A combination of Scutellaria baicalensis and Acacia catechu extracts for short‐term symptomatic relief of joint discomfort associated with osteoarthritis of the knee (134.2)

Abstract

The extracts of Scutellaria baicalensis and Acacia catechu have been shown in previous studies to alleviate joint discomfort, reduce stiffness, and improve mobility by reducing the production of proinflammatory molecules over long periods of supplementation. The acute effects of intake of these extracts have not yet been investigated. Thus, we carried out a one week clinical trial for the purpose of examining the extent to which a natural proprietary blend of S. baicalensis and A. catechu (UP446) decreases knee joint pain, mobility, and biomarkers of inflammation in comparison to naproxen. Seventy‐nine men and women (40‐90 years old) diagnosed as having mild to moderate osteoarthritis (OA) consumed either 500 mg/day of the UP446 supplement or 440 mg/day of naproxen for 1 week in a double‐blind randomized control trial. Pain, knee range of motion (ROM), and overall physical activity were evaluated at the start of treatment and at final. Fasting blood was collected for the determination of serum interleukins 1β and 6, tumor necrosis factor‐α, C‐reactive protein and hyaluronic acid with the use of enzyme‐linked immunosorbant assay. The UP446 group experienced a significant decrease in perceived pain (P = .009) time dependently. Stiffness was significantly reduced by both treatments (P = .002, P = .008, UP446 and naproxen, respectively). Significant increases in mean ROM over time (P = .04) were found in the UP446 group. These findings suggest that UP446 is effective in reducing the physical symptoms associated with knee OA.Grant Funding Source: Unigen, Inc.