The Efficacy and Safety of Curcuma Domestica Extracts and Ibuprofen in Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of knee is common degenerative musculoskeletal diseases. Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to decrease pain symptom but someone can not tolerate its gastrointestinal adverse effects. In vitro studies showed that curcumin had an inhibitory effect on substances playing an important role in inflammatory pathway. The mechanisms by which curcumin prevents inflammation are postulated through inhibition of many cytokines, for example, lipo-oxygenase, cyclo-oxygenase, and phospholipase. Therefore, if curcumin is effective as NSAIDs with less side effects, it can be an alternative treatment for those OA knee patients.