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

Background

NXT15906F6 (TamaFlex™) is a proprietary blend containing standardized Tamarindus indica seeds and Curcuma longa rhizome extracts. Earlier, NXT15906F6 supplementation demonstrated reduced knee joint pain and improved musculoskeletal functions in healthy and knee osteoarthritis (KOA) subjects.

Objective

The present randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was focused on validating the clinical efficacy of NXT15906F6 in a larger number of subjects with KOA.

Methods

Male and female subjects (age: 40-70 years; body mass index [BMI]: 20-29 kg/m²] were randomized into three groups receiving placebo (n = 50), NXT15906F6 (n = 50) or a blend of C. longa and Boswellia serrata extracts (CLBS) (n = 50). Subjects consumed 250 mg NXT15906F6, 1,000 mg CLBS or a matched placebo daily after breakfast over a period of 30 consecutive days. The primary efficacy outcome was the improvement in total Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores, and the secondary efficacy measures included various tests on joint pain and musculoskeletal functions and evaluations ofserum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and a cartilage degradation marker, C-terminal telopeptide of type II collagen in urine (uCTX-II).

Results

NXT15906F6 significantly (P < 0.001) reduced the WOMAC scores and improved musculoskeletal function scores in the participants as compared with baseline and placebo. NXT15906F6 participants reduced knee pain and improved musculoskeletal functions as early as day 5 of supplementation. In contrast, CLBS supplementation failed to show early efficacies in pain and functional scores, except for 30s-CST and primary knee flexion. The NXT1506F6-supplemented participants significantly reduced serum hs-CRP and uCTX-II levels from baseline and as compared with the placebo. Both supplementations did not alter the subjects' clinical chemistry, hematology, and vital parameters.

Conclusion

The anti-inflammatory botanical composition NXT15906F6 supplementation mitigated joint pain and improved musculoskeletal functions and joint motility in KOA subjects. This botanical composition was also well-tolerated by the volunteers.

Technologies and Sensors for Artificial Muscles in Rehabilitation

Muscles are very important parts of the human body. When there is an injury to a muscle that causes long-term dysfunctionality, sensors and artificial muscles can be used to help alleviate problems. Muscles have complex structures; thus, ultrasound and other types of scans may be needed to determine their parameters and model their shapes. Additionally, the measurement of chemicals in muscles plays a significant role in analyzing their performance and potential diseases in humans. All the above-mentioned components are needed for understanding the structure and function of muscles. The areas studied in this review include artificial muscles and exoskeletons, determining muscle parameters and modelling, assessing musculoskeletal functions, chemicals in muscles, and various applications, including those of wearable sensors. In future studies, we would like to understand the link between the brain and muscles and develop technologies that can assist in augmenting the motor skills of individuals affected by various debilitating conditions.