Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Osteoarthritis
Also indexed as:Degenerative Arthritis, Degenerative Joint Disease, OA, Arthritis (Osteo)
Protect your joints and relieve osteoarthritis aches and pains. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Boswellia, Ashwagandha, Turmeric, and Zinc | 1,000 mg daily boswellia resin herbal extract or two capsules, three times per day of Aticulin-F (formula containing 100 mg boswellia, 450 mg ashwagandha, 50 mg turmeric, and 50 mg zinc) |  [3 stars] A combination of boswellia, ashwagandha, turmeric, and zinc effectively treated pain and stiffness in one study, without the stomach irritation that is a common side effect of NSAIDs. |
Cat’s Claw | 100 mg of a freeze-dried preparation daily | [3 stars] Cat’s claw has been used traditionally for osteoarthritis. In one trial, cat's claw was significantly more effective than a placebo at relieving pain and improving overall condition. |
Chili Peppers | Apply 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin ointment four times per day over painful joints | [3 stars] When rubbed over painful joints, cayenne extract creams containing 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin may reduce the pain and tenderness of osteoarthritis. |
Chondroitin Sulfate | 800 to 1,200 mg a day | [3 stars] Many trials have shown that supplementing with chondroitin sulfate reduces pain, increases joint mobility, and promotes healing within the joints. |
Ginger | 510 mg daily of a concentrated herbal extract, taken in divided doses | [3 stars] Ginger has historically been used for arthritis and rheumatism. Studies have shown it to be effective at relieving pain and swelling in people with osteoarthritis. |
Glucosamine | 1,500 mg daily | [3 stars] Glucosamine sulfate is necessary for joint cartilage synthesis and repair. It has been shown to significantly reduce osteoarthritis symptoms and appears to be virtually free of side effects.
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SAMe | 1200 mg daily | [3 stars] SAMe has anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and tissue-healing properties that may help protect the health of joints and reduce osteoarthritis symptoms. |
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | Refer to label instructions | [3 stars] Supplemental niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) has been reported to increase joint mobility, improve muscle strength, and decrease fatigue in people with osteoarthritis.
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Avocado and Soybean Unsaponifiables | Refer to label instructions |  [2 stars] An extract of avocado and soybean oils, known as avocado/soybean unsaponifiables, appears to reduce inflammation and help repair damaged cartilage tissue. |
Cartilage and Collagen | Refer to label instructions | [2 stars] Taking collagen hydrolysate may help relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee.
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Cetyl Myristoleate | 540 mg per day by mouth for 30 days | [2 stars] Cetyl myristoleate appears to be effective as a joint “lubricant” and anti-inflammatory agent. |
Devil’s Claw | 2,610 mg daily (containing 57 mg harpagoside, 87 mg total iridoid glycosides daily) | [2 stars] Devil’s claw extract was found in one trial to reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis as effectively as the slow-acting analgesic/ cartilage-protective drug diacerhein. |
Digestive Enzymes | 90 mg of bromelain and 48 mg of trypsin, with 100 mg of rutosid, taken in enteric-coated pills three times per day | [2 stars] In one study, people with painful osteoarthritis of the knee who received an oral enzyme-flavonoid preparation saw more improvement in pain and joint function than those who took a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID). |
DMSO | Apply a gel containing 25% DMSO under the direction of a qualified healthcare practitioner | [2 stars] Topical DMSO appears to be anti-inflammatory and able to relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis, possibly by inhibiting the transmission of pain messages by nerves. |
Green-Lipped Mussel | 1,050 to 2,100 mg daily of freeze-dried powder or 210 mg daily of lipid extract | [2 stars] New Zealand green-lipped mussel supplements have been shown in various studies to reduce joint tenderness and stiffness and improve pain, including knee pain in people with osteoarthritis. |
Guggul | 500 mg of a concentrated extract (3.5% guggulsterones) three times per day | [2 stars] In one trial, supplementing with guggul significantly improved symptoms in people with osteoarthritis of the knee. |
Krill Oil | 300 mg per day | [2 stars] In one study, people who took krill oil saw significant reduction in arthritis severity and used less pain-relief medication than those taking placebo.
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Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) | 2.25 to 6.0 grams per day | [2 stars] In one trial, supplementing with methyl-sulfonylmethane significantly reduced pain and improved overall physical functioning in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. |
Nettle | Apply stinging nettle under the direction of a qualified healthcare practitioner | [2 stars] Stinging nettle has historically been used for joint pain and has been shown to be safe and effective for relieving the pain of osteoarthritis. |
Olive Leaf | Refer to label instructions | [2 stars] In a double-blind trial, people with osteoarthritis of the knee had a significant improvement in their pain after taking olive leaf extract. |
Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol) | 100 to 150 mg per day | [2 stars] Double-blindresearch has shown thatPycnogenol may improve symptoms of osteoarthritis, including reducing pain and the use of pain-relieving medication andimproving walking performance.
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Rose Hips | 5 grams of rose hips powder daily | [2 stars] In a study of people with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip, supplementing with rose hips powder significantly reduced pain, joint stiffness, and overall disease severity. |
Turmeric (Curcumin) | Refer to label instructions | [2 stars] In a double-blind trial, supplementation with curcuminoids significantly improved pain and overall functioning in people with osteoarthritis of the knee. |
Vitamin E | 400 to 1,600 IU per day | [2 stars] As an antioxidant, vitamin E appears to help protect joints. |
White Willow
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