New hope for patients with joint pain
Trial reveals that rose hip compound could reduce the chronic pain of osteoarthritis
Newly released data from a multi-centre Danish trial has revealed that a compound derived from rose-hip has the power to reduce the chronic pain of osteoarthritis (OA).1 Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK, and around a million people see their GP about it every year.
The 12-week study, announced recently at The Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) World Congress in Paris, demonstrated significant improvements in a placebo-controlled trial involving 120 patients with osteoarthritis. Patients who were randomly allocated the drug-free compound GOPO experienced improved pain scores for joint pain and stiffness in the knee and hip, plus a reduction in levels of C-reactive protein (a marker for inflammation in the body).
Professor Roger Knaggs, specialist pharmacist in pain management, believes that healthcare professionals should adhere to relevant professional and national guidelines wherever possible. He comments: “These guidelines have taken a step towards more patient-centred clinical decision making.
“The evidence supporting the use of paracetamol in OA is weak; there may be some patients who will benefit from its use, but they will be very few in number. Many patients are keen to seek natural alternatives, and the evidence supporting the benefits of GOPO as a treatment for OA appears to be consistent as further studies are produced. Patients who wish to try a natural remedy in addition to their prescribed treatment, exercise and weight control programmes, may, on the basis of this study, consider GOPO.”
Reference
1. Marstrand, K., Warholm, L., Petersen, F., (2014). Low-dose seed and shell powder from rose-hip (Rosa canina) can alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis and reduce C-reactive protein in patients suffering from osteoarthritis. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Horsens Hosptial, Department of Trauma and Medicine Horsens Hospital, Department of Gynaecology, Skejby Hospital, University of Aarhus, Denmark.
