Clinical question: In patients with osteoarthritis, is curcumin, compared to placebo, effective in reducing pain?
Answer: Yes. Studies have shown that curcumin extract has benefit in treating osteoarthritic pain, compared to placebo. It is reasonable to use curcumin in addition to traditional osteoarthritis treatments, as studies show it has a low side effect profile. However, a greater number of studies as well as larger studies are needed to definitively recommend curcumin, especially as a replacement for more traditional therapies.
Level of evidence of the answer: B.