Topical Phytotherapeutic Treatment: Management of Normalization of Elevated Levels of Biochemical Parameter During Osteoarthritic Disorders: A prospective Study

Abstract

Background: C-reactive protein (CRP), creatine kinase-muscle (CK-MM) and aldolase A (AldoA) levels are proven to be realistic biochemical markers of osteoarthritic disorders (OADs). The aim of this study is to normalize the elevated levels of CRP, CK-MM and AldoA during OADs of knee-joints and degenerative changes in lumbarspine by topical application of phytoconstituents with specialized techniques. Methods: Baseline data were collected and evaluated from 261 patients (66.67% females) with OADs confirmed with radiological images. Serum CRP, CK-MM, and AldoA levels were measured at the baseline and at the end of six weeks of treatment using appropriate kits. All patients underwent a standardized physical, radiographic examinations and evaluation of risk factors (inflammation, muscle degeneration, bone erosion, and skeletal muscle diseases) by blood examination and completed a questionnaire. All the patients were treated with topical application of phytochemicals extracted from seven Indian medicinal plants mixed with virgin sesame oil and beehive-wax for a period of six-week with specialized techniques. Results: The parameters of the risk factors for OADs at the end of six-week of treatment were highly significant (p<0.0001). The high and low ranges of all biomarkers, their percentage of improvements and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were all highly significant (p<0.0001). The improvements of pain, stiffness and daily functional activities at the end of treatment under KOOS, VAS, WOMAC index and KPS were highly significant (p<0.0001) and also reduction of weight as evidenced by BMI (p<0.0001) and radiological images as assessed by K-L grading score. Conclusions: It is firmly confirmed from the results that the elevated levels of CRP, CK-MM, and AldoA, represent the risks of inflammation, muscle degeneration, and skeletal muscle damage along with pain and all daily functional activities, body weight and radiological images as confirmed by above-mentioned international approved scales during OADs can be successful normalized by topical application of phytoconstituents within six-week with specialized treatment.