Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
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Focus Alternat Complement Ther©2005 Pharmaceutical Press
Focus Altern Complement Ther 2006; 11: 11–2
The aim of this study was to compare the long-term effectiveness of aqueous Harpagophytum extract in patients suffering from chronic low back, knee or hip pain.
According to German law and with informed written consent, 114 patients suffering from chronic non-specific low back pain (n = 56) or osteoarthritic pain in the knee (n = 37) or hip (n = 21) were offered prescriptions of aqueous Harpagophytum extract Doloteffin (60 mg harpagoside in daily dosage) over up to 54 weeks. Effectiveness of treatment was assessed on validated disease-specific and generic outcome measures. Standard descriptive analysis and multivariable modelling (SAS 8.2) was performed to assess for group and time effects.
Ninety-eight patients completed the survey. There was no significant difference at any time point between the ITT (LOCF) populations in terms of relative percentage changes in disease-specific or generic outcome scores or the weekly average pain. Outcome scores improved on average over time (repeated measurement ANCOVA P < 0.001). Only one-third of those who did not respond during the first 4 months of treatment were among the non-responders at study end. Only few minor adverse events occurred during treatment.
There were no major inter-group differences. Aqueous Harpagophytum extract may therefore be effective across a range of conditions in which osteroarthritis plays a prominent, although not necessarily exclusive, role. Although most of the patients derived appreciable benefit, those who did not adequately respond within 4 months during the German monograph conform dose should rather change to another treatment option.
