Joint health - Safety, efficacy and tolerability of a combination micronutrient and polyherbal preparation for gout: a single-arm open-label pilot study

A clinical pilot study describes how supplementation with a naturally derived formula may improve the symptoms of gout.

The nutraceutical, in the form used in the study, contained a combination of medicinal herb extracts – including Tart cherry (Prunus cerasus), Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens), Celery seed (Apium graveolens), along with the micronutrients, potassium citrate, vitamin C and folic acid.

In this single arm study, researchers at the National Hospital of Traditional Medicine, Hanoi, Vietnam,  evaluated the efficacy, safety and tolerability of the product in a total of 35 recruited adults (mean age 54 yrs) diagnosed with chronic gout. The subjects were allocated 4 tablets of the test product daily for a period of 45 days.

The investigators evaluated the effects of the formula on self-rated pain severity, swelling, redness and warmth in joints affected by gout. These include finger joints, ankle, knee or elbow, as well as their heel. Ratings were recorded on day 0 (baseline), 15, 30 and 45 of the intervention.

Clinical evaluations also included monitoring for blood indicators of liver or kidney toxicity, inflammation and changes in their general vital signs, including blood pressure.

Regarding efficacy, as soon as 15 days after product use, subjects observed an almost complete reduction in global joint pain, which was sustained until the end of the trial. By day 30, subjects also reported a complete reduction in joint swelling, which was also sustained until completion.

The average blood uric acid level had also declined significantly by 5% (p=0.024) by the end of the trial, compared to baseline.

In relation to safety, there were no significant differences in serum markers of liver function, blood cell counts or vital signs throughout the treatment.

In summary, the outcomes of the study suggest that the herbal/micronutrient formula can result in a measurable improvement in symptoms of gout as an alternative to standard medications. This is encouraging, given the subjects did not use other medications or supplements during the study.

Reference: Vu et al. J Complement Integr Med. 2020 May 19;18(1):113-121.

Full text available at: https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/jcim-2019-0074/html

Financial sponsor of study: Max Biocare Pty Ltd.