May, Lim Soo
(2018)
Efficacy of momordica charantia (bitter melon) supplementation among primary knee osteoarthritis patients : a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial.
Masters thesis, Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Abstract
Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common problem affecting the joints in the elderly,
and its conservative treatment includes the usage of analgesia, which frequently leads to
undesirable side effects. Traditionally, Momordica charantia (MC) or bitter melon is believed
to be effective in relieving pain, including that caused by knee osteoarthritis.
Objective: To determine the effects of MC in reducing pain among primary knee
osteoarthritis (OA) patients.
Methodology: This study involves 75 patients with primary knee osteoarthritis, who were
divided into two groups (thirty-eight patients in the MC group and thirty-seven in the placebo
group). The patients underwent 3 months daily supplementation of either MC or placebo.
Rescue analgesia was allowed as needed, and rescue analgesia intake was recorded. Pain and
symptoms during supplementation period were assessed monthly using Knee Injury and
Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and EQ-5D-3L (EuroQol- 5 Dimensions- 3 Levels)
Health questionnaire. Comparison and analysis between the two groups were done using
“repeated measures ANOVA” to determine the changes in KOOS, EQ-5D-3L and analgesic
scores after supplementation.
Results: After 3 months supplementation period, there were significant improvements in
KOOS subscale and EQ-5D-3L score with a reduction in analgesic score. Body weight, BMI
and FBS reduced significantly in the MC group. The placebo group had also shown
significant improvements in certain KOOS subscale and EQ-5D-3L dimension score, but
with increased of analgesic score.
Conclusion: Momordica charantia supplementation offers a safe alternative in reducing pain
among the primary knee OA patients, while reducing the need for analgesia consumption.
These beneficial effects can be seen as early as 3 months of supplementation.
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