Effectiveness of a Cucumber Extract Supplement on Articular Pain in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Clinical Trial

This 8-week randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study aimed to assess the effectiveness of supplementation with an extract Cucumis sativus L. (20 mg/day) on pain and other variables in patients knee osteoarthritis (OA) over 40 years. The change intensity using a 1–10 cm visual analog scale (VAS) was primary endpoint. Fifty-five (mean age 50.6 ± 8.6 years) were included (experimental group, n = 29; placebo, 26). VAS scores for decreased significantly both groups, but decreases higher experimental group (between-group p 0.013). Improvements pain, stiffness, physical function according Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) also group. Timed Up Go test result An improvement muscle associated significant increases isokinetic isometric dynamometry variables, particularly 60°·s−1 180°·s−1 flexion exercises Plasma levels interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β) matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) Based beneficial effects cucumber symptomatology inflammatory cartilage degradation biomarkers OA, may useful natural approach maintain healthy joints.