The efficacy and safety of Curcuma longa Extract and curcumin supplements on osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy and safety of Curcuma longa Extract and curcumin supplements on osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS The databases such as Pubmed and Cochrane Library were searched to collect the article about Curcuma longa Extract and curcumin in the treatment of OA. Then, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected and their data was extracted. Finally, the RevMan5.3 was utilized for risk of bias assessment and meta-analysis, the STATA15.0 were utilized for publication bias assessment, and GRADE tool were used for the evidence quality assessment of primary outcomes. RESULTS A total of 15 RCTs involving 1621 participants were included. (1) Compared with placebo, Curcuma longa Extract and curcumin (C.) can decrease the VAS and WOMAC score-pain, the WOMAC score-function and the WOMAC score-stiffness. In terms of adverse events, Curcuma longa Extract and curcumin are comparable to those of placebo. (2) Compared with NSAIDs, Curcuma longa Extract and curcumin have similar effects on joint pain, function and stiffness. The incidence of adverse events in Curcuma longa Extract and curcumin was lower. (3) Compared with the NSAIDs group, C.+NSAIDs can also decrease the VAS and WOMAC score-pain, the WOMAC score-function and the WOMAC score-stiffness. In terms of adverse events, the addition of Curcuma longa Extract and curcumin to NSAIDs did not increase adverse events. CONCLUSION Curcuma longa Extract and curcumin may be a safer and effective supplement for OA patients. It is recommended to use Curcuma longa Extract and curcumin supplement for OA patients for more than 12 weeks.