Anti-osteoarthritic Effect of High Bioavailable Curcumin Formulation by Balancing Cartilage Synthesis and Cartilage Degradation in MIA-induced Osteoarthritis Rats

Background Osteoarthritis affects millions of people worldwide. Currently, available pharmacological treatment is limited to topical and oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Several studies have reported the potential of curcumin in the management of osteoarthritis, owing to its anti-osteoarthritic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. However, the poor bioavailability of curcumin limits its safe and effective use in the long-term management of osteoarthritis. Objectives The present research study was undertaken to understand the anti-osteoarthritis effect of a newly developed, highly bioavailable curcumin formulation, Maxicuma®, at the preclinical level. The anti-osteoarthritic activity was evaluated using the monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis model in rats at 10 and 25 mg/kg bw doses. Materials and Methods Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects were studied in the MIA-induced osteoarthritis model and the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse macrophages. The extent of efficacy was investigated by examining the expression of catabolic and anabolic genes from the joint capsule, along with histopathology examination of the joint. Results Maxicuma® administration in osteoarthritic rats reduced the edema of affected knee joints, increased the expression of anabolic gene COL2A1, decreased the expression of catabolic genes MMP-3 and MMP-7, and reduced the glycosaminoglycan contents in the affected knee joints. Chondrocyte scoring through histopathology of the joint tissues has confirmed the anti-osteoarthritic effects of Maxicuma®. Maxicuma® reduced the inflammatory mediators and enhanced the antioxidant defense system in osteoarthritis rats and LPS-induced mouse macrophages. Conclusion Thus, Maxicuma ® showed an anti-osteoarthritic potential by balancing the synthesis and degradation of joint cartilage.