A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial of a topical cream containing glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and camphor for osteoarthritis of the knee.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the ability of a topical preparation of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate to reduce pain related to osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.


METHODS
Sixty-three patients were randomized to receive either a topical glucosamine and chondroitin preparation or placebo to be used as required over an 8 week period. Efficacy was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain as well as the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the SF-36 questionnaire.


RESULTS
VAS scores indicated a greater mean reduction in pain for the glucosamine/chondroitin preparation group (mean change -3.4 cm, SD 2.6 cm) compared to the placebo group (mean change -1.6 cm, SD 2.7 cm) after 8 weeks. After 4 weeks the difference between active and placebo groups in their mean reduction from baseline was 1.2 (95% CI 0.1 to 2.4, p = 0.03) and after 8 weeks was 1.8 (95% CI for difference between groups, 0.6 to 2.9 cm; p = 0.002).


CONCLUSIONS
Topical application of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate is effective in relieving the pain from OA of the knee and improvement is evident within 4 weeks.
Cohen
Marc
M
Department of Complementary Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Australia. marc.cohen@rmit.edu.au
Wolfe
Rory
R
Mai
Trudy
T
Lewis
Daniel
D
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000982:Antipruritics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002164:Camphor / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005944:Glucosamine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D036142:Mentha piperita; D008875:Middle Aged; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D010276:Parasympatholytics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010919:Placebos; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000982:Antipruritics; D010276:Parasympatholytics; D010919:Placebos; D010938:Plant Oils; D002164:Camphor; D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates; C015424:peppermint oil; D005944:Glucosamine