Hundreds of osteoarthritis sufferers needed for UQ research project

More than 100 osteoarthritis sufferers are needed for studies into the effectiveness of a natural alternative to current drug treatments.

A clinical trial by the Australian Centre for Complementary Medicine Education and Research (ACCMER) will examine the benefits of Sheabutter extract in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

The Study Coordinator Peta-Anne Paul-Brent said the trial will investigate the safety, effectiveness and action of Sheabutter capsules taken orally.

Shea butter, from the Shea Nut, has been used for decades in the cosmetics and food industries.

“Current drug treatments for osteoarthritis focus on relieving the pain of the condition," Ms Paul-Brent said.

"Therapies include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol and pain relief injections.

"Clinical trials of complementary medicines have shown they can be safe and effective alternatives, with low level side effects and some complementary medicines might well slow or halt the progression of osteoarthritis.

"Laboratory studies have shown the Sheabutter extract has the types of properties that should make it an effective antiarthritic agent and it is now important to confirm this with clinical trials in patients with the condition.

"The results of this study may increase the choice of natural medications available to osteoarthritis sufferers.”

Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease and is among the most frequent health problems suffered by middle aged and older people.

Due to the ageing population, the incidence of osteoarthritis is rising rapidly. Once patients develop the condition, they suffer from the disease for the remainder of their lives and the severity of pain and disability generally increases. It is characterised by joint pain and dysfunction which is caused by joint degeneration. Osteoarthritis is second only to ischemic heart disease as a cause of work disability in men over 50 years of age.

ACCMER is joint venture between The University of Queensland and Southern Cross University and was established as a world - first collaboration between conventional and complementary medicine. The Centre scientifically investigates the evidence base for complementary medicines.

Volunteers will need to make five visits to ACCMER’s clinic in the Mater Health Services Building, in South Brisbane over the 21 weeks of the study. Interested people can find out more from the Study Coordinator on (07) 3010 3318 or email p.kerr@uq.edu.au.

For more information please contact Peta-Anne Paul-Brent on (07) 3840 6112 or mobile: 0438 096 095.