Efficacy and Safety of a Turmeric Lemonade Energy Drink in the Management of Moderate Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial

Authors: Ajay Dhawan [1], Jenna Stangland [2], Biji T Kurien [3]

[1] Golden Tiger Corp, Tujunga, California, USA,

[2] Registered and Licensed Dietitian, Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, Team Dietitian Minnesota Wild, Director of Nutrition Minnesota Timberwolves,

[3] Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, and Research Scientist, Oklahoma City Veterans Administration Medical Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.

Address of Correspondence:
Dr. Biji Kurien, Staff Scientist at Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, and Research Scientist, Oklahoma City Veterans Administration Medical Center, 921 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104, USA. E-mail: kurienb@gmail.com

Article Received : 2025-03-22,

Article Accepted : 2026-04-09

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of turmeric lemonade energy drink manufactured by Golden Tiger Life Corp, USA, in the treatment of patients with moderate knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods: In this single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, 27 patients with knee OA were randomly assigned to receive either a turmeric lemonade energy drink (Golden Tiger Life Corp, USA) or a placebo, twice daily, meaning one 12 FL oz bottle for 28 days. Patients underwent assessment at baseline and days 14, and 28. The main outcome measure was the mean change from baseline to end of treatment in Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and the change in endurance from baseline to end of treatment was assessed by the distance covered in 6 min’ walk test at days 14 and 28. Changes in joint pain (Visual Analog Scale [VAS] score), metabolic panel, lipid profile, analgesic (paracetamol) requirement, and global tolerability on a 3-point scale were included as secondary outcome measures. Safety after treatment was evaluated by recording adverse events (AEs) and laboratory investigations.

Results: At days 14 and 28, patients receiving turmeric lemonade energy drink showed consistently greater numerical improvement across all subscales of KOOS, and a significant increase in walking distance compared to those receiving a placebo. Both treatment groups showed a significant reduction in VAS scores from baseline by day 28 (P < 0.01). No major AEs were reported associated with study treatments. Patients’ and physician’s global assessment of therapy was similar in the two treatment groups.

Conclusion: The study confirms curcumin’s potential in moderate knee OA management, with Golden Tiger Turmeric Lemonade Energy Drink in improving pain, mobility, and metabolic stability over placebo. Overall, the product offers a safe, effective alternative to conventional knee OA treatments, paving the way for nutraceutical advancements.

Keywords: Turmeric-lemonade, osteoarthritis, curcumin, bioactive.

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How to Cite This Article: Dhawan A, Stangland J, Kurien BT. Efficacy and Safety of a Turmeric Lemonade Energy Drink in the Management of Moderate Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial. Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics 2026 May, 11(05): 65-73.

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