Safety and efficacy of curcumin versus diclofenac in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized open-label parallel-arm study

Shep D, Khanwelkar C, Gade P, Karad S · Trials

Pain severity improved similarly in both arms at day 28, with curcumin causing fewer adverse events (13% vs 38%) and no need for H2-blocker rescue.

Population

Adults with knee osteoarthritis, India

Intervention

Curcumin 500 mg three times daily for 28 days

Comparator

Diclofenac 50 mg twice daily (no placebo arm)

Limitations

Open-label (no blinding) and no placebo arm; short duration; single centre.