Studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of fangotherapy on relieve of pain improving function of rheumatic patients. Herein, we investigated the effect of Brazilian black mud in protect articular damage in chronic arthritis induced in rats. Mud was daily applied (40 degrees C/30 min) during the course of arthritis and was compared with warm water and no treated groups. At 21th day after arthritis induction synovial fluid and membrane were analyzed regarding cellular influx, hyperplasia and vascular proliferation. Cartilage structure, cell count, proteoglycan and collagen amount were also analyzed by three pathologists blinded to the treatment. Mud treatment diminished leukocyte migration into the synovial membrane and articular cavity when compared with both control groups. Regarding cartilage, an increase in collagen, number of chondrocytes and more conserved tissue structure was observed in mud-treated animals. These results demonstrate a protective effect of Brazilian mud on this model of arthritis, suggesting that this therapy may be useful as a complementary approach to treat articular diseases.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of treatment with Peruíbe Black Mud (PBM) on the clinical parameters and quality of life of patients with knee osteoarthritis and to compare the effects of PBM samples simply matured in seawater and PBM sterilized by gamma radiation. A controlled, double-blind trial was conducted with 41 patients divided into two treatment groups composed of 20 and 21 patients: one group was treated with matured PBM and the other with sterilized PBM. Evaluations were done using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaires, the Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) radiographic scale, and the quantification of the serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers. An improvement in pain, physical functions, and quality of life was observed in all of the patients who underwent treatment with both simply matured and sterilized PBM. Nine patients showed remission in the KL radiographic scale, but no statistically significant differences were observed in the serum levels of inflammatory mediators before or after treatment. Peruíbe Black Mud proves to be a useful tool as an adjuvant treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA), as shown by the results of the WOMAC and SF-36 questionnaires and by the remission of the radiographic grade of some patients on the Kellgren and Lawrence scale.