Turmeric preparations lowered knee osteoarthritis pain scores, but evidence remained uncertain
A trial review reported lower questionnaire-rated pain with turmeric preparations used alone than with placebo. Low-certainty evidence leaves the findings tentative and product comparisons unresolved.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
For people with knee osteoarthritis, the review reported lower pain scores with turmeric preparations used alone than with placebo. It also examined combinations with conventional pain medicines. The authors rated the evidence as low certainty, so the findings remain tentative and do not establish which preparation provides the most dependable benefit.
Evidence certainty was low. This abstract-based summary lacks treatment lengths, doses and the pain scale's scoring range, limiting interpretation of the reported differences between groups.
How improvement was assessed
The main outcome was WOMAC pain, a questionnaire measure for osteoarthritis. The review also considered whether changes crossed a threshold judged clinically meaningful, helping distinguish a statistically detectable difference from one considered meaningful to patients.
Why product details matter
The studies covered conventional preparations and products designed to increase availability to the body. Some comparisons also involved pain medicines. These different treatment settings do not establish that the preparations are interchangeable or that one is superior.
The original publication
Effect of turmeric products on knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Wai HS, Pathomwichaiwat T, Suansanae T et al.
BMC Complement Med Ther · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40731001
- Record checked
AI-assisted research and writing. This explains one selected publication; it is not a complete review of everything known. Our approach.
One more question, understood.
Keep track of the research you’ve explored.