Effectiveness of Cucumis sativus L. Supplementation on Mild to Moderate Joint Pain: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Joint pain affects millions worldwide, impairing mobility and quality of life, and is a focus in management and therapy. Preliminary research found that the cucumber extract Cucumis sativus L. is safe and may have joint pain relief effects. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a standardized powder (>1% idoBR1) of Cucumis sativus L. (Q-actinTM) on pain outcomes in adults with mild to moderate joint pain. METHODS: In this Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT)-compliant, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 80 adults (mean age = 50.10) were randomized to either the Cucumis sativus L. group (CG; 20 mg/d) or the placebo group (PG; rice protein, 20 mg/d) for 60 days. Participants completed the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Lequesne Functional Index, Brief Pain Inventory, and Pain Disability Index at baseline, day 15, day 30, and day 60. Daily assessments of adherence and adverse events were also obtained. RESULTS: Improvements in all the pain outcomes over time for the CG were evidenced, with larger improvements in the CG compared to PG for the WOMAC, Brief Pain Inventory, and Pain Disability Index. Significant improvements in the WOMAC for the CG were evidenced on day 30 and day 60. From baseline to day 60, the CG showed individual percent changes of 31.79%, 10.07%, and 32.39% for the WOMAC, Lequesne Functional Index, and Pain Disability Index, while the PG experienced declines of 14.30%, 9.56%, and 14.96%, respectively, for the same measures. CONCLUSION: Cucumis sativus L. shows potential as an effective herbal intervention for alleviating joint pain. Further clinical trials involving diverse populations and settings are recommended to confirm these findings.