Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis With Acupuncture, Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Sarsaparilla (Smilax officinalis) and Vitamin D: A Case Report

Objective The purpose of this case report is to analyze the treatment of a patient with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) using natural medicine. Clinical Features A 73-year-old woman complained of PsA in her second and third digits with gradual onset over a 6-month period. PsA was manifesting as dactylitis with moderate to severe stiffness and edema in her proximal and distal interphalangeal joints and the surrounding soft tissue. A radiographic image revealed narrowing of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints, mild erosion, and periosteal thickening. Intervention and Outcome Traditional Chinese Medicine-style acupuncture was combined with 500 mg of turmeric curcumin (Curcuma longa root extract) with 3 mg of black pepper extract (Piper nigrum) that was standardized to contain 95% curcuminoids, 425 mg of sarsaparilla root (Smilax officinalis) powdered capsules that were not standardized and 10,000 IU vitamin D3 as cholecalciferol oil capsules once a day. She received 2 acupuncture treatments in combination with the supplements. She experienced an increased range of motion and a reduction in edema and stiffness. She continued to experience a reduction in symptomatology while supplementing with turmeric curcumin, sarsaparilla root, and vitamin D3, which might have helped to control her symptoms. Supplementation with these agents may have helped to maintain the swelling and stiffness at a tolerable level for the past year. Conclusion The natural modalities administered to the patient might have been able to reduce her symptoms of PsA and maintain them at a tolerable level. Acupuncture, turmeric, sarsaparilla root, and vitamin D3 could be viable natural alternatives for the treatment of PsA.