title: Clinical effects of an avocado-soybean unsaponifiable extract on arthralgia and osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint: preliminary study.
abstract: The aim of the present preliminary study was to investigate the effectiveness of an avocado-soybean unsaponifiable extract (ASU) in patients with arthralgia and osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out. Fourteen women diagnosed with arthralgia and osteoarthritis of the TMJ using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders were included in the statistical analysis. The women were allocated randomly to two groups: ASU group and placebo group. Pain was measured using a visual analogue scale and pressure algometer. Mandibular function was evaluated through measurement of mandibular movements. Quality of life was measured using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). The medication (ASU capsules or placebo capsules) was used for 4 months and the total follow-up was 6 months. Those taking the ASU extract had a decrease in pain symptoms and an improvement in quality of life. Moreover, a significant reduction in the use of rescue medication was found in the ASU group compared to the placebo group. This preliminary study provides strong evidence of the effectiveness of an avocado-soybean unsaponifiable extract in patients with degenerative joint diseases and arthralgia in the TMJ. Further studies with larger samples should be performed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
authors.forename: I S
authors.initials: IS
authors.lastname: Catunda
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. Electronic address: belmiro@pesquisador.cnpq.br.
authors.forename: B C do E
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Vasconcelos
authors.affiliation: Oral Pathology, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
authors.forename: E S de S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Andrade
authors.affiliation: Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Restauração Hospital, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
authors.forename: D F N
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Costa
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018771:Arthralgia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D027421:Persea; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013025:Glycine max; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts
keywords: arthralgia; osteoarthritis; temporomandibular joint disorders