Q: I started using curcumin (as Curamed) in January 2017.  I had severe knee pain and swelling from arthritis.  My knee popped and cracked, and I limped.

I had read on the Arthritis Foundation website that this product works better than prescription drugs.  The swelling went down the very first day.  By day two, the pain was gone.  I kept up a daily pill for two months.

Then I went on a long trip, driving 11 hours a day, and forgot my pills.  By the end of three days, the swelling and pain had returned.  When I got home I resumed the daily dose.  In two days I was better.

In January of this year I dropped to a pill every other day.  Now I take two pills a week, and am pain-free.  I have told several people at my gym, and they have similar results.

A: There is a lot of controversy about the effectiveness of curcumin, one of the active ingredients in the spice turmeric.  Medicinal chemists have questioned its effectiveness (Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, Jan. 11, 2017).

On the other hand, there is quite a lot of research demonstrating its anti-inflammatory activity.  Many readers have found, as you do, that taking a high-quality curcumin product eases joint pain.

There are relatively few side effects, though some people report digestive upset or allergic skin reactions.  Anyone taking an anticoagulant should avoid curcumin, as it may increase the risk of bleeding.

• article by Joe and Teresa Graedon
• copyright The Seattle Times