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Results of a new study published in the journal Biomed Central BMC showed turmeric extract was as effective as paracetamol in reducing pain and other symptoms of knee osteoarthritis (OA). The study demonstrated the bioavailable compound was more effective in reducing inflammation. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the articular joints characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, joint lining, ligaments, and underlying bone. Common manifestations of osteoarthritis are stiffness and pain. Led by Shuba Singhal, PhD, this randomized, controlled clinical study was conducted at the Department of Orthopedics of Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital/Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi. For the study, 193 patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee were randomized to receive either turmeric extract (BCM-95) as a 500 mg capsule two times daily, or a 650 mg tablet of paracetamol three times daily for six weeks. Knee arthritis symptoms of pain, joint stiffness, and diminished physical function were evaluated using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). After six weeks of treatment, responder analysis showed significant improvement in WOMAC scores across all parameters comparable to the paracetamol group, with 18% of the BCM-95 group reporting 50% improvement, and 3% of subjects noting 70% improvement. These results were positively reflected in the BCM-95 group’s serum inflammatory markers: CRP levels were reduced by 37.21%, and TNF-α levels were cut by 74.81%, indicating BCM-95 performed better than paracetamol. The study was a follow up to an Arjuna study conducted over a year ago that demonstrated a positive link between its flagship curcumin formulation and osteoarthritic care. “The goal of the current study was to build on the earlier studies to give a better clarity and specificity by including more markers and a better scoring methodology,” said Benny Antony, joint managing director for Arjuna. “The anti-arthritic effect of BCM-95 in osteoarthritis is attributed to its capability to modulate anti-inflammatory markers TNF and CRP.” Knee OA is the leading cause of disability and pain among adult and old age populations. An estimated 10 to 15% of all adults older than 60 years have some degree of OA, with prevalence higher among women than men. “This study re-affirms the anti-arthritic effect of BCM-95 and provides renewed hope for millions to improve their quality of life,” said Nipen Lavingia, brand innovation advisor for Arjuna Natural based in Dallas, TX. “We are learning more about the mechanisms behind curcumin’s anti-inflammatory effect which we believe is a result of its ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory signals, such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and cyclooxygenase-2. In addition, curcumin has been demonstrated to suppress several pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators of their release, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-1, IL-8, and nitric oxide synthase,”said Antony. BCM-95’s unique fusion of curcuminoids and turmerone-rich essential oil components overcomes curcumin’s characteristic bioavailability hurdles due to its inherent high lipophilic nature.