We investigated how vitamin D affects arthritis, specifically focusing on knee osteoarthritis (OA) using a rat model. In our study, male Wistar rats were divided into five groups to evaluate the effects of curcumin, vitamin D, and their combination over 12 weeks.
Both vitamin D and curcumin independently reduced pain in the rats. However, when combined, they provided enhanced pain relief. We observed that vitamin D, alongside curcumin, showed promising results by reducing inflammation and improving joint health. The treatment groups exhibited lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and higher levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10).
Importantly, the supplements also helped restore some antioxidative markers and led to a significant reduction in the oxidative stress marker known as Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP). Histological examinations revealed that those treated with vitamin D and curcumin maintained better cartilage integrity and had reduced inflammation in the synovium.
Overall, our findings suggest that vitamin D, particularly in combination with curcumin, could play a vital role in managing knee OA by addressing both pain and the underlying inflammation, making it a potential option for arthritis treatment in clinical settings.