Background: Curcuminoids and acupressure have beneficial effects in reducing pain and inflammation in patients with osteoarthritis. However, only a few clinical trials are investigating biomarkers to prove this objectively.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the effect of acupressure and curcuminoids on inflammatory markers and pain in older people with osteoarthritis genu.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted among older people with osteoarthritis. All participants were randomized to a group that received 30 mg of curcuminoids in turmeric extract capsules and acupressure (group 1) or a group that received a placebo and sham acupressure (group 2) for 3 weeks.

Results: The study was approved by the research ethics board; ClinicalTrials.gov reviewed this protocol. The extracts were manufactured from May 2023 to June 2023. Participant recruitment was conducted in September and October 2023; a total of 72 participants aged 60 years or older participated, of whom 75% (n=54) were female. Data were analyzed in April 2024, and dissemination of results is expected by the end of 2024.

Conclusions: Primary outcomes were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. Relationships were assessed with inflammatory markers, endorphin hormones, and blood level of cycloxygenase-2 hormone. Additionally, secondary outcomes included pain, ability to perform activities of daily living, and quality of life. The beneficial effects that may be found in this trial may be exceptionally relevant in clinical practice, justifying this scientific inquiry. The benefits of herbs and acupressure can be helpful as additional options in treating inflammation and pain in patients with osteoarthritis.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06105840; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06105840.

International registered report identifier (irrid): DERR1-10.2196/54970.