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Rheumatology 2001; 40: 779-793
© 2001 British Society for Rheumatology

Herbal medicines for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a systematic review

L. Long, K. Soeken1 and E. Ernst

Department of Complementary Medicine, School of Postgraduate Medicine and Health Studies, University of Exeter, 25 Victoria Park Road, Exeter EX2 4NT, UK and
1 University of Maryland School of Medicine, Complementary Medicine Program, Kernan Hospital Mansion, 2200 Kernan Drive, Baltimore, MD 21207-6697, USA

Abstract

Objective. Limitations in the conventional medical management of osteoarthritis indicate a real need for safe and effective treatment of osteoarthritis patients. Herbal medicines may provide a solution to this problem. The aim of this article was to review systematically all randomized controlled trials on the effectiveness of herbal medicines in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Methods. Computerized literature searches were carried out on five electronic databases. Trial data were extracted in a standardized, predefined manner and assessed independently.

Results. Twelve trials and two systematic reviews fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The authors found promising evidence for the effective use of some herbal preparations in the treatment of osteoarthritis. In addition, evidence suggesting that some herbal preparations reduce consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was found. The reviewed herbal medicines appear relatively safe.

Conclusions. Some herbal medicines may offer a much-needed alternative for patients with osteoarthritis.

KEY WORDS: Osteoarthritis, Degenerative joint disease, Herbal medicine, Phytomedicine.

Notes

Corresponding author: L. Long


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