Abstract
Objective: Clinical data demonstrating the efficacy of nutraceutical
compounds marketed for osteoarthritis (OA) symptom relief have mainly
been contentious. Furthermore, no association has been linked to its safety and
effectiveness in the Kurdish population. This study aimed to primarily
investigate the efficacy of New Zealand green-lipped mussel extract+ ginkgo
biloba (GLME+) in patients diagnosed with OA of the knee and concurrently
assess GLME+ impact on inflammation.
Methods: An open-label, single-group allocation study administered 500
mg/day of GLME and 50mg/day of ginkgo biloba over eight weeks to 40
subjects diagnosed with knee OA. The outcome measure was scored using the
WOMAC. The inflammatory chemokine (CCL3) and MPO serum
concentrations were measured. An intention-to-treat analysis was employed
and subject data was collected at T₀ and T₈ weeks.
Results: Paired t-tests showed significant improvement for the WOMAC (p
< 0.001) score in post-treated OA patients with GLME+. A Paired t-test also
showed a significant reduction in inflammatory chemokine (CCL3) (p <
0.001) in post-treated OA patients. However, serum MPO levels showed no
statistically significant changes (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Green-lipped mussel extract+ ginkgo biloba (GLME+)
significantly improved knee joint pain, stiffness, and mobility in OA patients.
The chondroprotective properties of GLME+ included suppression of
oxidative damage and inhibition of inflammation implicated in the
pathogenesis of OA cartilage damage. We suggest that GLME+ may usefully
treat OA patients.