Comparative study of the effect of Thymus daenensis gel 5% and diclofenac in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Background: Osteoarthritis is a syndrome characterized by joint pain and reduced performance and efficiency in patient. Thymus daenensis has been used since old times for the treatment of bone and joint deformities and pain in traditional medicine. Purpose: This study was conducted to examine traditional usages and pharmacological features of T. daenensis with respect to the effect of the plant in patients with osteoarthritis. Methods: 120 patients with osteoarthritis were divided into 3 groups. Patients in each group were treated by 5% Thymus daenensis gel, 1% diclofenac gel, or placebo for 6 weeks, along with oral celecoxib capsules. Patients were assessed in different intervals, based on the VAS score for assessment of pain in the joint and different dimensions of WOMAC questionnaire. Results: Pain level (P < 0.005), stiffness during the day (P < 0.05), morning stiffness (P < 0.05) and physical performance (P < 0.05) were significantly different among the groups. Conclusions: Thymus daenensis gel improves the symptoms in patients equal and without significant difference than diclofenac group. It can be argued that its use can produce a satisfactory effect on patients with osteoarthritis due to its low cost, easy access, the plant's natively occurring in Iran.