Tamarindus indica Seed Extract-Based Botanical Compositions Alleviate Knee Pain and Improve Joint Function in Mild-to-Moderate Osteoarthritis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study

Abstract

Objective. Knee pain and reduced joint function affect the quality of life of subjects suffering from knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The present randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of two botanical compositions, NXT15906F6 and NXT19185, in pain relief and improvement in the musculoskeletal function of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) subjects. NXT15906F6 contains ethanol/aqueous extract of Tamarindus indica seeds and aqueous ethanol extract of Curcuma longa rhizome, and NXT19185 is a combination of NXT15906F6 and an aqueous ethanol extract of Garcinia mangostana fruit rind. Methods. The present trial recruited ninety subjects with mild-to-moderate KOA, using a radiographic Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grading system. The participants were randomized into one of three groups (n = 30) to receive either placebo, NXT15906F6 (250 mg/day), or NXT19185 (300 mg/day) for 56 days. The change in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) score was the primary efficacy measure of the study. Improvements in the functional scores, serum proinflammatory modulators, and cartilage degradation product in the urine samples were the secondary efficacy measures. Twenty-seven subjects in each group completed the trial. Results. After the trial, NXT15906F6 and NXT19185 significantly improved P < 0.05 the WOMAC scores from baseline compared with placebo. In the subgroup analyses, the knee pain and functional scores were significantly improved in the KL-II and KL-III grade KOA subjects. At the end of the study, the NXT15906F6- and NXT19185-supplemented participants showed significant P < 0.05 improvement in the functional scores, inflammatory status, and collagen breakdown product in the urine samples. Summary. The present study demonstrates that NXT15906F6 and NXT19185 supplementations reduce knee pain and improve the musculoskeletal function of KOA subjects. Moreover, these herbal compositions helped reduce inflammation and inflammation-induced cartilage degeneration in the participants. NXT15906F6 and NXT19185 supplementations are further documented to be tolerable and safe to the participants.

TamaFlex™—A novel nutraceutical blend improves lameness and joint functions in working horses

“…NXT15906F6 is also known to inhibit proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6, thereby decreasing proinflammatory responses in the synovium by inhibiting COX‐mediated PGE 2 production. Furthermore, NXT15906F6 also inhibits the production of nitric oxide and matrix metalloproteinases, mainly MMP3 and MMP13, which are the key contributors to ECM degeneration and OA progression (Kare et al., 2022).…”

A Scientific Evidence-based Review of Tamarind usage in Indian Folklore Medicine

“…A recent double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial found that combining T. indicus seed extract with turmeric and garcinia enhanced knee joint function and reduced discomfort in osteoarthritic patients. The herbal formulations inhibited the pro-inflammatory markers IL-6, TNFα, C-reactive protein, matrix metalloproteinase 3, and cartilage degradation product in the blood, showing anti-inflammatory activity 63 . When compared to hot compress and topical NSAID application in myofascial pain syndrome patients, applying a hot herbal compress containing tamarind and other herbs once every three days for two weeks lowered pain intensity and enhanced pain pressure threshold 64 .…”

Efficacy of a proprietary combination of Tamarindus indica seeds and Curcuma longa rhizome extracts in osteoarthritis: a clinical investigation

“…NXT15906F6 (TamaFlex TM ) is a blend of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of T. indica (tamarind) seeds and ethanolic extract of C. longa rhizome. NXT15906F6 comprises a minimum of 65% of proanthocyanidins and 3% of total curcuminoids ( 11 ). Earlier clinical studies demonstrated the substantial protective efficacy of NXT15906F6 against joint pain and inflammation ( 11 , 12 ).…”

“…NXT15906F6 comprises a minimum of 65% of proanthocyanidins and 3% of total curcuminoids ( 11 ). Earlier clinical studies demonstrated the substantial protective efficacy of NXT15906F6 against joint pain and inflammation ( 11 , 12 ).…”

“…The present follow-up compliance clinical investigation was undertaken on a larger number of participants with OA in a different geographical location in India to validate the clinical efficacy of NXT15906F6. This study was conducted in northern India, while the earlier study was performed in the southern part of India ( 11 ). Also, this study was intended to evaluate the efficacy of NXT15906F6 in parallel with a clinically proven and a widely investigated anti-inflammatory botanical blend of curcuminoids and boswellic acids that reported to mitigate joint pain and improve musculoskeletal functions in OA subjects ( 9 ).…”