Background and objectives: Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of joint pain and limited mobility in old age. Current treatments mostly relieve pain and symptoms of the disease but do not stop the progression of the disease. Due to its significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential, Elaeagnus Angustifolia (EL) fruit extract has emerged as a promising candidate for the management of knee osteoarthritis. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of EL gel versus diclofenac in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 112 patients with grade II and III osteoarthritis, aged 40-75 years, were included in the study. Patients in both groups received diclofenac tablets (25 mg, twice daily) for 8 weeks. Additionally, the treatment group applied EL fruit gel twice daily, while the placebo group applied a placebo gel twice daily. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) were tested at pre-intervention, plus 4, and 8 weeks post-intervention.
Results: The mean differences in osteoarthritis symptoms and daily activity in the intervention group after 8 weeks showed significant improvements (P < 0.001) compared to baseline, with changes of 1.19 ± 0.17 and 2.50 ± 2.16, respectively. Additionally, significant reductions in stiffness (P = 0.03) and pain symptoms (P = 0.03) were observed in the intervention group compared to the placebo group, with changes of -0.69 ± 0.32 and -2.71 ± 1.26, respectively.
Conclusion: The gel extract of EL fruit significantly reduced pain and stiffness joint index in the intervention group in osteoarthritis.