Effects of Curcuma, Black Pepper, and Ginger on the Pain and Performance of Patients with Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common arthritis that can lead to chronic pain and severe disability in patients. Researchers are looking for new treatments that are effective with fewer side effects. Curcumin is a beneficial ingredient in turmeric with anti-inflammatory properties and plays an important role in the protection of the joints against destructive factors. Gingerol and piperine are the effective ingredients of ginger and black pepper, respectively, that may lead to the reinforcement and continuation of the effect of curcumin. The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of turmeric, ginger, and black pepper extracts in pain and functional improvement of patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis in comparison to that reported for naproxen.

A total of 60 patients with knee osteoarthritis grades 2 and 3 were enrolled in this study. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups to receive naproxen capsule or extracts of turmeric, ginger, and black pepper (mixodin capsule) every day for 4 weeks. The pain and performance scores of the subjects were evaluated at the initiation and end of the study. Moreover, the pain levels were measured using the visual analog scale. The performance changes were also assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index questionnaire. Food intake (24hour dietary recall) was recorded at the initiation, during, and at the end of the study.

Out of 60 volunteer patients, 30 subjects in the mixodin group and 30 cases in the naproxen group completed the study. According to the obtained results, the pain score and performance of the patients decreased significantly (P=0.001). However, there was no difference in the level of pain reduction between the groups.

The results of this study revealed that the administration of mixodin twice a day for 4 weeks similar to naproxen can improve the pain score and performance of patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis.