Evaluation of the effectiveness of topical oily solution containing frankincense extract in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Pharmacological treatments of osteoarthritis (OA) have several side effects. Boswellia serrata resin (frankincense) is rich in boswellic acids that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects; though, their oral bioavailability is low. The aim of this study was evaluation of the clinical effectiveness of frankincense extract in the treatment of knee OA. In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, eligible patients with knee OA were randomly divided into two groups of drug (33 patients) and control (37 patients), to use oily solution of frankincense extract or placebo, respectively, on the involved knee three times daily for four weeks. WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index), VAS (visual analogue scale; for pain severity), and PGA (patient global assessment) scores were determined before and after intervention. RESULTS: For all evaluated outcome variables, there was a significant decrease from baseline in both groups (P < 0.001 for all). Furthermore, the end-of-intervention values for all parameters were significantly lower in drug group than placebo group (P < 0.001 for all), showing more effectiveness of drug compared to placebo. CONCLUSION: Topical oily solution containing enriched extract of boswellic acids could decrease pain severity and improve the function in patients with knee OA. Trial Registration Trial registration number: IRCT20150721023282N14. Trial registration date: September 20, 2020. The study was retrospectively registered in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT).

Efficacy of an Oral Solution Containing Five Herbal Extracts in the Treatment of Urolithiasis: A Randomized, Single-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial.

Objective: The high prevalence of urolithiasis and its recurrence entail the preparation of an efficient drug with the least side effects. Tribulus terrestris, Urtica dioica, Adiantum capillus-veneris, Stigma maydis (corn silk), and Cucumis melo are herbal remedies utilized in traditional medicine for urolithiasis. This study aimed to assess the efficiency of these plants' extracts in treating urolithiasis. Methods: In a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, participants meeting inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to the drug (n = 27) and placebo (n = 27) groups to take herbal or placebo solutions, respectively, at a dose of 60 drops 3 times daily for 4 weeks with standard treatment. Before and after the intervention, 24-h urine volume and the quantities of calcium, sodium, citrate, oxalate, urea, creatinine, and uric acid in 24-h urine, and urinary pH were measured. The number and size (diameter in mm) of stones were determined by ultrasonography and recorded for each patient. Findings: Except for 24 h urine volume, other urinary parameters did not alter significantly at the end of the intervention compared to baseline. Furthermore, the two groups had no significant difference regarding these indices. Regarding stone parameters, the stone size decreased significantly in the drug group compared to the placebo group (P = 0.049). The number of cases with complete stone expulsion in the drug group was significantly higher than in the placebo group (12 cases vs. 4 cases, respectively, P = 0.017). Conclusion: Oral consumption of the herbal solution causes stone size reduction and stone expulsion in patients with urolithiasis.