Abstract

The present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of ginger extract on knee pain, stiffness and difficulty in patients with knee osteoarthritis. 204 patients with knee osteoarthritis were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial. After a 1-week washing period, the groups received ginger extract (103 cases) or placebo (101 cases). A responder was defined by a reduction in pain of > 15 mm on a visual analog scale (VAS) or by 20% reduction in the mean score of each index of the Western Ontario and Mc Master Universities (WOMAC) criteria after 6 weeks. Pain reduction according to VAS was more significant in ginger group than placebo (p<0.05). Although pain reduction according to WOMAC was greater in ginger than placebo group, the difference was not statistically significant. Reduction in morning stiffness and difficulty were statistically greater in the ginger than the placebo group (p<0.05). Also there was no difference between the two groups in side effects of therapy. In conclusion, the results showed that ginger extract is effective in reducing pain, stiffness and difficulty in patients with knee osteoarthritis, therefore is recommended as a safe drug for these patients.

Key words: Osteoarthritis, ginger, pain, stiffness, knee, randomized clinical trial, human.