Yes, studies suggest that turmeric may help reduce inflammation and ease symptoms associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
While research into curcumin/turmeric is limited, this spice has anti-inflammatory properties that can help keep symptoms at bay. Preliminary research in Journal of Cellular Biochemistry showed improved symptoms in study participants after taking a curcumin formulation.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Studies have shown these nutrients help control symptoms in people with rheumatic diseases, including ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for muscle activity, cell growth, and other body functions.
While empirical support for herbal supplements use in autoimmune disease is limited, some patients report benefits, particularly with anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric.
8 Natural Ways to Relieve Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain
Chinese herbal medicine is a commonly used traditional treatment for ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Among them, Yanghe decoction (YHD) has an obvious effect in relieving the symptoms of AS, but its efficacy is still controversial.
Some of the most effective natural painkillers include:
Turmeric contains curcumin, an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that may decrease arthritis pain. It may take a month or two for you to notice any effects from taking turmeric supplements. In addition to taking turmeric in pill or capsule form, you can also use turmeric in cooking or apply it as a paste.
Examples of important herbs in the management of autoimmune conditions:
Liver disease: There is some concern that turmeric can damage the liver, especially in people who have swelling (inflammation) of the liver (hepatitis) or reduced or blocked flow of bile from the liver (cholestasis). Don't use turmeric if you have these liver problems. Surgery: Turmeric might slow blood clotting.
Keeping active can improve your posture and range of spinal movement, along with preventing your spine becoming stiff and painful. As well as keeping active, physiotherapy is a key part of treating AS. A physiotherapist can advise about the most effective exercises and draw up an exercise programme that suits you.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), spondyloarthritis (SpA) prototype characteristically involves the axial skeleton and enthesis. The pathogenesis of AS is multifactorial, however it has been reported that one important factor that might contribute is vitamin D deficiency.
July 18, 2025
A new peer-reviewed study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology suggests that ivarmacitinib, a new medication known as a selective JAK1 inhibitor, may be a promising treatment for people with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The study was a randomized, double-blind clinical trial.
One animal study that looked at rheumatoid arthritis found that even though both turmeric and ginger reduced the incidence and severity of flare-ups, turmeric had significantly more anti-inflammatory and antioxidant power than ginger.
This dose of curcumin is not completely harmless, however, as human studies have shown that curcumin at doses ranging from 0.9 to 3.6 g day−1 for 1–4 months originates some adverse effects including nausea and diarrhea and causes an increase in serum alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase.
Regular measurement of BMD and vitamin D is important to prevent fractures that may cause vital complications and disability. Vitamin D is a potential factor in the pathogenesis of AS. Monitoring vitamin D levels may have benefits in controlling inflammation and disease activity.
Turmeric and curcumin extracts improved clinical and/or laboratory outcomes in ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, oral lichen planus, Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and psoriasis, with a greater clinical effect in psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Artemisia annua has been widely used to treat autoimmune diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematoses (SLE) and RA. It was traditionally prescribed for “summer heat' or inflammatory conditions which worsen in the hot summer months.
The "worst" autoimmune diseases are subjective but often ranked by severity, impact on life expectancy, and organ damage, with top contenders including Giant Cell Myocarditis (deadly heart inflammation), Vasculitis (blood vessel inflammation like GPA), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (multi-organ attacks), Multiple Sclerosis (nervous system damage), and Type 1 Diabetes (pancreas destruction). These conditions can severely affect quality of life, cause permanent disability, and reduce lifespan if not managed effectively, though rare ones like Giant Cell Myocarditis are acutely fatal.
“The most common side effects of turmeric include nausea, upset stomach and diarrhea, but it may also cause allergic reactions, rash/hives, dizziness and kidney stones,” he said. People with diabetes should also be aware that turmeric can lower blood sugar, he added.
10 Medications You Should Avoid Mixing With Turmeric
Turmeric is a good choice if you want overall support, enjoy incorporating herbs into your cooking, or prefer a gentle, whole-food option. Curcumin supplements may offer more substantial targeted benefits if you have specific health concerns, such as joint pain, metabolic issues, or chronic inflammation.
Black, white, and green teas are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols which can help combat inflammation. Some herbal teas also have anti-inflammatory benefits. Many herbs and spices also contain compounds that can help combat inflammation.
“Some research results show that people who have osteoarthritis reported less joint pain when eating turmeric in recipes,” Brown says. “Turmeric's effect on mood disorders, depression and dementia have also been explored, but studies are small, so more research will reveal if there is a benefit.”
Curcumin is the active chemical in turmeric root; it blocks inflammatory cytokines and enzymes in two inflammatory pathways. Several human trials have shown an anti-inflammatory benefit, which can translate to reduced joint pain and swelling. The yellow spice is popular in curries and other Indian dishes.