Add-on curcumin nanomicelle beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis treatment

The addition of curcumin nanomicelle to the treatment regimen of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) positively influences several outcomes, although not meaningfully, as shown in a trial.

A total of 65 RA patients were randomized to receive either a curcumin nanomicelle 40 mg (n=30) or placebo (n=35) capsule three times a day for 12 weeks. Researchers measured the Disease Activity Score of 28 joints (DAS‐28) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) at baseline and after 12 weeks.

Results showed that DAS‐28, tender joint count (TJC) and swollen joint count (SJC) improved substantially from baseline at the end of treatment in both the curcumin and placebo groups. There were no significant between-group differences seen in the magnitude of change, as well as in baseline values. Nonetheless, the improvements were numerically greater in the active treatment group.

No significant changes were documented in ESR between the two treatment groups.

A major extraction derived from turmeric, curcumin possesses excellent antitumour, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. However, the substance has poor bioavailability owing to its poor solubility, poor absorption, rapid metabolism and quick systemic elimination, all of which limits its therapeutic effect in vivo. To resolve these limitations, various nanomicelles have been used to construct a protective structure, which works both to prolong its circulation inside the body and to enhance its solubility. [ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2018;10:23595-23604]