A meta-analysis on rheumatoid arthritis concludes that curcumin leads to an improvement in disease activity and inflammatory markers.
Curcumin is an extract obtained from the roots of the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa). The plant is also called turmeric and is known as a spice in curry mixtures. It is also used as a medicinal plant and helps with digestive problems – turmeric has a digestive and anti-inflammatory effect.
Apparently, curcumin blocks enzyme activities involved in inflammatory processes in the body. Therefore, it is used more and more often against inflammatory diseases and the effect is being studied.
34 studies were used for a meta-analysis. Ten different autoimmune diseases were treated (eg Crohn’s disease), most of which were rheumatoid diseases.
In a placebo comparison, curcumin was able to bring about an improvement in disease activity. At a dose of between 80 mg and 6,000 mg of curcumin, the use of the extract was well tolerated.
According to the analysis, the application appears to be safe and well tolerated, with dosages between 80 mg and 6,000 mg of curcumin.
Improvement also in psoriasis and ulcerative colitis
There were clear improvements in terms of clinical effects in the aforementioned rheumatoid arthritis, but also in psoriasis (psoriasis) and ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammation of the large intestine. Curcumin and Curcuma longa extract could be used in the future in treating the above diseases.
There was no meaningful data on multiple sclerosis, ankylosing spondylitis and Crohn’s disease to be able to carry out a meta-analysis.
According to the authors of the study, further studies should provide more information about the exact dosages and duration of curcumin administration.
Details on the study can here be read.