The effect of a topical curcumin formulation (VAS-101) on knee pain in adults with knee osteoarthritis: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Study Summary

60 adults with knee osteoarthritis were randomized to receive topical VAS-101 curcumin gel or placebo gel, applied to the affected knee every second day. The primary outcome was the change in the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) pain subscale from baseline to day 28. Secondary outcomes included daily numeric pain ratings, other KOOS subscales, physical performance tests, rescue medication use, Patient Global Impression of Change, and treatment tolerability. Outcomes were assessed throughout the 28-day treatment period, with formal assessments at baseline, day 14, and day 28. Overall, VAS-101 produced a greater improvement in KOOS pain and a larger reduction in daily walking pain than placebo, although functional performance and most other KOOS domains did not differ between groups. These findings suggest that short-term topical curcumin may provide modest pain relief for some adults with knee osteoarthritis but does not appear to improve physical function over 28 days.