Effectiveness and safety of a rose hip and seed powder in the treatment of low back pain

Chrubasik S, Chrubasik C, Wiesner L, Conradt C

Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, D 79104 Freiburg, Germany

Objective

The rose hip and seed powder Litozin has been successfully employed in patients suffering from osteoarthritic complaints (Phytother Res 2006; 20: 1–3). The aim of this study was to get preliminary information on the long-term effectiveness of Litozin in patients suffering from chronic low back.

Materials and methods

The study protocol was approved by the Human Ethics Committee of the University of Freiburg. With informed written consent, 122 patients suffering from chronic non-specific low back pain were offered Litozin up to 10 g per day over up to 54 weeks. Since the treatment response of back patients is not different from patients suffering from osteoarthritis, the OMERAC-OARSI response criterion (OOR, Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2004; 12: 389–99) was calculated based on VAS maximum pain in the preceding 2 weeks and the invalidity component of the Arhus index. Standard descriptive analysis and multivariable modelling (SAS 8.2) was performed to assess for time effects.

Results

Sixty-two patients completed the survey. The OOR of the total population (LOCF) increased up to a plateau of around 60% (weeks 6: 37%, 12: 54%, 18: 57%, 24: 60%, 30: 61%, 36: 57%, 42: 57%, 48: 57%, 54: 59%). Treatment success was maintained with decreasing Litozin doses (week 1: 65 mg, week 54: 42 mg). Only few minor adverse events occurred during treatment.

Conclusion

Since the investigators had no conflict of interest and since the outcome measures were assessed mainly by the patients themselves, the result quantifies patient-assessed benefit. In a real-world setting, Litozin is a useful alternative to other options with a low risk to harm.

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