the column after these two elution steps according to the present invention it has been found that the combination of curcuminoids the essential oils of c domestica and the essential oils of c xanthorrhiza have anti inflammatory effects comparable to piroxicam a known anti inflammatory agent the combination has higher activity than that expected from the mixture of the components the anti inflammatory effects of the essential oils and their synergistic interaction with curcumin has not been previously described the administration of the combination is to be an effective method of treating muscle soreness backpain joint discomforts arthritis and other inflammatory conditions the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for controlling inflammation having active ingredients of curcuminoids the essential oils of c domestica and the essential oils of c xanthorrhiza in admixture with a pharmaceutical carrier the carrier can be either solid pharmaceutical carrier or diluent or liquid pharmaceutical carrier or diluent possibly in admixture with sweetening and or flavoring agent when intended for oral administration the pharmaceutical composition according to the present invention can be utilized in any of the dosage forms conventionally used for oral administration as the dosage form suitable for oral administration powder tablets pills capsules and dragees may be mentioned as examples the composition may be associated with a conventional carrier or diluent such as lactose starch calcium phosphate talc magnesium stearate polyvinyl pyrrolidone carboxymethylcellulose and gelatine a preferred composition for the.