A comparison of efficacy of tocotrienol and turmeric (curcuma longa) in knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Background:Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorder worldwide and increasingly important in public health concern. The present study was conducted to compare the efficacy of tocotrienol and turmeric (curcuma longa) in osteoarthritis.Materials & Methods: 72 patients with OA were divided into 4 groups. Group I-Diclofenac 50 mg (twice a day), Group II- Diclofenac 50 mg + CL 500 mg (twice a day), Group III- Diclofenac 50 mg + Tocotrienol 200mg (twice a day) and Group IV- Diclofenac 50 mg + CL 500 mg + Tocotrienol 200mg (twice a day). Parmaeter such as knee pain by VAS, WOMAC score, IL- 1β, SOD were determined.Results: All the patients were found to be suffering from Grade 2 and Grade 3 osteoarthritis. Out of 72 patients enrolled in the study, 39 (54.2%) were Grade 2 and rest 33 (45.8%) were Grade 3. Difference in Grade of osteoarthritis among patients of above four groups was not found to be statistically significant (p=0.581).VAS score was significant at day 120 (P< 0.05). A significant WOMAC score at 60 and 120 days (P< 0.05).IL1-β and SOD showed significant difference at day 60, 120 respectively (P< 0.05).Conclusion:Combination of standard drug+curcumin+tocotrienol was better at inflammation control by reduction of IL1-β expression than the remaining three. However, if we take a single drug into account then tocotrienol was better than the others at curbing the process of inflammation.