Curcumin and its Role in the Treatment of Gout: Modern Concepts – Original Research

Background: Gout is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by monosodium urate crystal deposition and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, leading to IL‑1β–mediated inflammation. Curcumin, a natural polyphenol from Curcuma longa, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, anti‑oxidative, anti-fibrotic and potential immunomodulatory effects, including modulation of IL‑38. This study evaluates the clinical efficacy and biochemical effects of curcumin in gout patients over 12 weeks.

Methods: A prospective observational study included 48 adult gout patients who received curcumin 1000 mg/day for 12 weeks. Uric acid, CRP, ESR, IL‑1β, IL‑18, IL‑38, monthly flare frequency, pain (VAS), and tophus changes were assessed.

Results: Curcumin significantly reduced uric acid (528±76 → 422±69 µmol/L, p<0.001), CRP (12.4±4.9 → 6.9±3.8 mg/L, p<0.001), ESR (31±12 → 20±10 mm/h, p<0.001), IL‑1β (14.2±5.1 → 8.1±4.3 pg/mL, p<0.001), and IL‑18 (226±40 → 168±33 pg/mL, p<0.001), while IL‑38 significantly increased (18.3±6.0 → 27.1±7.4 pg/mL, p<0.001). Gout flares decreased from 3.1±1.2 to 1.0±0.8 per month (p<0.001), and VAS pain dropped from 6.8±1.3 to 3.2±1.4. Reduction in tophus size was observed in 52.9% of affected patients. No severe adverse events were recorded.

Conclusion: Curcumin demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory, hypouricemic, and immunomodulatory effects in gout management, improving biochemical markers and clinical outcomes. Its favorable safety profile suggests its potential role as a daily adjunct therapy.