M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic and debilitating condition, characterized by irreversible damage to the joint space, most commonly affecting the knees, hips, hands and spine (Colledge et al., 2010). OA is the leading cause of joint pain and disability in middle-aged and elderly persons (Long et al., 2001). The prevalence of OA of the knee in adults living in the United Sates has grown from a reported 21 million in 1990 to a total estimate of 26.9 million in 2005 (CDC, 2011). By the age of 65 years, 80% of the total population has been reported as showing radiographic evidence of OA; while a 20-30% of the total population is symptomatic with radiographic evidence of OA (Doherty et al., 2006). Conventional treatment for OA of the knee is aimed at pain management by use of analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Some negative effects of these drugs include drug dependency, liver and kidney damage, cardiovascular pathologies, gastric upset and depression. Corticosteroid injections are also used to alleviate chronic inflammation and joint pain, but may lead to further joint destruction (Shamoon and Hochberg, 2000; Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2011). OsteoEze Gold™ is a nutraceutical product that contains chondroitin sulphate, glucosamine sulphate, vitamin C and manganese. In combination, the constituents of OsteoEze Gold™ have been shown to be useful in the treatment for OA of the knee (Clegg et al., 2006). In addition, studies have shown that these ingredients prove effective in reducing moderate to severe pain in sufferers of OA of the knee (Vidyasagar et al., 2004). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of OsteoEze Gold™ on the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) and quality of life in OA of the knee using blood tests and the Arthritic Impact Measurement Scales (AIMS2SF) respectively. This was a 16-week, double blind, placebo-controlled study using matched pairs according to age, gender and severity of symptoms, and formed part of a group study, with another researcher, who utilized the Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain scale (ICOAP) Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and the same sample...

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / Osteoarthritis (OA) is a musculoskeletal condition affecting the synovial joints of the body, most commonly the knee and hip (Colledge et al., 2010). OA is the most prevalent joint disorder worldwide (Ickinger & Tikly, 2010). The prevalence of OA of the knee in developing countries, including South Africa, is expected to increase due to the increase in obesity and life-expectancy (Woolf & Pfleger, 2003). OA not only impacts negatively on many areas of the patient’s personal life, but it also has a considerable impact on health care systems and cost to the patient (Lapsley et al., 2001; Majani et al., 2005). The two main complaints in patients suffering from OA of the knee are knee pain and decreased daily functionality, such as walking (Samson et al., 2007). The main aim of conventional treatment is pain reduction. This treatment does not prevent progression of the OA, and may have negative side-effects (Day & Graham, 2005). Treatments for OA, such as OsteoEze GoldTM, may provide an effective and safer alternative. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of OsteoEze GoldTM on pain and functional ability in osteoarthritis of the knee using the Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain (ICOAP) scale: knee version (Appendix D) and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test (Appendix E). This was a 16-week study, conducted at the Homoeopathic Health Centre, Doornfontein campus (DFC), University of Johannesburg (UJ). The study was randomised, double blind placebo controlled, and matched pairs were utilised. Sixty-seven participants, who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria, were recruited, and 48 of the participants completed the study. Participants were recruited by advertisements, placed in and around the UJ Homoeopathy Health Centre (with relevant permission given) and by word of mouth. The participants were split into two groups using matched pairs according to age, gender and severity of symptoms (Appendix H). The participants in group A received the OsteoEze GoldTM capsules, and the participants in group B received the placebo capsules. Each capsule of OsteoEze GoldTM contained 500mg glucosamine sulphate, 267mg of chondroitin sulphate, 50mg of vitamin C and 1mg of manganese. The OsteoEze GoldTM or the placebo capsules were distributed at the initial (week-0) and second (week-8) consultations.