Effect of oral curcumin supplementation on disease-related outcomes in musculoskeletal diseases (Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Arthritis Rheumatoid): a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Curcumin, a natural compound derived from the turmeric rhizome, has gained attention for its potential benefits in managing various musculoskeletal diseases. With its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, curcumin has shown promise in reducing pain, inflammation, and muscle damage. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to systematically evaluate existing research on the use of curcumin supplements for musculoskeletal disorders including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. Methods: We applied validated methods of meta-analysis (PRISMA) for different stages. Searches was conducted using keywords in reliable global databases such as Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and PubMed. All published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental and quasi-experimental studies that investigated the effect of curcumin supplementation on clinical symptoms, inflammatory factors, and oxidative stress of the Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Arthritis Rheumatoid patients considering PICO were entered. The risk of bias method and the quality of the presented articles were assessed using the guidance of the Cochrane Collaborative Handbook. RevMan software was used for data analysis. Results: Thirty-three clinical trials and involving three types of musculoskeletal diseases were included. Generally, curcumin showed efficacy in alleviating symptom, as indicated by significant decrease in VAS (p=0.0003) and WOMAC-stiffness (p<0.00001), inflammation, as indicated by significant reduction in levels of ESR (p=0.01), and oxidative stress, as indicated by significant decrease in levels of MDA (p<0.00001) and increase in levels of SOD (p<0.00001) in osteoarthritis. In rheumatoid arthritis, curcumin led to alleviation of symptom, as indicated by significant decrease in VAS (p=0.04) and ACR (p<0.00001), DAS28 (p<0.00001), SJC (p=0.0005), TJC (p=0.0004), inflammation, as indicated by significant reduction in levels of ESR (p=0.02), CRP (p<0.00001), and RF (p=0.008). In osteoporosis, curcumin intervention also alleviated oxidative stress, as indicated by increase in levels of TAC (p=0.0005). However, a larger number of RCTs are needed in the future to fully understand curcumin's effects on these patients.