Turmeric put to the test for thumb arthritis relief

NCT ID NCT03017118

First seen Jun 27, 2026 ยท Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether turmeric, a common spice, can reduce pain and stiffness in people with thumb arthritis. Sixty adults will take either turmeric or a placebo three times a day for six weeks. Researchers will measure changes in pain and hand function to see if turmeric offers real benefits.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only โ€” not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
turmeric
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a simple, natural option to manage thumb arthritis pain and stiffness.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early pilot study with only 60 people. The results may not apply to everyone, and turmeric might work no better than a placebo.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Massachusetts General Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States

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