Beneficial role of alpha tocopherol [vitamin E] in human osteoarthritis

ABSTRACT

Single bind six weeks study was conducted in 40 patients between the ages of 4 - 65 years of either sex suffering from osteoarthritis of at least one knee joint. Alpha tocopherol exhibited better effects by improving symptoms of pain at rest, pain on movement and pain on pressure as assessed by using a four point scoring system. Limitation of movements and walking time were also recorded but did not show any significant improvement. No adverse effects were noted of vitamin E except in one who complained of insomnia. The beneficial effects of vitamin E can be explained on its well known antioxidant effect, thus stabilizing the lysosomal membrane and inhibiting the release of irritating enzymes cathepsin ribonuclease galactosidases and sulfatases