Recently published study results have shown Arjuna Natural Pvt’s proprietary turmeric extract to be as effective as paracetamol in reducing pain and other symptoms of knee osteoarthritis (OA). The study reportedly demonstrated the compound was more effective in reducing inflammation. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the articular joints, and common manifestations are stiffness and pain. 

Led by Shuba Singhal, PhD, the randomised, controlled clinical study was conducted at the Department of Orthopedics of Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital/Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi. Results were published in the journal Biomed Central BMC. 193 patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee were randomised 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 Mc Master 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. 

The 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 more than a year ago that demonstrated a positive link between its 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 PhD, Joint MD for Arjuna. “The anti-arthritic effect of BCM-95 in osteoarthritis is attributed to its capability to modulate anti-inflammatory markers TNF and CRP.” 

“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, Arjuna. “It is no wonder that leading natural supplement brands supporting joint health, have chosen BCM-95.” 

“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 formulation of curcuminoids and turmerone-rich essential oil components is designed to overcome curcumin’s characteristic bioavailability hurdles due to its inherent high lipophilic nature. In a previous pilot crossover investigation in human volunteers, the relative bioavailability of Arjuna’s formulation was reportedly shown to be nearly seven times higher than standard curcumin and scored considerably better than curcumin–lecithin–piperine formulations, demonstrated by free curcumin levels detected in the blood.