Turmeric, a popular spice with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has been gaining attention for its potential benefits in managing various health conditions in dogs. In combination with green-lipped mussels and red algae, turmeric has been formulated as a natural supplement for canine joint health. Here are some clinical studies that provide evidence for the efficacy of turmeric in improving joint health and reducing inflammation in dogs.
Turmeric Scientific Studies
Transcriptome modification of white blood cells after dietary administration of curcumin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug in osteoarthritic affected dogs
This study looked at the effects of two different treatments in dogs with osteoarthritis. One group of dogs was given a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), while the other group was given curcumin (turmeric). Blood was taken from the dogs before and after 20 days of treatment, and their white blood cells were analyzed.
The results showed that both treatments reduced inflammation and connective tissue damage, which are both common in osteoarthritis. However, the curcumin supplement had some additional benefits, including reducing the activity of certain molecules involved in inflammation and boosting the activity of enzymes that break down harmful substances in the body.
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Colitti M, Gaspardo B, Della Pria A, Scaini C, Stefanon B. Transcriptome modification of white blood cells after dietary administration of curcumin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug in osteoarthritic affected dogs. Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 2012 Jun 30;147(3-4):136-46. doi: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2012.04.001. Epub 2012 Apr 26. PMID: 22591841.
Palmitoyl-glucosamine co-micronized with curcumin for maintenance of meloxicam-induced pain relief in dogs with osteoarthritis pain
This study looked at whether adding a natural supplement called palmitoyl-glucosamine co-micronized with curcumin (turmeric) to a dog's diet could help maintain pain relief in dogs with osteoarthritis. The dogs were already being treated with a medication called meloxicam for the first 8 weeks of the study, and then the medication was gradually reduced. Pain was measured by both the owners and veterinarians using different rating scales.
The results showed that most dogs were able to reduce their meloxicam dose without experiencing a worsening of pain, and that pain severity decreased significantly even after the medication was stopped. Additionally, there was no significant change in the severity of pain when the supplement was added to the dogs' diet. The study suggests that adding palmitoyl-glucosamine co-micronized with curcumin to a dog's diet may help maintain pain relief in dogs with osteoarthritis.
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Della Rocca G, Schievano C, Di Salvo A, Conti MB, Della Valle MF. Palmitoyl-glucosamine co-micronized with curcumin for maintenance of meloxicam-induced pain relief in dogs with osteoarthritis pain. BMC Vet Res. 2023 Feb 7;19(1):37. doi: 10.1186/s12917-023-03594-4. PMID: 36747264; PMCID: PMC9903516