Efficacy of curcumin and Boswellia for knee osteoarthritis: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Bannuru RR, Osani MC, Al-Eid F, Wang C · Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism

Both botanicals beat placebo on pain and function; curcuminoids matched NSAIDs on efficacy with significantly fewer gastrointestinal adverse events. The authors conclude the evidence base is not adequate in size or quality to support any clinical practice recommendation.

Population

11 RCTs of curcuminoid or boswellia formulations in knee osteoarthritis

Intervention

Curcuminoid or boswellia formulations

Comparator

Placebo or NSAIDs

Limitations

Study quality was low overall and most included trials enrolled fewer than 100 people. NIH-supported and independent of the supplement industry, which is why its refusal to recommend carries weight.