Abstract

STUDY OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF CURCUMIN IN ARTHRITIS

Gaurav Kumar*, Rajaram R. Rajbhar

ABSTRACT

Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and progressive cartilage damage, leading to reduced quality of life. Curcumin, the principal bioactive compound of Curcuma longa (turmeric), has attracted considerable attention because of its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. It exerts therapeutic effects by suppressing inflammatory signaling pathways, including NF-κB, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, thereby reducing inflammation and protecting joint tissues. Curcumin also shows potential in combination therapies by enhancing the efficacy of conventional anti-arthritic drugs while minimizing their adverse effects. However, its clinical application is limited by poor bioavailability, rapid metabolism, and low aqueous solubility. Recent advances such as nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles, and phospholipid complexes have significantly improved its absorption and therapeutic effectiveness. This review discusses arthritis, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of curcumin, its benefits, combination therapies, limitations, countermeasures, and the materials and methods used in related studies.

Keywords: Arthritis, Curcumin, Turmeric, Anti-inflammatory, NF-?B, COX-2, Cytokines, Antioxidant, Combination Therapy, Bioavailability, Nanoparticles, Drug Delivery, Joint Inflammation.