Health Hotline Magazine | March 2024

NUTRITION

By Geoff Brokx and Aryn Doll

Curcumin Provides Relief for Musculoskeletal Disorders A 2023 review and meta-analysis found that turmeric and its bioactive compound curcumin are effective for a range of musculoskeletal disorders. This research is encouraging, as musculoskeletal disorders, including conditions that limit mobility such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lower back pain, and osteoporosis, are one of the top leading causes of disabilities worldwide. The first line of treatment typically includes pain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are associated with adverse effects after long-term use, including a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders and potential cardiovascular and kidney issues. This new research offers promise for people struggling with these disorders because turmeric and curcumin offer a safe alternative to medicinal pain relievers. The meta-analysis included 20 randomized controlled trials that evaluated the efficacy and safety of turmeric and curcumin. The researchers found turmeric extract and curcumin were effective for musculoskeletal disorders and worked by reducing post-exercise pain, inflammation, oxidative stress, and muscle soreness. Curcumin was also found to be very safe with low incidence of adverse events at doses ranging from 120 mg to 1,500 mg per day. Curcumin is one of the most studied botanical compounds today and has multiple mechanisms of actions, including its ability to affect a wide range of anti inflammatory pathways.

B ack Cohosh & Rhodio a Combination Reduces Menopausal Symptoms

A 2020 study evaluated the effectiveness of a combination of black cohosh and rhodiola, compared to black cohosh alone, to relieve menopausal symptoms. This randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study followed 220 women who had moderate scores on three different validated menopausal symptom scales (the Kupperman Menopausal Index, the Menopausal Relief Scale, and the Utian Quality of life Index). These three indices looked at symptoms like hot flashes, sleep issues, mood, irritability, exhaustion, sexual problems, bladder problems, vaginal dryness, and more. Subjects were divided into four groups: a placebo group, a black cohosh group (13 mg/day), a black cohosh high-dose group (1,000 mg/day), and a combination of black cohosh and rhodiola group (13 mg + 400 mg/day). In addition to baseline measurements, participants were evaluated at six and 12 weeks of treatment. Researchers showed that black cohosh combined with rhodiola was significantly superior to preparations of black cohosh alone in relief of menopausal symptoms, regardless of the dose of black cohosh. In all three evaluations the effects of the supplement combination were significantly greater than for the black cohosh alone, and this only improved over time.

For references, email customerservice@naturalgrocers.com

Natural Grocers ® | 21