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Christy Goff and Danielle Taylor

A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study of the effect of a combination of lemon verbena extract and fish oil omega-3 fatty acid on joint management. Christy Goff and Danielle Taylor. Research from article. Lemon Verbena Extract

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Christy Goff and Danielle Taylor

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  1. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study of the effect of a combination of lemon verbena extract and fish oil omega-3 fatty acid on joint management Christy Goff and Danielle Taylor

  2. Research from article • Lemon Verbena Extract • Used in South America and Southern Europe for asthma, colds, fevers, flatulence, colic, diarrhea, indigestion • Verbascoside – main compound with strong AOX and anti-inflammatory properties • Plant phytochemicals can have significant protective effects against inflammation-related chronic diseases • Fish Oil • Shown to have immunomodulatory effects • Reduce production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids in RA

  3. Objective • To test the ability of lemon verbena extract and fish oil supplementation to improve the general condition of joints (pain, stiffness, and function) in subjects already experiencing joint pain.

  4. Methods • Double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized nine week intervention • 45 participants enrolled • 23 were given the supplement and 22 were given a placebo • 14 individuals did not complete the study • Weeks 1-5: Consumed 6 capsules per day of 370mg fish oil powder and 230mg of lemon verbena extract for the first five weeks • Weeks 6-9: Reduced to 3 capsules daily • Completed disease specific questionnaires once a week to measure pain/stiffness, function and physical activity

  5. Results • At baseline: No significant different between the treatment group and the placebo group (age, gender, BMI, physical characteristics) using WOMAC and Lequesne’s Functional Index • After nine week intervention: A significant improvement of joint stiffness/pain after 3 weeks of supplementation and with function after 4 weeks • WOMAC index increased approximately 53% after 9 weeks in the supplementation group and did not decrease in placebo group • Decrease in Lequesne’sfunctional index after 4 weeks, dropping 78% compared to baseline

  6. Conclusion • First intervention study to show improvement in joint pain management after supplementing with fish oil and herbs after 9 weeks • Researches estimate the participants daily intake of lemon verbena extract was between 3000-7000 ORAC units

  7. Limitations • Strength: • Well constructed study – double-blind, placebo controlled, randomized, weekly questionnaires, 2 week washout period • Weakness: • 14 participants dropped out of the study • Did not separately test fish oil vs. lemon verbena • Used ORAC value of lemon verbena extract as a criteria for choosing this herb

  8. Comparative information from Databases • Natural Medicine Comprehensive Database • Lemon Verbena: Used for digestive disorders, agitation, insomnia, asthma, cold, fever, skin conditions, constipation • Prepared as a tea, not extract • Fish Oil: Used as a treatment for RA • Possible effective: Taking fish oil orally, alone or in combination with naproxen, seems to significantly decrease the duration of morning stiffness in patients with RA • Use of fish oil might also reduce non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) requirements when taken together

  9. Comparative information from Databases • Up to date: • Lemon verbena - No information found • Fish oil - found to be associated with low rates of coronary heart disease • Natural Standard: • Lemon verbena - No information found • Fish Oil – Given the letter grade A for rheumatoid arthritis • Significant reductions in tender joints and morning stiffness vs dietary controls

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