Clinical Trial Finds Topical Hemp Seed Oil Comparable to Diclofenac Gel for Treating Osteoarthritis

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According to a new study published in the journal Pain Management Nursing, hemp seed oil may help alleviate the pain associated with knee osteoarthritis (OA), a widespread and crippling condition, especially for the elderly.

The randomized, double-blind controlled trial aimed to determine if topical hemp seed oil could provide relief comparable to standard treatments like diclofenac gel.

The study involved 90 participants who were randomly divided into three groups. One group received hemp seed oil, the second used diclofenac gel, and the third applied a placebo. Participants applied the topical treatments daily for two months, with assessments conducted at the beginning of the study and after 4 and 8 weeks.

Researchers measured several factors, including pain levels using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and function through the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). The heel-to-thigh distance, a marker of knee flexibility, was also recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.

“All parameters, except heel-to-thigh distance, improved significantly in the hemp seed oil group compared to placebo group”, states the study. “Improvements in VAS and WOMAC parameters were not different comparing the hemp seed oil and diclofenac gel groups. Heel-to-thigh distance decreased significantly within all groups during the study. There were no significant differences in improvements in heel-to-thigh distance comparing the three groups.”

Researchers conclude:

Hemp seed oil led to greater improvements in VAS pain score and WOMAC parameters, but not knee flexion range, compared to placebo. There were no differences in measured outcomes comparing hemp seed oil and diclofenac gel.

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