Olive leaf extract for mild knee pain relief from osteoarthritis

New Swiss research shows Olive Leaf Extract may reduce joint pain in patients with osteoarthritis

Researchers have found new evidence that Olive Leaf Extract may improve joint functionality and movement in older people with joint pain as a result of Osteoarthritis. The long term use of pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories and painkillers can have adverse side effects so individuals who suffer from chronic knee pain may wish to seek natural alternatives.

The recent study took place in Switzerland, led by Marie Noele Horcadaja and was funded by Nestle for whom she works as a Bone Scientist. The results of the study have been recently published in the Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease and show evidence that olive leaf extract has the potential to be a viable, natural alternative to pharmaceutical painkillers for knee pain relief.

The study consisted of over 60 active participants as well as a placebo group
Men and Women took 150mg of Olive Leaf Extract twice daily for 6 months
A significant portion of osteoarthritis patients with a high level of joint pain initially found their discomfort eased

The Olive Leaf Study

The aim of the study was to establish the effectiveness of olive leaf extract as a painkiller and/or anti-inflammatory for osteoarthritis patients. During the clinical trial, patients with severe pain in their knees and joints reported less pain after 6 month period of consuming 150mg of Olive Leaf Extract (40% Oleuropein), containing 60mg of Oleuropein. Over 60 people were monitored for the study, with the same amount in a placebo group for comparison.

During the trial, the participants were asked to complete a pain assessment survey, named the overall Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) - a higher score would indicate greater mobility and reduced pain than a lower score.

Oleuropein is found in olive leaves and oil

Although not all participants found a reduction in pain, the participants who had suffered the highest level of joint pain initially found that taking the supplement had reduced their knee pain and joint discomfort by approximately 25% from a KOOS 50 to KOOS 65.

Concluding the paper, the researchers said: '[Olive Leaf Extract as a] dietary supplement may improve joint functional capacity in older people with high knee joint pain. Considering the adverse effects of anti-inflammatories and painkillers, OLE could be of value as an alternative to these drugs in pain management of active subjects.

Further clinical trials are required to establish the effects of Olive Leaf Extract at a safe, but higher dose.

Osteoarthritis

The most common symptom of osteoarthritis is joint pain and stiffness and joint mobility issues, but can also include:

Swollen joints
Joint tenderness
A grating sensation or sound during movement

The symptoms may appear and disappear in mild cases but can may also be continuous and make normal daily activities difficult and uncomfortable.

Although osteoarthritis may affect any joint, it is frequently found to cause discomfort in knees, wrists, fingers and hips.

Man suffering knee pain from Osteoarthritis

Normal wear and tear can causes minor damage to your joints on a daily basis, usually the body repairs itself and you wouldn't even notice, however in osteoarthritis the cartilage the protects the ends of your bones starts to disintegrate swelling, pain, stiffness and a reduced range of motion.