Most medications available for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis come with side effects. Because rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune chronic inflammatory disorder, and curcumin has been used to treat inflammatory conditions in Ayurvedic medicine, the researchers looked at curcumin's ability to improve the clinical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
For the study, the researchers recruited 36 people with rheumatoid arthritis and divided them into three groups. They gave 12 patients in each group a placebo, 250, or 500 milligrams (mg) of curcumin twice a day for 90 days. Then, they assessed the responses of the patients through various methods.
The results showed that rheumatoid arthritis patients who received curcumin at both low and high doses reported significant improvements in their symptoms compared to baseline and placebo. Moreover, both doses of curcumin were also well-tolerated and did not cause side effects. These findings suggest that curcumin worked as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent for the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
The researchers concluded that taking 250 mg of curcumin twice a day can improve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis without causing side effects.
The benefits of curcumin
Curcumin has been gaining attention recently. If you are wondering why, it is because there is scientific evidence that curcumin has potential therapeutic use in hundreds of health conditions. In fact, it may be the most effective nutritional supplement today. (Related: Evidence-backed reasons to begin supplementing with curcumin.)
Here are several health benefits of turmeric and curcumin:
- Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory herb: Turmeric has potent anti-inflammatory properties that can protect you from many inflammatory-related diseases. Inflammation is the root cause of health problems, such as metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and cancer. It has also been reported to play a role in cognitive decline.
- Turmeric can fight against free-radical damage: Turmeric has been reported to help combat free-radical damage, which is especially beneficial for strengthening the immune system and brain function and preventing cancer. It also increases the antioxidant capacity of the body, boosting the defense system. It's antioxidant properties also benefits a person's physical appearance by protecting the skin from free-radical damage.
- Turmeric is good for the heart: Curcumin and turmeric have been reported to keep the heart healthy in many ways, such as enhancing endothelial function and reducing inflammation and free-radical damage.
- Turmeric keeps the gut healthy: Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it can be used to treat inflammatory bowel conditions such as colitis.
- Turmeric is good for the brain: Curcumin increases the levels of the brain hormone called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which increases the growth of new neurons and combats degenerative process in the brain. It can boost brain health and improve long-term cognitive function. It can also be used to treat depression and boost levels of mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it can also ward off neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease.
You can incorporate turmeric to your diet by adding it to scrambled eggs or frittatas, roasted vegetables., rice, sauteed or braised greens, soups, blending it into a smoothie, or using it as a tea.
Read more news stories and studies on turmeric at Turmeric.news.
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