One of the most comprehensive compilations of studies regarding Turmeric and its principal curcuminoid, Curcumin, studies can be found at Turmeric for Health. They, like us, see Turmeric isn’t a lightweight when it comes to the joint health arena. Turmeric is one of the most studied herbs in the world, and for good reason. The below points and referenced studies can be found in detail by going to http://www.turmericforhealth.com
- Curcumin is the bioactive constituent of turmeric that exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activity. Anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric is proven to be better than that of indomethacin (a common painkiller) in controlling and preventing spread of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Curcumin is proven to effectively regulate activities of cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipooxygenase (LOX) enzymes.
Regulation of both these enzymes helps in curbing inflammation and preventing the spread of many diseases.
Curcumin is better than many painkillers because it can selectively inhibit COX-2 or it can inhibit COX/LOX at the same time. A research study proves that curcuminoid’s ability in reducing COX-2 enzyme is equivalent to that of painkiller, diclofenac sodium.
3. Matrix metalloproteinases are enzymes that encourage inflammation and support the degradation of cartilage. Research proves that turmeric can inhibit MMP activity and protect bone cells.
4. Osteoclasts are the cells that absorb old bones and osteoblasts are responsible for new bone formation. Chrondocytes are developing bone cells.
Curcumin is proven to protect chondrocytes from inflammation and damage.
Research proves that curcumin supports the development of osteoblasts from stem cells (undeveloped cells).
5. Turmeric modulates immune responses and controls inflammation by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals like Interleukin and Tumor necrosis factors. At low doses, curcumin stimulates the immune system and improves antibody responses thereby boosting the body’s ability to fight diseases.
6. Turmeric is a natural anti-microbial agent. It demonstrates anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral activity. Aqueous extracts of turmeric are proven to reduce and inhibit the growth of E.coli, S.typhi, and S.aureus.
7. Both bisdemethoxycurcumin and curcumin help in healing gastric ulcers by preventing gastric acid secretion and protecting the intestinal lining.
8. Glucosamine is obtained from the external hard covering of crabs, lobsters, and prawns It acts as a chondroprotective i.e. it protects and stimulates bone cells known as chondrocytes by:
- Promoting cartilage formation
- Preventing inflammation induced cartilage degradation
Turmeric in conjunction with glucosamine can help in reducing joint pain effectively. A supplement containing glucosamine sulfate and other herbs including turmeric was found to be well tolerated in humans and it significantly reduced joint pain and stiffness.
Here is an article from Lyfe Botanicals highlighting 10 Health Benefits and Uses for Turmeric Curcumin Supplements
A study was conducted wherein dogs were given NSAIDs or curcumin as a part of their diet to treat osteoarthritis. Curcumin significantly decreased the expression of genes involved in inflammatory response better than NSAIDs.
Curcumin inhibited the activity of immune cells and the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals. Researchers concluded that curcumin can be used as a complementary therapy in treating osteoarthritis in dogs.
Study 2
A team of scientists associated with the University of Montreal’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has developed new herbal supplements for canine osteoarthritis.
The first formula contained curcumin, devil’s claw, blackcurrant, Indian frankincense (Salai), willow bark, pineapple bromelain, and camomile and this was prepared to reduce inflammation.
The second formula contained the same ingredients and dietary supplements such as omega 3, chondroitin sulfate, and glutamine. This formula was designed to help in bone remodeling.
Two weeks of treatment with these formulas improved paw strength and daily activity of the dogs. The novel herbal supplement was successful in reducing clinical symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Pet stories: What do pet owners and vets have to say about turmeric?
Here are some real-life stories of how turmeric has helped pet owners in relieving their pet’s pain and discomfort.
Turmeric kicks the pet’s hip pain away
A dog owner shares a story about their pet dog, Samson who had injured his right hip and had difficulty in walking or getting up. The dog struggled with his pain o the extent that he would old his right leg up.
The dog was diagnosed with inflammation and was recommended turmeric. The owner gave the dog ¼ tsp of turmeric with dog food and water every morning and within a few days, the dog stopped holding his leg up. In a few week’s time, he had started running.
Still, the dog relapsed and started limping again, and was kept on painkillers.
Gradually the owner took the dog off meds and started him with turmeric again. The dog recovered again and his gait became normal. The owner concluded that it was turmeric that helped control his pet’s inflammation.
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Others are sold on the benefits of Turmeric as well.
Physician: Dr. Minerva Santos, director of integrative medicine at Northern Westchester Hospital in New York.
Recommended Remedy: Turmeric for joint pain.
What the Doctor Says:
This orange and yellow spice, famous for its extensive use in South Asian cuisine, also has anti-inflammatory properties. Dr. Santos recommends it frequently to patients complaining of sore and achy joints and uses it herself to relieve pain in her joints from sports and exercise.
“I use a lot of turmeric in my practice,” she said. “It’s an amazing spice. Usually what I do is I make sure nothing else is going on, that it’s just plain old inflammation from wear and tear.”
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A new clinical trial published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine has shown that an effective herbal alternative to the popular painkiller ibuprofen exists for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, and it is far better both in safety and the number of side benefits it confers to any drug in the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug class. What is this newfound alternative? Well….its not that new, it’s has been around for a long time. Its Turmeric.
The study in all its glory can be found here: http://www.greenmedinfo.com/article/efficacy-and-safety-curcuma-domestica-extracts-compared-ibuprofen-patients
The summary of this study = C. domestica (read Turmeric) extracts is as effective as ibuprofen for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. The side effect profile was similar but with fewer gastrointestinal AE reports in the C. domestica extracts group.