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Also known as Curcuma longa, Curcuminoids
Curcuminoid compounds from turmeric root that inhibit NF-κB and COX-2 inflammatory pathways; poorly absorbed alone, so formulations often add piperine or fats to improve bioavailability for joint pain.
We link to relevant studies and leave interpretation to you and your healthcare professional.
Number of audited published findings for Turmeric / Curcumin by condition. Drill into a pair page for the full breakdown.
Where people report using it and what trials suggest
Common claims the trials do not support
Anti-inflammatory polyphenol with modest osteoarthritis-pain trials and notorious bioavailability problems; several headline trials have been null.
Safety notes: GI upset; gallstone obstruction risk; interferes with some chemotherapy and immunosuppressants. Lead contamination documented in some imported powders.
Evidence grades reflect study quality and consistency, not marketing claims.
Summaries of published trial results for this compound, grouped by condition. Numbers are reported exactly as the researchers published them — we never calculate or convert.
How to read this table
In short: benefit is what was observed; evidence is how much you should trust the observation. A “Benefit seen” tag on a weak study counts for far less than the same tag on a meta-analysis.
| Outcome measured | What trials found | Effect size | People studied | Duration | Type of evidence | Study |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adverse events | Curcuma longa extract and curcumin had a lower incidence of adverse events compared to NSAIDs in 1621 participants.Benefit seen | no number reported | 1621 | more than 12 weeks | Meta-analysis · 2021 | PMID 34017975 |
| Joint pain, function, and stiffness | Curcuma longa extract and curcumin showed similar effects on joint pain, function, and stiffness compared to NSAIDs in 1621 participants.No clear benefit | no number reported | 1621 | more than 12 weeks | Meta-analysis · 2021 | PMID 34017975 |
| Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and WOMAC scores (pain, function, stiffness) |
Associated conditions and community-reported outcomes, wrapped together on one page. Aggregates appear only once enough reports arrive.
How this compound is sold in the UK, and where our readers typically find it.
Retailer search links — we may earn commission on purchases at no cost to you. Commission never affects our evidence ratings.
| Curcuma longa extract and curcumin reduced pain, function, and stiffness scores compared to placebo in 1621 participants over more than 12 weeks.Benefit seen |
| no number reported |
| 1621 |
| more than 12 weeks |
| Meta-analysis · 2021 |
| PMID 34017975 |
| Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and WOMAC scores (pain, function, stiffness) | Adding Curcuma longa extract and curcumin to NSAIDs reduced pain, function, and stiffness scores compared to NSAIDs alone in 1621 participants.Benefit seen | no number reported | 1621 | more than 12 weeks | Meta-analysis · 2021 | PMID 34017975 |
| effusion-synovitis volume on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) | No change in effusion-synovitis volume vs placebo in 70 people over 12 weeks. (CI, -0.3 to 6.8 mL)No clear benefit | no number reported | 70 | 12 weeks | RCT · 2020 | PMID 32926799 |
| knee pain on visual analogue scale (VAS) | Knee pain improved by 9.1 mm vs placebo in 70 people over 12 weeks. (95% CI, -17.8 to -0.4 mm [P = 0.039])Benefit seen | -9.1 mm | 70 | 12 weeks | RCT · 2020 | PMID 32926799 |
| lateral femoral cartilage T2 relaxation time | No change in cartilage T2 relaxation time vs placebo in 70 people over 12 weeks. (CI, -1.1 to 0.3 ms)No clear benefit | no number reported | 70 | 12 weeks | RCT · 2020 | PMID 32926799 |
| WOMAC knee pain | WOMAC knee pain improved by 47.2 mm vs placebo in 70 people over 12 weeks. (CI, -81.2 to -13.2 mm; P = 0.006)Benefit seen | -47.2 mm | 70 | 12 weeks | RCT · 2020 | PMID 32926799 |