Turmeric Root Powder:

Curcumin, an active component of turmeric, has been shown to have promising anti-inflammatory effects. It has been found to affect the signaling of pro-inflammatory markers such as interleukins, phospholipase, 5-lipoxygenase, and COX-2. In chondrocytes, where collagen and joint cartilage is made, curcumin has been shown to inhibit upregulation of MMP-1 and MMP-3 in macrophages, which are two enzymes that accelerate changes in cartilage and can lead to osteoarthritis over time. 

A systematic review from 2016 assessed the potential therapeutic benefits of turmeric in patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. The authors of this review, which included 8 randomized control trials, concluded that there is evidence supporting the use of turmeric extract to treat arthritis, but that more research is needed to make definitive conclusions. 

A more recent systematic review studying the use of turmeric in knee osteoarthritis from 2021 included 10 randomized control trials and had similar conclusions, stating that there appears to be a benefit from taking turmeric for knee OA, but that further studies are needed to investigate optimal dosing and frequency.