DolCas’ curcumin ingredient slashes osteoarthritis symptoms in latest knee study

19 Jan 2022 --- DolCas Biotech’s Curcugen turmeric extract has demonstrated positive application in osteoarthritis – allowing for a reduction of analgesic use. Notably, the new study found that it delivered “clinically significant” improvements in knee pain and performance-based tests.

“The results of this trial identified a standard level of translatability to larger audiences, which compares very well with other studies in the area of knee joint pain,” says principal investigator Adrian Lopresti.

He continues that the data that has been obtained for Curcugen identify it as a promising, well-tolerated and naturally derived joint-support option.

The clean, dispersible, highly concentrated curcumin ingredient is fully derived from a turmeric base with a high curcuminoid concentration (50%).

Significant improvements for Curcugen group
Published in Nutrients, the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated both subjective and objective endpoints – including pain scales and performance tests – in 101 subjects of both genders averaging 58 years of age.

During the 8-week clinical trial, Curcugen was dosed at 500 mg twice daily with the acceptable use of traditional pain relievers as a rescue option on an as-needed basis.

At the end of the trial, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score data showed a statistically significant improvement in the Curcugen group, compared with those taking a placebo.

This was also the case with the observer-led Japanese Orthopaedic Association Score for Osteoarthritic Knees assessment for total scores. 

Decreasing medication consumption
Also of note, 19 of the 51 subjects in the Curcugen group had decreased their medication at the endpoint, whereas only six in the placebo group were able to do the same.

Additionally, Curcugen was well-tolerated, and no serious adverse events were reported by participants.

Dr. Shavon Jackson-Michel, director of medical and scientific affairs for DolCas Biotech, says the most interesting aspect of the study is its evaluation of the Minimal Clinical Important Difference (MCID). 

“It’s an outcome that’s considered to be meaningful for the subjects themselves and, as such, is both clinically important and elevates the results above simple statistical significance.” 

An average MCID of 33% was recorded for subjects taking Curcugen compared with 19% in the placebo group.  DolCas Biotech has validated both joint support and healthy aging claims for Curcugen.

Uncertainty in prior investigations
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease of the whole joint comprising structural alterations in the articular cartilage, subchondral bone, ligaments, capsule, synovial membrane and periarticular muscles. 

According to DolCas, various preparations of curcuminoids have been evaluated in the context of OA and concluded to be helpful.

However, concerns regarding protocol design and study populations have “sown seeds of uncertainty.”

Therefore, this study stands out as it examined an ethnically diverse population in Australia. It also included functional assessments of joint performance to reduce evaluation biases.

For example, eligible subjects were confirmed to have a previous diagnosis of knee OA and a pain rating of at least six out of ten (ten being the worst).

Offering enhanced bioavailability
DolCas also spotlights that Curcugen addresses demands around planetary health. For example, its agrofueled manufacturing process generates a clean, food-grade byproduct that is upcycled into a base ingredient for local culinary use.

“In contrast to certain generic curcumin products, Curcugen’s unique formulation preserves the original complex of curcuminoids, essential oils and polar resins within a natural matrix,” says Dr. Jackson-Michel. 

“These naturally occurring constituents synergistically increase curcumin bioavailability and, as supported by this trial, its efficacy in the treatment of OA of the knee.”

Last summer, new pharmacokinetic data revealed that Curcugen has a 39-fold enhanced bioavailability capability compared to conventional curcuminoids.

In March, it was recognized as safe for consumption in the US market. 

Edited by Katherine Durrell