Recent studies have focused on turmeric and its active constituent, curcuminoids, as a powerful ingredient for joint health. 40 patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis were recruited to participate in a 2013 double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The study found that curcuminoids improved pain symptoms and physical function but did not improve stiffness.

A larger study on 107 patients with knee osteoarthritis was performed in 2009. Patients were split into two groups and given 800mg of ibuprofen or 2g of turmeric curcumin per day. Over 6 weeks, improvements were found in both groups in pain on level walking, pain on stairs, and functions of the knee.

Curcumin provides stress support.*

56 patients with major depressive disorder were recruited for an 8-week study on the effect of turmeric curcumin. Patients were given 1,000mg of turmeric curcumin per day or a placebo. During weeks 4 through 8, curcumin was significantly more effective than placebo in improving several mood-related symptoms, but did not improve anxiety to a significant degree.