Possibly — as an adjunct, not a cure. A meta-analysis of 29 randomized trials found curcumin and turmeric extracts (120–1500 mg/day for 4–36 weeks) reduced pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions. Because study quality varied, the authors urged cautious interpretation — and supplements should be used only under a doctor's supervision.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 29 randomized controlled trials (PubMed 35935936) evaluated curcumin and turmeric extract at 120–1500 mg/day for 4–36 weeks in patients with inflammatory joint conditions including osteoarthritis. It reported improvements in pain and inflammatory markers, with a good safety profile across the included studies.
The authors were explicit about limits: study quality varied and the number of high-quality trials was limited, so the results should be interpreted with caution — curcumin is not a replacement for standard osteoarthritis care.
Turmeric is also an everyday food. Cooking turmeric with black pepper increases curcumin absorption (piperine), which is why many anti-inflammatory recipes pair them.