Turmeric

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

In a 2019 study, the anti-gout potential of turmeric was demonstrated by a significant reduction in uric acid levels following treatment of mice with turmeric nanoparticles. This result showed strong potential for turmeric in managing gout and controlling inflammation.

In another 2019 study, curcumin treatment inhibited the expression of inflammatory genes, which are responsible for causing inflammation in the body—particularly in the joints during gout flare-ups. Curcumin suppressed inflammatory pathways associated with gout, which may aid in developing new strategies to prevent acute episodes of the condition (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.