The effect of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. whole fruit and medulla powder on women with osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized controlled clinical trial

IntroductionIn this clinical trial, the effect of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. whole fruit and medulla powders on clinical symptoms of females with knee osteoarthritis (OA) was investigated.MethodIn the present randomized double blinded placebo-controlled study, ninety females with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to one of three groups - medulla powder, whole fruit powder or placebo for 8 weeks. The WOMAC index was used as a primary outcome and crepitus, swelling, and joint instability were assessed as secondary outcomes before and at the end of supplementation.ResultsAfter 8 weeks of supplementation, compared with the baseline, significant reductions in scores of pain, stiffness and physical function were observed in the two supplemented groups, however, the reduction of these values was not statistically significant in the placebo group. There were significant differences between the patients receiving medulla powder and the placebo group in the case of changes in pain (p < 0.001) and physical function (p = 0.001) scores. However, no significant differences were found between the whole fruit powder and the placebo groups or between the two supplemented groups for changes in any scores (p > 0.01). The number needed to treat (99%CI) values for patients who consumed medulla and whole fruit powders for at least 50% improvement in pain, were 3 (2-40) and 6 (−9 to 2), respectively.DiscussionGenerally, medulla powder of E. Angustifolia L. had positive effects, especially in improving pain as well as stiffness and physical function in females with knee OA.