A Preliminary Study on the Safety, Efficacy and Acceptability of the Community Preparation of Siling Labuyo (Capsicum frutescens) Liniment in the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis in a Six-Week, Active-Controlled Community-Based Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objective. The study determined the safety, efficacy and acceptability of a Philippine community preparation of Siling Labuyo liniment in the management of knee osteoarthritis.

Methods. A 6-week randomized, double-blind, active-controlled clinical trial was conducted in three municipalities of Cavite from 2017-2018. The municipalities were randomly assigned to either the control or experimental group, using a commercially available Diclofenac 1% gel as the control agent. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to measure the outcomes.

Results. Forty-seven participants completed the study. Statistically significant improvement (p<0.05) in pain relief, reduction of symptoms and increase in knee functionality was reported by participants in both the experimental and control groups. Across the dimensions measured, at least 30% improvement in scores was reported by the experimental group, and at least 40% by the control group. The difference was statistically not significant (p>0.05). Itching (13%), burning sensation (11%) and reddening of the skin (15%) were experienced in both the experimental and the active control groups.

Conclusion. Use of the liniment led to a modest therapeutic effect and was well-tolerated by the participants.