What is the best anti-inflammatory oil for arthritis?

Last Updated May 2026 | Written by Chris Jones, Social Media Manager at Nutrivity with 7+ years in the supplement industry.

What Is the Best Anti-Inflammatory Oil for Arthritis — Evidence-Based Options

Arthritis — whether osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear degeneration) or rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune inflammation) — involves chronic inflammation in and around the joints. While pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) are effective, their long-term use carries well-documented risks including gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney damage, and cardiovascular events. This has driven growing interest in natural anti-inflammatory oils and supplements that can be used alongside or in place of conventional treatments for mild to moderate symptoms.

Several oils and plant-based supplements have genuine evidence for reducing joint inflammation and improving mobility. Others are marketed aggressively but have weak or non-existent clinical support. This guide separates the two.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids — The Foundation of Natural Anti-Inflammatory Support

Omega-3 fatty acids — specifically EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) — are the most extensively researched natural anti-inflammatory compounds for arthritis. They work by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids (prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes) and by promoting the production of resolvins and protectins — specialised mediators that actively resolve inflammation.

The evidence base is substantial. A 2017 meta-analysis published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that omega-3 supplementation significantly reduced joint pain intensity and reduced the need for NSAID use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. For osteoarthritis, the evidence is less dramatic but still positive — omega-3 supplementation has been associated with modest improvements in pain and function in several clinical trials.

The effective dose range in most studies is 2–4g of combined EPA and DHA per day, which typically requires multiple capsules of standard fish oil. Cod liver oil provides EPA and DHA alongside naturally occurring vitamins A and D — both of which have independent relevance to joint and bone health.

Cod Liver Oil — Omega-3 with Added Benefits

Cod liver oil is distinct from standard fish oil because of its naturally occurring vitamin A and vitamin D content. This makes it particularly relevant for people with arthritis because vitamin D contributes to normal muscle function and normal bone maintenance — both of which are compromised in arthritis — while omega-3 provides the anti-inflammatory benefit.

When combined with glucosamine — a compound that supports cartilage structure and has been shown to slow cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis — cod liver oil addresses both the inflammatory and structural components of joint disease. This dual approach is more effective than targeting either component alone.

Nutrivity’s Cod Liver Oil & Glucosamine 1000mg combines both in a single daily softgel. For more, see our guide to taking cod liver oil and glucosamine together and supplements to avoid with cod liver oil.

Virgin Olive Oil — Oleocanthal and Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Virgin olive oil contains a phenolic compound called oleocanthal that has attracted significant research interest for its anti-inflammatory properties. In a landmark 2005 study published in Nature, researchers demonstrated that oleocanthal inhibits the same cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) as ibuprofen — the same mechanism by which NSAIDs reduce inflammation and pain.

The potency is lower than pharmaceutical ibuprofen at normal dietary intake levels, but the cumulative effect of daily olive oil consumption as part of a Mediterranean diet is considered to be one of the reasons this dietary pattern is associated with lower rates of inflammatory disease. For people who want the benefits of oleocanthal in a concentrated, controlled form, softgel capsules provide a practical option.

Nutrivity’s Virgin Olive Oil 1000mg Soft Gels also include added vitamin E, which contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. For more, see our best olive oil capsules UK comparison.

Devil’s Claw — One of the Most Researched Herbal Anti-Inflammatories

Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a plant native to southern Africa whose tuberous root extract has been the subject of extensive clinical research for musculoskeletal pain and inflammation. Its primary active compound is harpagoside, which has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in both laboratory and clinical settings.

The clinical evidence for Devil’s Claw in arthritis is among the strongest of any herbal supplement. Multiple randomised controlled trials have found that Devil’s Claw extract at doses providing 50–100mg of harpagoside per day significantly reduces pain scores and improves mobility in both osteoarthritis and non-specific lower back pain. A 2004 Cochrane review concluded that there was moderate evidence supporting the use of Devil’s Claw for osteoarthritis and low back pain.

Nutrivity’s Devil’s Claw 2200mg Vegan Capsules use a concentrated extract to deliver one of the highest available strengths in the UK market. For more, see our Devil’s Claw vs turmeric comparison and how long Devil’s Claw stays in your system.

What About Turmeric and CBD Oil?

Turmeric (curcumin) — Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in laboratory settings. However, curcumin has extremely poor bioavailability — the body absorbs very little from standard turmeric supplements. Formulations with piperine (black pepper extract) or lipid-based delivery systems improve absorption, but even then, the clinical evidence for curcumin in arthritis is modest compared to omega-3 and Devil’s Claw. It may provide benefit as part of a broader anti-inflammatory strategy but is unlikely to produce significant results as a standalone treatment.

CBD oil — CBD (cannabidiol) has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in preclinical research. However, the clinical evidence for CBD in arthritis is still in its early stages. There are no large-scale randomised controlled trials demonstrating clear benefit for arthritis pain. CBD products also vary enormously in quality, potency, and regulatory status in the UK. If you choose to try CBD, purchase from a reputable UK supplier and be aware that evidence is preliminary.

Building an Anti-Inflammatory Supplement Strategy

The most effective natural approach to arthritis inflammation combines supplements that work through different mechanisms:

Anti-inflammatory — Omega-3 from cod liver oil + oleocanthal from virgin olive oil reduce inflammatory prostaglandin production through different pathways, providing complementary benefit.

Structural support — Glucosamine supports cartilage maintenance and has been shown to slow cartilage degradation. This addresses the structural component of osteoarthritis, not just the inflammatory symptoms.

Herbal pain relief — Devil’s Claw provides additional analgesic and anti-inflammatory support through harpagoside, targeting musculoskeletal pain specifically.

This three-pronged approach addresses inflammation, cartilage structure, and pain — the three core components of arthritis management.

Nutrivity Supplements for Arthritis and Inflammation

All Nutrivity supplements are manufactured in the UK in GMP-certified facilities. Vegan friendly products use HPMC plant-based capsules. Halal friendly. Free UK delivery on every order.

The Bottom Line

The best anti-inflammatory oils for arthritis are omega-3 from cod liver oil, oleocanthal from virgin olive oil, and herbal extracts like Devil’s Claw — all of which have clinical evidence for reducing joint inflammation and pain. A combined strategy targeting inflammation, cartilage structure, and pain produces better results than any single supplement. These natural approaches work best alongside appropriate physical activity, weight management, and conventional medical care for moderate to severe arthritis.

Key Takeaways

— Omega-3 (EPA and DHA) are the most extensively researched natural anti-inflammatories for arthritis

— Cod liver oil provides omega-3 plus vitamin D and vitamin A — all relevant to joint and bone health

— Glucosamine addresses cartilage structure, complementing the anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3

— Oleocanthal in virgin olive oil inhibits the same enzymes as ibuprofen

— Devil’s Claw is one of the most clinically researched herbal anti-inflammatories for musculoskeletal pain

— Curcumin has poor bioavailability and modest clinical evidence compared to omega-3 and Devil’s Claw

— CBD oil evidence for arthritis is preliminary — large-scale clinical trials are lacking

— A combined anti-inflammatory, structural, and analgesic approach is more effective than any single supplement

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