Date of Award

Spring 5-2025

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

First Advisor

Kauffman, Russ

Keywords

arthritis, arthritides, polyarthritides, curcuma, turmeric

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis that affects millions of people worldwide and can lead to debilitating pain and some forms of immobilization. It is a progressive disease, one that comes from persistent use of joints. Factors that may increase the risk for osteoarthritis include age, female gender, joint injury, obesity, and genetics. Additionally, these factors can increase the rate of degeneration of the cartilage and joint space between bones, causing constant bone on bone contact. Currently, treatment or management of this disease has included oral NSAIDs, acetaminophen, corticosteroids, corticosteroid injections, oral and topical analgesics. However, these medications have some negative long-term effects impacting the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and hepatic systems. To determine other potential treatment options of osteoarthritis with less adverse effects, a literature review was completed using randomized controlled, placebo controlled, and double-blind studies that emphasized the addition of turmeric to the treatment of osteoarthritis and its effects on pain, serum inflammatory markers, and physical functionality. The results of this review confirm that the addition of turmeric will reduce daily pain, decrease serum inflammatory markers, and help increase physical

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