| Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the progressive deterioration of articular cartilage. Curcumin, a natural polyphenol, shows potential in the treatment of KOA. Basic research indicates that curcumin exerts therapeutic effects through multi-target mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and pro-autophagy activities. Clinical studies have confirmed that curcumin effectively relieves patients' WOMAC and VAS scores, with a lower incidence of gastrointestinal and cardiovascular adverse reactions compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, its low bioavailability limits the clinical application. Novel drug delivery systems, by enhancing stability, targeting, and sustained-release capabilities, are expected to overcome this bottleneck. This article reviews the mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, and advances in drug delivery systems of curcumin for KOA treatment, providing insights for clinical practice. |