A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in Z Rheumatology (2000;59:314–320) evaluated the effectiveness of a standardized willow bark extract in patients with osteoarthritis. In this study, 78 subjects were divided evenly into two groups: 39 received a willow bark extract standardized to provide 240 mg of salicin per day, and 39 received a placebo. Pain was assessed using the WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index. The group receiving the willow bark extract experienced a 14% improvement in pain scores, while the placebo group showed a 2% increase in pain. The authors concluded that standardized willow bark extract was effective and well tolerated in this population.
Additional research supports the use of botanical therapies for arthritis-related pain. A study published in Arthritis and Rheumatism (November 2001;44(11):2531–2538) examined the effects of ginger extract in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The trial included 262 participants (98 men and 164 women, with a mean age of approximately 65 years). Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either a standardized ginger extract or a placebo. Both groups were permitted to use acetaminophen as needed for pain control.
Patients receiving the ginger extract experienced significant reductions in pain associated with walking 50 feet and standing, as well as improvements in scores on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. The ginger group also required less acetaminophen than the placebo group. The authors concluded that ginger extract provided a modest but meaningful benefit for patients with osteoarthritis.
