Protective effects of turmerosaccharides rich extract of Curcuma longa L. in osteoarthritic dogs

Introduction Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage deterioration, leading to chronic pain and impaired immobility particularly in older dogs. Aim This study investigated the protective effects of a turmerosaccharides-rich extract of Curcuma longa L. in the management of canine OA. Methodology Twenty dogs with OA were randomized into two treatment groups. One group received the C. longa extract orally at 300 mg/20 kg body weight once daily for 42 days. The second group received glucosamine hydrochloride with chondroitin sulfate (Glu/CS), administered orally for the same duration, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Therapeutic response was evaluated using laboratory parameters, veterinarian, owner reported assessments, and radiological examination of the affected joints. Dogs were re-evaluated on days 49 and 56 following treatment withdrawal. Results and discussion Both veterinarian and owner assessments demonstrated that the C. longa extract produced a significant reduction in pain and clinical signs associated with OA. The extract was palatable and well tolerated, with no adverse events observed throughout the study. Radiographic evaluation revealed no substantial changes in joint space or structural integrity. Collectively, these findings demonstrate turmerosaccharide-rich C. longa extract is a safe, well-accepted and clinically effective therapeutic option for the management of OA in dogs.