therapeutic agent for various inflammatory conditions. The inflammatory process has a major role in most chronic diseases such as arthritis. Studies support Curcumin as an intervention to decrease inflammation and may offer an alternative for patients with arthritis.