Curcumin, as the main constituent of turmeric, has been studied for its beneficial effects on human health. Besides well-studied applications in treatment of atherosclerosis, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, etc. recently, curcumin becomes one of a few alternative medicine remedies overwhelmingly embraced by prescribing doctors for the treatment of arthritis. So how does it work?
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a disease that people of all ages, sexes and races can and do have it. There are different types of arthritis, but most common types are rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative arthritis, and osteoarthritis.
Besides common symptoms such as swelling and joint pain, it is also affected other organs.
Curcumin and Joint Pain: The Mechanisms of Action
Different studies have provided possible mechanism of action for the ability of curcumin to reduce joint pain.
First, curcumin inhibits the arachidonic acid pathway that produces pain and inflammation mediators such the enzymes that synthesize prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Examples of prostaglandins and leukotrienes blocked by curcumin are PGE2, LTB4 and LTC4.
Secondly, curcumin blocks the expression of certain genes in the cells of the cartilage. This prolongs the lifespan of chondrocytes and improves their ability to withstand oxidative stress.
Thirdly, curcumin inhibits the synthesis of nitric oxide and TNF-alpha (tissue necrosis factor-alpha) by inhibiting the pathways that produce them.
Furthermore, curcumin blocks the incorporation of arachidonic acid in the synovial membrane. It also reduces the secretion of the collagenase, elastase and hyaluronidase from the macrophages of the immune system. These are the 3 enzymes responsible for the degradation of the cartilage. Their activity ultimately leads to joint pain.
Lastly, curcumin inhibits the factors that reduce the production of type II collagen. Therefore, it can help contribute to the rejuvenation of the cartilage by increasing the production of collagen.
The overall effect of these different pathways is that curcumin protects the cartilage from degradation while also reducing inflammation and promoting the production of new cartilage.
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