Arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain, stiffness, and limited mobility worldwide. Much of the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis due to inflammation between joints–this can be felt in the back, hip, knees, fingers, and toes, as well as any number of locations in the body that are exposed to daily wear-and-tear.
Conventional medications are prescribed based on the type and severity of diagnosis, and while remaining central to treatment options, many people turn to more natural means to complement their care. Turmeric, the bright yellow spice long used in traditional medicine, has gained significant attention for its anti-inflammatory properties—particularly its active compound, curcumin.
Turmeric for Arthritis
Depending on the type of arthritis, curcumin, the active component in turmeric, contributes to reduced inflammation. Through inhibiting pro-inflammatory pathways linked to joint pain and stiffness, research also suggests turmeric may help lower markers of inflammation, improve mobility, and provide relief comparable to certain over-the-counter pain medications.
Curcumin is not turmeric. Turmeric in its natural form only contains roughly 2-6% curcumin content, whereas the recommended concentration for therapeutic benefit is 95%. Evinature’s Agile supplement combines 95% concentrated curcumin together with Boswellia serrata, another supplement the Arthritis Foundation recommends for arthritis therapeutic benefit, from licensed third party providers and heavy metal testing to ensure optimal quality for patients.
It is important to note that curcumin supports arthritis symptom management rather than reversing joint damage.
Common Questions:
- Does turmeric get rid of arthritis? No—turmeric can ease pain and inflammation, but it does not cure arthritis.
- Can turmeric heal cartilage? Current evidence does not support turmeric repairing or regenerating cartilage, though it may slow degeneration by reducing inflammation.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joints. Several studies show that curcumin can help decrease joint swelling and tenderness in RA patients, likely due to its ability to calm inflammatory immune responses. While curcumin cannot stop the disease process on its own, it can be added to improve conventional treatment.
Common Question:
- How long does it take for turmeric to help arthritis pain? Some people notice improvements in 4–6 weeks of consistent use, though results vary.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis, involves gradual wear-and-tear of joint cartilage. Studies suggest turmeric supplements may reduce pain and improve function in people with knee and hip OA. In some clinical trials, curcumin performed as well as ibuprofen for pain relief, with fewer gastrointestinal side effects.
Common Question:
- Is turmeric better than glucosamine? Both have evidence for OA relief, but they work differently. Turmeric reduces inflammation, while glucosamine may support cartilage health. Some people benefit from using them together.
What is the Best Way to Take Turmeric for Joint Pain?
It is important to take curcumin, the active ingredient contributing to the anti-inflammatory benefit of turmeric, instead of a turmeric supplement. Turmeric on its own does not contain enough curcumin to aid in arthritis; in fact, it is usually recommended to take turmeric supplements with black pepper extract to maximize the bioavailability of the little curcumin contained in the substance.
It is recommended to take a curcumin supplement that has undergone LS-MS testing for heavy metals, such as the curcumin found in Agile, and is distilled to its concentrated form to improve effect.
- Typical dosage: 500–1,000 mg of standardized curcumin extract daily (often divided into 2–3 doses).
- Turmeric recipes for arthritis: Golden milk, turmeric tea, or adding turmeric to soups, curries, and roasted vegetables is another way people implement it into their diets.
- Can you take ibuprofen and turmeric at the same time? Yes, in most cases—but consult your doctor, as both have blood-thinning effects.
Possible Turmeric Side Effects
Turmeric is generally safe when taken in moderate amounts, but high doses or long-term use may cause side effects.
Who Should Not Take Turmeric
- People with gallbladder disease, kidney stones, or bleeding disorders.
- Those scheduled for surgery (turmeric can increase bleeding risk).
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid high-dose supplements.
It is important to note that the side effects of curcumin are not always the same as turmeric’s; for more information about the side effects of curcumin, click here.
What Drugs Does Turmeric Interact With?
Turmeric may interact with:
- Blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel) – increased bleeding risk.
- NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) – potential additive effects.
- Diabetes medications – may enhance blood sugar–lowering effects.
- Stomach acid–reducing drugs – turmeric may increase stomach acid in some individuals.
It is important to note that concentrated curcumin interacts differently than turmeric. For more information about curcumin interactions, click here.
Summer Pitocchelli-Schwartzman
