Topical Piroxicam Gel versus Satureja khuzestanica Jamzad 3% Ointment for Pain Relief in Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Knee; A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease without definite and exact treatment. Interventions such as chemical drugs, physiotherapy, and even surgery are suggested for treatment. Herbal medicine, which is currently very popular, has also been suggested for treatment because of fewer side effects, low cost, and the possibility to use it topically home. Satureja khuzestanica jamzad, the native plant of Lorestan and Khuzestan, is known for its analgesic effects. Objective: We aimed to compare the effect of Satureja khuzestanica jamzad 3% ointment with piroxicam gel for pain relief in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: 70 patients with mild to moderate knee OA were randomly divided into experimental groups (essential oil extract of Satureja khuzestanica jamzad 3% or piroxicam gel). The severity of pain was recorded at baseline, and after one and two weeks by visual analogue scale. ANOVA was used for data analysis and the effect size was computed by Cohen’s d. Results: Reduction of pain was seen in both groups and group comparisons also showed a significant difference (P<0.05). The more effect size was detected in the group receiving Satureja khuzestanica jamzad 3% ointment compared with the piroxicam group. Conclusion: The topical use of Satureja khuzestanica jamzad 3% essential oil is a good choice to reduce pain in patients with knee OA. It may be used as a drug in phonophoresis.