Effect of topical chickpea oil (Cicer arietinum L.) on knee osteoarthritis: A randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial

Introduction: Chickpea oil (Cicer arietinum L.) is considered to have anti-inflammatory properties and is of therapeutic importance. It has been used topically in Persian medicine and compared other treatments and it is easily available and low cost. In clinical practice patients applying chickpea oil have expressed their satisfaction. Given the lack of valid scientific studies, this randomised controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of topical chickpea oil on knees affected by osteoarthritis. Methods: Patients (n = 75) referred to the rheumatology clinic with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knee were randomly assigned into three groups; chickpea oil, piroxicam gel or paraffin and were treated for three months. Patients self-medicated massaging the oil into the affected knee twice a day for three months. Physical activity, stiffness and pain were measured at baseline and at the end of 3th month. The groups were compared at the end of treatment. Results: WOMAC scores showed significant reduction in pain, stiffness, and difficulty in activity in the chickpea oil group compared with the piroxicam or paraffin group (p < 0.05). VAS mean pain scores were 5.42 for the placebo group, compared wih 3.92 for the piroxicam group and 3.88 the chickpea oil group, which was significantly different (P < 0.001). No adverse effects were reported by patients. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrated that chickpea oil could be effective in relieving pain, reducing motion stiffness, and increasing activity in osteoarthritis patients.