Herbal Formulations Containing Tamarindus indica Seed Extract Significantly Improved Joint Mobility and Reduced Musculoskeletal Pain in Subjects with Mild-to-Moderate Knee Osteoarthritis

by | Apr 19, 2022 | 2022, Arthritis, Botanicals, Joint Health

Written by Taylor Woosley, Staff Writer. Results of the 56-day study demonstrate the efficacy of tamarind-containing botanical compositions on alleviating pain and improving joint function and physical mobility scores in participants through the reduction of low-grade inflammation. 

joint healthOsteoarthritis (OA), a chronic disease of the musculoskeletal system, is a complex systemic disorder that is characterized by progressive loss of joint function 1. It is distinguished by chronic synovial inflammation, with decreased bone mineral density and concentration of calcium and magnesium 2. Chronic inflammation disrupts homeostasis in bones and articular cartilage, further exacerbating inflammation of the joint 3. Prevalence of osteoarthritis increase with age, with obesity and female gender also being high risk factors for development 4.

Medicinal plants have been used throughout history to naturally treat a variety of common and chronic diseases. Various anti-inflammatory compounds found in plants, such as tamarind seed extract, have been researched as a potential therapeutic treatment for OA. Tamarind seed extract (TSE) mitigates elevated levels of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-6, thus exhibiting cartilage and bone protecting properties 5. Curcumin, the main active compound in turmeric, acts as a potent polyphenol and is an anti-inflammatory agent capable of inhibiting pro-inflammatory production 6. Additionally, Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen) contains robust levels of xanthones which have been used in traditional Asian medicine for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities 7.

Kare et. al explored the effects of two potent herbal formulations to protect against the inflammatory properties of OA in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The first formula was NXT15906F6, composed of the aqueous Tamarindus indica seed extract mixed with the aqueous ethanol extract of Curcuma longa rhizome, and the second herbal formulation was a combination of NXT15906F6 and an aqueous ethanol extract of Garcinia mangostana fruit rind. 90 subjects (age range of 40-70 years), with confirmed knee osteoarthritis diagnosis, participated in the study and were randomized into three groups and consumed identical capsules containing either 250 mg of NXT15906F6, 300 mg of NXT19185 or a placebo pill containing microcrystalline cellulose powder for the 56 days of the trial. Efficacy measurements included a reduction in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) score which is a scale measurement to identify levels of joint pain and physical function. Additionally, the second efficacy measurement was visible improvement in Visual analog scale (VAS) scores, Lequesne’s Functional Index (LFI), the six-minute walk test, stair climb test, and knee flexion range of motion (ROM). Functional assessments were conducted at the beginning of the study, and on follow-up visits on days 5, 28, and 56. Furthermore, blood and urine samples were obtained throughout the study at follow-up visits to track levels of serum proinflammatory markers and cartilage degradation. After completion of the study, the significant findings are as follows:

  • WOMAC scores in the NXT15906F6 group were reduced by 41.86% (p < 0.05) and in the NXT19185 group it was reduced by 56.17% (p < 0.05) compared to placebo.
  • VAS scores in the NXT15906F6 group showed a 42.60% reduction (p < 0.05) and the NXT19185 group showed a 54.17% reduction (p < 0.05). Placebo had a 16.62% reduction (p < 0.05) compared to baseline.
  • Both herbal formulation groups had a noticeable reduction in serum TNF-α levels, with a reduction of 21.65% in the NXT15906F6 group (p < 0.05) and a 24.68% reduction in the NXT19185 group (p < 0.05).
  • Inflammatory biomarkers were significantly reduced in both herbal groups, with a reduction in hsCRP concentrations in the NXT15906F6 of 34.67% from baseline (p < 0.05) and a reduction of 38.49% in the NXT19185 group (p < 0.05).

Study findings show significant improvements in overall joint function, physical mobility scores, and overall levels of inflammation in subjects assigned to either herbal formula. Further research should include a larger study group with a longer duration of trial to examine the continued efficacy of these anti-inflammatory promoting plants. Limitations of the study include the short length of the trial and the small subject group which does not allow for better examination of gender-specific benefits of the herbal formulations.

Source: Kare, Sanjeev Kumar, Vineet Vinay, Katarzyna Maresz, Victor Prisk, and Hogne Vik. “Tamarindus indica Seed Extract-Based Botanical Compositions Alleviate Knee Pain and Improve Joint Function in Mild-to-Moderate Osteoarthritis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2022 (2022).

© 2022 Sanjeev Kumar Kare et al. )is is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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Posted April 19, 2022.

Taylor Woosley studied biology at Purdue University before becoming a 2016 graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a major in Writing. She currently resides in Glen Ellyn, IL.

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