A curcumin ingredient with a proprietary technology to improve bioavailability, marketed by OmniActive Health Technologies as Curcuwin Ultra+, was linked in a clinical study to improvements in knee joint function in a population of 45 adults with knee osteoarthritis. The findings were published in the Journal of Orthopedic Research and Therapy.
 
The results suggested to the authors of the study that the curcumin ingredient is efficacious in improving overall joint comfort and function, with significant improvements in self-reported measures taking place in the first five days of the study. The 134 participants were divided into three groups, which each received either a placebo, 250 mg, or 500 mg of the ingredient. The study duration was 84 days, and outcomes were assessed on days 5, 28, 56, and 84.
 
In addition to subjective, self-reported improvements in measurements of joint comfort, assessed by Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores, functional and physical tests of the knee in the participants also significantly improved measures of cartilage degradation, flexion, strength, markers of inflammation such as c-reactive protein, and walking performance.
 
Supplementation was also associated with a significant reduction in the use of rescue medication among the participants.
 
Previous data from bioavailability studies suggested initially that both doses used in the study would provide participants with a clinically efficacious dose, and the findings of the present study were in accordance, said Deshanie Rai, PhD, FACN, VP of global scientific and regulatory affairs at OmniActive.
 
“Our bioavailability data for both the 250 mg and 500 mg doses of Curcuwin Ultra+ (which translated to 50 mg and 100 mg of total curcuminoids, respectively) translated to its efficacy for managing joint discomfort associated with mild knee osteoarthritis. The positive findings of this comprehensive study demonstrate that Curcuwin Ultra+ has an early effect and continues to support musculoskeletal functionality, including cartilage health, over the 12 weeks of supplementation.”
 
“We are committed to developing natural, science-backed, high-quality nutraceutical products that can help improve global health outcomes,” said Adam Adelmann, chief commercial officer at OmniActive. “The study’s publication underscores our commitment to driving innovation and health solutions for companies seeking natural ingredients and consumers’ desire for natural remedies.”