Abstract
M.Tech. (Homoeopathy)
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic and debilitating condition, characterized by irreversible damage
to the joint space, most commonly affecting the knees, hips, hands and spine (Colledge et al.,
2010). OA is the leading cause of joint pain and disability in middle-aged and elderly persons
(Long et al., 2001). The prevalence of OA of the knee in adults living in the United Sates has
grown from a reported 21 million in 1990 to a total estimate of 26.9 million in 2005 (CDC,
2011). By the age of 65 years, 80% of the total population has been reported as showing
radiographic evidence of OA; while a 20-30% of the total population is symptomatic with
radiographic evidence of OA (Doherty et al., 2006).
Conventional treatment for OA of the knee is aimed at pain management by use of analgesics
and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Some negative effects of these drugs
include drug dependency, liver and kidney damage, cardiovascular pathologies, gastric upset and
depression. Corticosteroid injections are also used to alleviate chronic inflammation and joint
pain, but may lead to further joint destruction (Shamoon and Hochberg, 2000; Mayo Foundation
for Medical Education and Research, 2011).
OsteoEze Gold™ is a nutraceutical product that contains chondroitin sulphate, glucosamine
sulphate, vitamin C and manganese. In combination, the constituents of OsteoEze Gold™ have
been shown to be useful in the treatment for OA of the knee (Clegg et al., 2006). In addition,
studies have shown that these ingredients prove effective in reducing moderate to severe pain in
sufferers of OA of the knee (Vidyasagar et al., 2004).
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of OsteoEze Gold™ on the inflammatory
marker C-reactive protein (CRP) and quality of life in OA of the knee using blood tests and the
Arthritic Impact Measurement Scales (AIMS2SF) respectively.
This was a 16-week, double blind, placebo-controlled study using matched pairs according to
age, gender and severity of symptoms, and formed part of a group study, with another
researcher, who utilized the Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain scale (ICOAP) Short
Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and the same sample...