![New Form of Relief for Osteoarthritis]()
Osteoarthritis causes joint pain and loss of movement. It results from the breakdown of cartilage tissue and most commonly affects the elderly. . Some studies suggest that curcumin, a chemical constituent of the spice turmeric used in curry, may slow or reverse osteoarthritis. But curcumin’s medical potential is limited because it does not enter the bloodstream readily after being swallowed. Joel Friedman, M.D., Ph.D., Herb Sun, Ph.D., and colleagues have developed a method for packaging curcumin in nanoparticles that can be topically applied to osteoarthritic joints. In a mouse study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy, Dr. Friedman and his colleagues show that curcumin nanoparticles reduce inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α, block cartilage breakdown by MMP enzymes, and alleviate joint pain.. Dr. Friedman is professor of medicine and of physiology & biophysics. Dr. Sun is associate professor of orthopaedic surgery and of radiation oncology.
Posted on: Tuesday, June 28, 2016