Evaluation Of Novel Iontophoretic Gel Containing Symphytum Officinale On Knee Osteoarthritic Patients

Abstract

Introduction: One of the most prevalent disorders causing pain in the musculoskeletal system and eventual disability is osteoarthritis (OA). The concurrent use of pharmaceutical and non-pharmacological therapies is an essential component of the therapy. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of iontophoresis therapy in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee joints using a newly formulated Gel containing symphytum officinale. Material and Methods:The study included 126 patients with Knee osteoarthritis treated at the Outpatient department at Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences & Research University, New Delhi. Three groups were randomly selected: group I (n = 42), received iontophoresis with newly developed Gel containing symphytum officinale treatment was applied followed by exercise protocol, group II (n = 42) received iontophoresis with Indomethacin gel was applied followed by exercise protocol , and group III (n = 42) received placebo treatment with knee exercise protocol only. The Visual analog scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), Pittsburg sleep quality index (PSQI) & Walking cadence were used for the clinical evaluation of the patients. Results: Patients treated with a new gel containing symphytum officinale showed significant improvement in all assessed parameters compared to those treated with Indomethacin gel and placebo. Conclusions: The most favorable iontophoresis resulted from the introduction of a new gel containing symphytum officinale, followed by an exercise protocol.