RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The Effectiveness of a Herbal Supplement in Osteoarthritis.

This study is investigating a new plant-based supplement for adults who have pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis in their knees or hips. We want to see how well it works to reduce symptoms and if it's safe. Participants will take the actual supplement and a dummy pill (placebo) for separate periods. They will fill out online questionnaires and do some simple physical tests at home to track how they feel. This research aims to understand if this natural combination of Boswellia serrata, Curcuma longa, and Vitis vinifera can offer a new way to manage osteoarthritis symptoms.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Middlesex University

Enrolment target

Start

05 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2026

Osteoarthritis (OA)Osteoarthritis (OA) of the Hip Osteoarthritis (OA) of the Knee Osteoarthritis

What is this study about?

This study is about a problem called osteoarthritis, which is a common condition that causes joint pain and stiffness, most often in the knees and hips. We are looking at a new herbal supplement that brings together three natural ingredients: Boswellia serrata, Curcuma longa (often known as turmeric), and Vitis vinifera (grape vine extract). We want to find out if this combination can help people who have knee or hip osteoarthritis feel better and move more easily.

To do this, we will compare the herbal supplement to a "placebo." A placebo looks exactly like the real supplement but doesn't contain any active ingredients. This helps us understand if any improvements are genuinely due to the supplement or if they happen for other reasons, like the expectation of feeling better.

By taking part, you would help us understand if this natural option could be a safe and effective way to manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis. The information we gather will help doctors and patients make more informed choices about managing this condition in the future.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates a natural supplement for knee or hip osteoarthritis.
It aims to see if the supplement can reduce pain and improve movement.
Participants will try both the real supplement and a dummy pill (placebo).
Participation involves taking pills, answering online questions, and doing simple physical tests.
The study helps us understand if this herbal mix could be a future option for managing osteoarthritis.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to join this study if you are an adult, aged 18 or over, and have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in your knee or hip. You would need to be experiencing a certain level of pain and some difficulty with daily activities due to your osteoarthritis.

However, you wouldn't be able to take part if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have certain other health conditions like autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis or lupus), a history of stomach ulcers, or cancer. If you've recently had joint injections (like corticosteroids) or are expecting surgery on your joint soon, you also wouldn't be able to participate. We also need to check that you're not allergic to any of the ingredients in the supplement or to common pain relievers like NSAIDs. Likewise, conditions affecting your liver or kidneys, or certain medications, would mean you couldn't join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a diagnosis of osteoarthritis in your knee or hip?
Are you currently experiencing pain from your osteoarthritis (specifically, moderate to severe pain in the last 24 hours)?
Are you able to walk and move around on your own?
Are you NOT currently pregnant or breastfeeding?
Have you NOT had joint injections (e.g., steroids) in your affected joint in the last 12 months?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will be given both the active herbal supplement and a placebo (dummy pill) to take, but one after the other, not at the same time. Each of these periods will last for 4 weeks. Throughout the study, you'll be asked to complete questionnaires online about your pain and how well you can move – you'll do this 6 times in total over the study period. You will also perform three simple physical tests that can be done at home and recorded online, also 6 times. Finally, you will provide a urine sample at some point during the study. The total duration of your active involvement in the study will be about 8 weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might help us discover a new way to manage osteoarthritis, which could ultimately benefit you or others with the condition. However, there's no guarantee that you will personally feel better during the study, especially during the period you're taking the placebo. While the herbal ingredients are generally considered safe, there's always a small chance of side effects or allergic reactions to any of the components, or potential interactions with other medications you might be taking. The study involves some time commitment for taking the supplements and completing questionnaires and physical tests. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Middlesex Univeristy London
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis where the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, most commonly your knees or hips.

What is a 'placebo'?

A placebo is a pill or treatment that looks exactly like the real thing but contains no active medicine. It helps researchers see if the real treatment works better than just the expectation of treatment.

Will I know if I'm taking the real supplement or the placebo?

No, during the study, neither you nor the researchers will know whether you are taking the active supplement or the placebo at any given time. This is called 'blinding' and helps ensure unbiased results.

Are herbal supplements safe?

While many herbal ingredients are considered natural, they can still have effects on the body, including side effects or interactions with other medications. It's always important to discuss any supplements with your doctor.

How long will I take part in the study?

You will take the active supplement for 4 weeks and the placebo for 4 weeks, making the active part of your participation about 8 weeks in total.

How to find out more

Patrycja Brodka Pedrp, MSc

p.x.brodkapedro@mdx.ac.uk 020-8411-2721 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.