Keywords

rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, pain management, curcumin, cannabinoid

Data Source

Rheumatology Clinic affiliated with a University

Abstract

Introduction

Rheumatoid (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are autoimmune conditions that progressively destroy joints, causing chronic, often debilitating pain and drastically affecting the quality of life. Though cannabis has been legalized for medical use in most states in the United States (US), the safety and efficacy of its use in inflammatory arthritis have still not been satisfactorily established. It is also suggested that curcumin possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Methods

This study utilized an observational, cross-sectional design to survey patients with RA and PsA presenting to a rheumatology clinic to establish the prevalence and perceived efficacy of curcumin and cannabinoids in an arthritic patient population.

Results

Data was collected from 290 patients, 71% RA and 40% PsA patients admitted to the current cannabinoid usage. There were self-reported pain, fatigue, and swelling improvements with both curcumin and cannabinoid compounds.

Discussion

This study found that a notable portion of this inflammatory arthritis population reported a history of use or ongoing cannabinoid and curcumin usage. Patients also had self-reported perceptions of symptom relief, possibly attributable to the placebo effect.

Release Date

2023

Document Type

Data

Language

English

College

medicine

Share

COinS