16/08/2022
In Australia, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are amongst the most common medications used to treat recurrent pain associated with inflammation, such as headache, musculoskeletal pain, arthritis and dysmenorrhoea. However, the long-term use of NSAIDs comes with many undesirable side effects, including gastrointestinal upset, hepatotoxicity, renal injury and respiratory complications.
In recent years there has been a shift towards natural pain management, with a large focus on the anti-inflammatory actions of herbal medicine, Turmeric. Turmeric possesses the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic actions of NSAIDs, is a potent antioxidant and has hepatoprotective effects compared to NSAIDs, which are hepatotoxic.
Research has shown that Turmeric is as efficacious in the treatment of inflammatory pain conditions, as NSAIDs. A clinical study conducted in 2019 found patients with osteoarthritis who were given high-potency Turmeric (BCM-95) reported comparable positive outcomes to patients given Diclofenac over a 28-day period. Those taking Turmeric also reported significantly less side effects compared to those taking Diclofenac.
Furthermore, the combination of high-potency Turmeric and herbal medicine Boswellia serrata was shown to be more efficacious than NSAIDs in the treatment of osteoarthritis. This combination produced greater positive outcomes than Celecoxib after a 12-week period, with NIL side effects reported.
Whilst herbal medicines are considered ‘safe’, there are some co-prescribing considerations and contraindications with use. Please consult with your qualified health practitioner before commecing any herbal medicines. For information on natural pain management products available, please get in touch.
doi: 10.1186/s13063-019-3327-2
doi: 10.3892/mmr.2013.1661