Background: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disorder commonly presenting with pain, swelling, stiffness, and restricted joint mobility. Curcuminoids has been extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory and therapeutic effects in chronic inflammatory disorders, including musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis and low back pain.

Methodology: This randomized, multicentric, double-blinded, four-arm clinical study evaluated the efficacy and safety of CurcIR (200mg of 95% curcuminoids – T1) and CurcXR (200mg of 20% curcuminoids – T2) formulations in comparison with standard Turmeric Extract (1000 mg of 95% curcuminoids - C) and placebo (P) for their anti-inflammatory effects and pain reduction. A total of 100 participants both male and female aged between 30 and 80 years with osteoarthritis and low back pain, classified under American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Osteoarthritis as Class III, were equally randomized into four treatment groups and followed for 8 weeks. Clinical outcomes included pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS); inflammation assessed using inflammatory markers, namely C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate; and quality-of-life parameters assessed using the SF-12, OMERACT-OARSI criteria, WOMAC index, and Patient Global Assessment.

Results: VAS scores showed statistically significant within-group pain reduction from week 4 onward in the CurcIR and Comparator groups, whereas the CurcXR and placebo groups showed significant improvement only at week 8. Between-group analysis demonstrated that both CurcIR and CurcXR achieved significantly greater pain reduction than placebo from week 4 onward, with sustained effects. The Comparator showed efficacy comparable to CurcIR and CurcXR. CRP levels showed mild reductions across all groups, with no statistically significant within- or between-group differences, and CurcIR and CurcXR showed inflammatory profiles comparable to the Comparator. ESR levels showed statistically significant within-group reductions in all four groups, including placebo; however, no significant between-group differences were observed, and the placebo effect was likely influenced by concomitant medication use. WOMAC pain, stiffness, and physical function scores improved significantly at week 8 in the CurcIR and CurcXR groups, with selective improvements in the Comparator group, while placebo showed no change. Between-group analysis favored CurcIR and CurcXR over placebo. OMERACT-OARSI and PGA scores showed significant and sustained improvements in CurcIR and CurcXR compared with placebo, with Comparator demonstrating comparable efficacy.