Synergistic chondroprotective effects of curcumin and resveratrol in human articular chondrocytes: inhibition of IL-1beta-induced NF-kappaB-mediated inflammation and apoptosis

Csaki C, Mobasheri A, Shakibaei M · Arthritis Research & Therapy

The two polyphenols hit NF-kappaB by different routes — curcumin through upstream Akt, resveratrol through the proteasome — and together suppressed COX-2, MMP-3, MMP-9 and VEGF and blocked caspase-3 activation more than either alone, with effects mediated in part through Sox-9.

Population

IL-1beta-stimulated human articular chondrocytes

Intervention

Curcumin and resveratrol, alone and combined

Comparator

IL-1beta alone and single-agent treatment

Limitations

Monolayer chondrocytes at supraphysiological concentrations; the synergy claim has never been tested in a human joint trial.