Turmeric

 

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a ginger plant native to Southeast Asia and has been used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine to treat skin disorders, joints, and the digestive system for decades. To date, turmeric is a common dietary supplement for treating arthritis and many other diseases due to the anti-inflammatory properties of the active ingredient, curcuminoid (1).

In a 2019 study, the anti-gout potential of turmeric was observed by a significant reduction of uric acid levels upon treatment of mice with turmeric nanoparticles. This showed superior potential in gout management and control of inflammation. 

In another 2019 study, curcumin treatment inhibited the expression of inflammatory genes, which cause inflammation in the body and particularly in joints when experiencing gout. Curcumin suppressed inflammatory pathways associated with gout, which may be helpful in developing a new strategy to prevent acute episodes of gout (3). 

 

References

1. Turmeric. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/turmeric
2. Kiyani, M.M., et al. Evaluation of Turmeric Nanoparticles as Anti-Gout Agent: Modernization of a Traditional Drug. Medicina (Kaunas). 55(1): 10. 2019. 
3. Chen, B. et al. Curcumin attenuates MSU crystal-induced inflammation by inhibiting the degradation of IκBα and blocking mitochondrial damage. Arthritis Res Ther. 21: 193. 2019.