Effect of turmeric products on knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Turmeric has traditionally been used to treat various inflammatory conditions, including knee osteoarthritis (OA). There are multiple turmeric preparations available. However, the comparative effectiveness of these products remains unknown. This study aimed to assess the comparative effectiveness of turmeric products for knee OA outcomes by conducting a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials (RCTs).
METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched up to August 2024, identifying RCTs that compared turmeric preparations and/or active comparators versus placebo. The primary outcome measured pain reduction, using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), while secondary outcomes evaluated pain using other tools. Mean differences (MDs) were pooled using a random-effects model, and the concept of minimum clinically important difference (MCID) was considered.
RESULTS: Seventeen studies were included. All turmeric preparations significantly reduced WOMAC pain. The mean differences (MD, 95% CI) for WOMAC pain reduction were as follows: - 4.01 (-6.22, - 1.80) for conventional curcuminoid preparations (CT) plus active drug comparators (AC, defined as NSAIDs and acetaminophen), - 3.33 (-5.26, - 1.39) for AC, - 3.17 (-5.50, - 0.83) for CT, and - 2.47 (-3.27, - 1.67) for bioavailability-enhanced curcuminoid preparations (BE). The BE preparation also demonstrated a 30%…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
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