Efficacy of two concentrations of comfrey root (symphytum officinale l.) Extract ointments combined with tannic acid in the treatment of patients with primary osteoarthritis of the knee: a double-blind, randomized, multicenter, placebo-controlled trial
Jacobson, Bert, H.
Health and Human Performance Laboratory. Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma, USA
Abstract:
Symphytum officinale L. or comfrey has a long history as a healing agent for wounds, sprains, and fractures. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of two concentrations of comfrey root extract ointment combined with tannic acid and eucalyptus to a eucalyptus reference cream on pain, stiffness and physical functioning in those diagnosed with primary osteoarthritis of the knee. Male and female subjects (N=33) ranging in age from 45 to 83 were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups; 10% and 20% ointment of comfreyrot extract (4Jointz). Data was collected by the WOMAC osteoarthritis index on pain, stiffness and function. Participants applied the ointments 3/d for 6 weeks and were evaluated every 2 weeks during the treatment period. Repeated measures ANOVAs yielded significant differences (p<0.01) among the groups on all of the WOMAC categories indicating that both active topical comfrey/tannic acid formulations were effective in relieving pain, stiffness and improving physical functioning and were superior to placebo in those with primary osteoarthritis of the knee.
