Mildly Processed Natural Eggshell Membrane Alleviates Joint Pain Associated with Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study

Abstract

Poor joint health is a significant burden to society. Millions of people suffer from some form of joint-related disorder or disease, most often osteoarthritis (OA). It was hypothesized that chicken eggshell membrane (EM) is effective in the regeneration of cartilage and/or immunomodulation (oral tolerance), and as such relieves pain and stiffness in joints commonly affected in arthritis. We tested this hypothesis in a double-blind, placebo-controlled EM intervention study. Of 150 male and female volunteers, 40–75 years of age and diagnosed with knee OA, 75 were randomly assigned to the EM intervention group and 75 to the placebo group. During 12 weeks, subjects received a daily capsule containing either 300 mg of EM or a placebo. The main primary dependent variable consisted of self-reported pain ratings on a Numerical Rating Scale Pain (NRS-P) 6 weeks after study start. As secondary dependent variables served NRS-P scores collected after 12 weeks, and Knee injury and self-reported Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores [KOOS]). NRS-P scores decreased for both groups at approximately the same rate, but only EM relieved self-reported pain scores obtained with the KOOS questionnaire starting 1 week after initiation of treatment. This effect was significant for two of five KOOS category scores, that is, “Pain” and “Daily Life” functioning, aggregate pain, and functioning scores composed of complaint ratings for a wide variety of daily activities. These scores showed long-lasting improvement, and demonstrated that EM extract successfully reliefs knee OA pain and contributes to daily life functioning.

Randomised Clinical Trial to Analyse the Efficacy of Eggshell Membrane to Improve Joint Functionality in Knee Osteoarthritis

“…Although all of the groups registered a decrease in perceived pain, both doses used in this study induced a bigger reduction than in the control group, indicating a relationship between eggshell membrane consumption and reduction in pain. Such results are compatible with previous studies that demonstrated the efficacy of this nutraceutical to alleviate knee pain, symptomatology, and joint functionality [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. These results are higher than those registered for other supplements such as curcuma [ 12 ].…”

“…Although previous studies addressed the study of the efficacy of eggshell membrane as a supplement to alleviate knee joint pain [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ], here, for the first time, two quantitative variables (mobility and strength of knee joint), as well as qualitative ones (pain, functional ability, and sleep quality), were monitored to accurately evaluate changes in the quality of life of subjects affected by this common pathology. Such a variable set extends the findings of previous studies that have already observed changes in the functionality of knee joints by measuring the range of moti- on [ 19 ]. This study reports an improvement in all of the variables monitored in those subjects who were consuming eggshell membrane, most likely resulting from physiological changes in the musculature associated with the amelioration of knee functionality and a better quality of life due to a reduction in perceived pain.…”

“…Among them, eggshell membrane has demonstrated efficacy in relieving joint pain and stiffness [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. The eggshell membrane is composed mainly of fibrous collagen proteins, types I, V, and X.…”

“…In addition, hyaluronic acid has been shown to be present in significant amounts [ 21 ]. Therefore, ESM has been evaluated as a possible treatment for OA as a natural source of an optimal combination of such compounds [ 17 , 19 ]. Despite the fact that some clinical trials have demonstrated promising results in improving the functionality of the knee joint [ 19 ], some lack of knowledge still remains regarding dosage.…”

Avian Eggshell Membrane as a Novel Biomaterial: A Review

“…Similar conclusions have been presented in another double-blinded placebo-controlled ESM intervention trial. A total of 150 OA patients, between 45 and 70 years old, were randomly assigned to an intervention ( n = 75) or placebo ( n = 75) group [ 71 ]. After consuming 300 mg ESM powder on a daily basis for 12 weeks, patients self-reported that the treatment was successful in relieving the pain from their OA knee and contributed to improved daily life activities [ 71 ].…”