Osteoarthritis May Benefit from Seaweed Extract

In that previous studies have shown that compounds isolated from brown seaweed have a range of anti-inflammatory effects, a team of Australian researchers have explored the potential therapeutic role of brown seaweed extract on the symptoms of osteoarthritis.  Administering a blend of extracts from three seaweeds, plus vitamin B6, zinc and manganese, to 12 osteoarthritis sufferers, average age 62 years, for 12 weeks, the team found the formulation improved symptoms by up to 52%, amelerioating pain, stiffness, difficulty with physical activity and overall symptom severity. Observing that: “It was demonstrated to be safe to use over the study period at the doses tested,” the researchers urge that: “The efficacy of the preparation now needs to be demonstrated in a phase III randomized controlled trial (RCT).”