There is evidence that turmeric may have anti-inflammatory properties. The effect is thought to be through the blockade of cytokines in the inflammatory pathway, including COX-2, the target of some non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. The therapeutic benefits accorded to turmeric can be traced back to the anti-oxidant curcumin, which has shown considerable potential for healing a variety of conditions. Some studies have even shown turmeric to be helpful in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Although there is limited evidence for its use in bursitis, its anti-inflammatory properties make turmeric a viable option in the treatment of bursitis. One must bear in mind, however, that the curcumin content of turmeric is not that high, and the compound has low bio-availability. At the same time, taking high doses of turmeric can have a blood-thinning effect, and should be used with caution by those currently on blood thinners.