Efficacy and Safety of Liposomal Curcumin in the Management of Pain due to Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Aims and Background: The most prevalent chronic joint disease, which remains as one of the few chronic disorders of ageing is Osteoarthritis (OA). One of the predominant symptoms of OA is pain, with very little effective treatment and contributes to limitations in daily functioning. Therapy of pain due to OA includes pharmaceutical agents that need to be used in
lowest possible dose to avoid adverse effects. Lot of advances have taken place in understanding the pathogenesis of OA, however, relief of pain have always remained an unfulfilled need. The anti-inflammatory property of Curcumin is mediated through the inhibition of induction of COX-2, LOX, iNOS and production of cytokines and tumor necrosis factor and activation of transcription factors like NF-κB, and AP-1. Its oral bioavailability is extremely poor.
Material and Methods:In the current study, Liposomal Curcumin was administered to 30 patients suffering from pain due to OA for 30 days. The therapeutic activity was assessed by reduction in the pain severity based on NPRS Score.
Results: By 30 days, there was statistically significant decrease in NPRS score. The pain reduced significantly along with decrease in weakness and fatigue. Improvement in daily physical functioning was shown by the WOMAC Arthritis Index. In 10 subjects the serum levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF)α were examined at baseline and at 30th
day. There was 76% improvement in TNF-α levels and 62% improvement in IL-6 levels in these subjects.
Conclusion:These results have shown for the first time in Indian population the efficacy of Liposomal Curcumin for OA Pain.