Chondroitin and knee OA 
Doctors usually treat osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee with anti-inflam- matories like celecoxib, but these drug medications can have serious side effects. In this study, 604 people with symptomatic knee OA took 800 mg of chondroitin sulfate plus a fake celecoxib tablet, a fake chondroitin capsule plus 200 mg of celecoxib, or two fake chondroitin and celecoxib pills, per day. Most participants were women, average age 65, with body mass index (BMI) scores of 30, indicating obesity.
After 30 days, all three groups reported less pain and better joint function. But by three months, compared to placebo, joint function had improved for chondroitin and celecoxib, and by six months, pain in both treatment groups had also improved more than placebo. Participants rated pain relief and better joint function nearly equally for celecoxib and chondroitin.
Doctors said chondroitin sulfate appears to be a safe way to manage symptoms of OA of the knee.
Curcumin boosts bone density
Bone loses density with age and becomes fragile, a condition called osteopenia. In this study, 57 healthy people with low bone density participated in a standard management plan with or without 1,000 mg of curcumin per day. The plan consisted of taking vitamins C, D, and calcium supplements, plus regular exercise for 20 minutes, four times per week.
After 24 weeks, while the non- curcumin group had not improved, the curcumin group saw significant increases in bone density at the heel, small finger, and upper jaw. Doctors said taking curcumin along with an appropriate lifestyle may help delay the effects of aging on bone density.
Reference: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases; May, 2017, Published Online