Options category 06
Supplements and non-drug approaches with regulatory status, evidence limits, and interaction questions in view.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are widely marketed for osteoarthritis and joint health. NCCIH reports inconsistent study results and meaningful differences among professional guidelines and product formulations.
Read source profileTurmeric and curcumin products vary greatly in formulation and are promoted for several conditions. NCCIH does not treat the marketing claim as proof of clinical benefit.
Read source profileNCCIH reports some evidence of modest symptom benefit in rheumatoid arthritis, but omega-3 supplements are not disease-modifying replacements for prescribed treatment.
Read source profileSmall studies of oral boswellia suggest possible osteoarthritis symptom effects, but NCCIH says larger, higher-quality studies are needed and topical evidence is insufficient.
Read source profileNCCIH reports that acupuncture might help some people with osteoarthritis, while describing effects as generally modest and evidence as dependent on the condition and study.
Read source profileThe ACR/Arthritis Foundation guideline strongly recommends tai chi for knee and hip osteoarthritis, while NCCIH still notes study-quality and program-specific limitations.
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