Effectiveness and Safety of Manufactured Chinese Herbal Formula for Knee Osteoarthritis: Insights from a Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective. To assess the current clinical evidence of manufactured Chinese herbal formulae (MCHF) for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods. Seven databases were searched from inception to May 2015. Eligible randomized controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of MCHF for KOA were included. Data extraction, methodological assessment, and meta-analyses were conducted according to the Cochrane standards. Results. A total of 17 kinds of MCHF were identified from the twenty-six included trials. Meta-analyses showed that MCHF significantly relieved the global pain of knee joints, either used alone or combined with routine treatments. Additionally, MCHF plus routine treatments significantly decreased the scores of WOMAC and Lequesne index. However, there were no statistical differences between MCHF group and routine treatment group in walk-related pain and WOMAC scores. No significant differences were found in Lysholm scores. There were twenty-one trials that mentioned adverse events. A pooled analysis showed that adverse events occurred more frequently in control group compared with MCHF group. Conclusions. Our results indicated that MCHF showed some potential benefits for KOA. However, we still cannot draw firm conclusions due to the poor methodological quality of included trials. More high-quality RCTs would help to confirm the evidence.

The knowledge and self-management educational needs of older adults with knee osteoarthritis: A qualitative study

“…Alternative medicine is popular among Asian older adults (56) as it is believed to be harmless [56,57]. The effectiveness of traditional remedies for knee pain, however, remains controversial [58][59][60][61][62]. The reluctance to accept painkillers appeared to lead to activity avoidance and functional limitations, which are the primary concerns of our older persons with KOA as well as being worried about not being able to observe religious rituals involving kneeing or sitting cross-legged.…”

Chondroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Extracts from Semen Sojae Germinatum on IL 1Beta Stimulated Human Osteoarthritis Chondrocytes

“…Under this circumstance, complementary and alternative medicine represented by Chinese herbal medicine has become a popular treatment option for knee OA patients around the world. 9,10 In our previous study, 11 to investigate the preliminary effect of SSG on experimental OA, we have demonstrated that prepared SSG as feed could improve cartilage degeneration and cartilage matrix degradation, decrease the levels of inflammatory mediators in synovial fluid of osteoarthritic rabbit knee joints, suggesting SSG showed potential benefits for knee OA. Nevertheless, the active components of SSG and their pharmacological activities are still unclear.…”

Association between aspartic acid repeat polymorphism of the asporin gene and risk of knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“… 3 KOA is more important not only for its high prevalence rate compared with other types of OA but also for its presentation at earlier age groups particularly in younger age groups of obese women. 4 , a) , b) The KOA-related symptoms have a major impact on subject social and physical wellbeing, and KOA is expected to be the fourth leading cause of disability in 2020. 5 …”