Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, relieves rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (OA)-related pain, inflammation, and stiffness. In Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine, this herb is traditionally used to treat arthritis. It inhibits inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which is the target of the prescription anti-inflammatory medication celecoxib (Celebrex).
Curcumin was found to be more effective than diclofenac (Voltaren), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), in reducing joint pain and swelling in patients with active RA in a small pilot study conducted in 2012. Curcumin was found to be unrelated to any negative side effects, in contrast to NSAIDs. [3]
Scientific proof that 8–12 weeks of standardized turmeric extract treatment (usually 1000 mg/day of curcumin) can lessen arthritis symptoms (primarily pain and inflammation-related symptoms) and produce comparable improvements of the
Arthritis Foundation recommended dosage: Capsules, extract (more likely to be free of contaminants) or spice. For OA: Capsule, typically 400 mg to 600 mg, three times per day; or 0.5 g to 1 g of powdered root up to 3 g per day. For RA: 500 mg twice daily. Curcumin is a key component in turmeric.
Fish Oil (Omega-3 fatty acids)
Fish oil decreases inflammation and morning stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis, and early research suggests it may have a similar impact on osteoarthritis. Fish oil has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which inhibit inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins. The body turns them into potent anti-inflammatory substances known as resolvins, which are molecules that help inflamed tissues recover. EPA and DHA have been widely researched for RA and other inflammatory disorders.
According to a 2010 meta-analysis, fish oil dramatically improved joint discomfort and stiffness in RA patients while also reducing or eliminating NSAID use.
“Fish oil is also important for brain, eye and heart health. It also helps with anxiety and depression. It is safe, with no significant adverse effects. So, it just may be another answer to “What is the best supplement for arthritis?”
Arthritis Foundation recommended dosage: Fish, capsules, soft gels, chewable tablets or liquid. For general health, two 3-ounce servings of fish a week are recommended. However, it’s difficult to get a therapeutic dose of fish oil from food alone. To treat arthritis-related conditions, use fish oil capsules with at least 30 percent EPA/ DHA, the active ingredients. For RA and OA, up to 2.6 g, twice a day
A 2005 study of RA patients found that using fish oil supplements in conjunction with olive oil increased the favorable benefits.” - Cindy Perlin LCSW
Ginger improves joint pain and inflammation in both OA and RA patients. Ginger has been demonstrated to be anti-inflammatory, similar to ibuprofen and COX-2 inhibitors like celecoxib (Celebrex). Ginger also inhibits the inflammatory chemical leukotrienes and turns off specific inflammatory genes, perhaps making it more effective than other pain medications. In other cases, the only side effects are minor stomach distress.
In a 2010 research of 247 people with knee OA, ginger was found to lessen knee discomfort during standing and walking while also improving quality of life.
In a 2012 in vitro research, a ginger extract named Eurovita Extract 77 was found to suppress inflammatory responses in RA synovial cells just as efficiently as steroids.
For OA, in one trial of more than 200 patients, Eurovita Extract 77 improved OA pain after standing and walking.
A 2015 study found that using ginger extract nanoparticles in a cream 3x a day for 12 weeks improved knee joint pain, daily activities, sports activities and quality of life. There were no adverse effects.
A 2017 study of twice a week self-knee massage with ginger oil in patients with OA found patients had reduced pain and improved function after one and five weeks.
A 2019 study found that ginger can alter gene expression in people with RA to improve disease manifestation.
Arthritis Foundation recommended dosage: Powder, extract, tincture, capsules and oils, up to 2 g in three divided doses per day or up to 4 cups of tea daily. In studies, 255 mg of Eurovita Extract 77 (equivalent to 3,000 mg dried ginger) twice daily.
S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e) is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that possesses anti-inflammatory, cartilage-protective, and pain-relieving properties. Supplementing with SAM-e was found to be equally efficient in relieving OA pain as NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and celecoxib, but with less adverse effects. A 2011 systematic review of complementary and alternative therapies for osteoarthritis showed consistent evidence that SAM-e was an beneficial supplement. No harmful effects were discovered in any of the investigations.
SAM-e also possesses mild to moderate antidepressant properties and is commonly utilized as a natural alternative to antidepressant drugs.
The normal SAM-e dosage is 1,200 milligrams per day. It will take many weeks to see the results.
Glucosamine is a fundamental component of joint cartilage, and its amounts decrease as individuals age.
It is naturally produced in the body and serves as building blocks for cartilage growth, healing, and maintenance. It may also lubricate joints, allowing cartilage to retain water and preventing disintegration. It is frequently paired with chondroitin (see below).
This natural supplement is also obtained from shellfish shells (e.g., shrimp, lobster, and crab), animal bones, or fungus.
The largest trial to date, the 2006 Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), included 1,600 individuals with knee OA. In the first phase, individuals with moderate-to-severe arthritis reported considerable pain alleviation from combination glucosamine and chondroitin. In the two-year-long 2010 phase, glucosamine and chondroitin were proven to be helpful for knee OA.
A tiny 2012 research found that combining glucosamine and NSAIDs improved symptoms after 12 weeks, whereas glucosamine alone improved symptoms somewhat but significantly. The study's authors anticipate that long-term glucosamine therapy may minimize NSAID reliance and postpone disease development.
Glucosamine can produce moderate gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as elevated blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure. This supplement may raise ocular pressure in glaucoma patients.
A 2018 review and metanalysis published in JAMA of all the treatment medicines used for knee arthritis long term, including analgesics, antioxidants, bone-acting agents, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), intra-articular injectable pharmaceuticals such as hyaluronic acid and corticosteroids, symptomatic slow-acting therapies in osteoarthritis, and suspected disease modifying agents, concluded that only glucosamine
Arthritis Foundation recommended dosage: Capsules, tablets, liquid or powder (to be mixed into a drink); 1,500 mg once daily or in three divided doses to prevent stomach upset. Often combined with chondroitin. May take up to one month to notice effect.
Chondroitin is a connective tissue found in cartilage and bone that alleviates pain and inflammation, improves joint function, and slows the course of osteoarthritis. Chondroitin is thought to improve collagen's shock-absorbing qualities, inhibit enzymes that break down cartilage, assist cartilage retain water, and, when combined with glucosamine, may reverse cartilage loss.
The largest trial to date, the 2006 Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), included 1,600 individuals with knee OA. As previously stated, the first phase discovered that individuals with moderate-to-severe arthritis got considerable pain alleviation from combination glucosamine and chondroitin.
A separate 2011 research found that utilizing chondroitin alone significantly improved pain and function in people with hand OA.
A 2013 evaluation of the data on the use of chondroitin for OA indicated that chondroitin has a positive effect on several types of cells involved in osteoarthritis and is an effective and safe therapy option for OA patients.
Chondroitin and glucosamine pills appear to be safe and provide another viable response to the question, "What is the best supplement for arthritis?"
Chondroitin used with blood thinners such as NSAIDs may increase the risk of bleeding. If you are allergic to sulfonamides, begin with a modest dose of chondroitin sulfate and monitor for any adverse reactions. Other adverse effects include diarrhea, constipation, and stomach discomfort.
Arthritis Foundation Recommended Dosage: Capsules, tablets and powder; 800 mg to 1,200 mg daily in two to four divided doses. Often combined with glucosamine. Allow up to one month to notice effect.
According to research, CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which regulates pain and inflammation. CBD may also help lower the production of inflammatory cytokines, which are substances that cause inflammation in the body.
Although research has been limited, both animal and human trials have showed promising results.
In a 2019 study published in the journal European Journal of Pain, researchers discovered that applying CBD gel to the skin greatly decreased joint swelling and pain in arthritic patients. The study concluded that topical CBD might be a safe and effective therapy for arthritis-related pain and inflammation in people.
In a 2020 study published in the journal Pain Medicine, researchers discovered that CBD medication helped pain and sleep in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. The study revealed that CBD might be a feasible treatment alternative for managing pain and other symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
2020 research published in the journal Cell Death and Disease stated that "CBD has anti-arthritic action and may improve arthritis by targeting synocial fibroblasts under inflammatory circumstances."
2022 research published in the Journal of Cannabis Research indicated that CBD improved pain, physical performance, and sleep quality. The majority of responders reported reducing or discontinuing their use of other drugs after using CBD.
Other Beneficial Supplements for Arthritis
Borage oil, Boswellia, Bromelain, Cat's Claw, Devil's claw, DMSO, Ginkgo, GLA, MSM, Pycnogenol, St. John's Wort, and Stinging Nettle are some more natural supplements that have been shown to be useful for arthritis.