Clinical Interventions in Aging (Dec 2020)
Improved Joint Mobility Associated with Reduced Inflammation Related to Consumption of Nopal Cactus Fruit Juice: Results from a Placebo-Controlled Trial Using Digital Inclinometry to Objectively Document Mobility of All Major Joints
Abstract
Gitte S Jensen Natural Products Research, NIS Labs, Klamath Falls, Oregon, 97601, USACorrespondence: Gitte S JensenNatural Products Research, NIS Labs, 1437 Esplanade, Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601, USATel +1 541 884-0112Email [email protected]: To evaluate the effects of daily consumption of Nopal cactus fruit juice (NFJ) on joint mobility in a population experiencing chronic pain but otherwise in good health.Study Design: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study design was used to enroll 40 people after written informed consent, randomized to consume 3 oz/day of NFJ versus placebo. At baseline and 8 weeks, joint range of motion (ROM) was examined by digital inclinometry along the vertical weight-bearing axis of the body from neck to knees and the shoulders. Blood samples were tested for cytokines and C-reactive protein (CRP). Questionnaires addressed wellness, pain, and reliance on pain medications.Results: After 8 weeks of consuming NFJ, participants showed improved ROM beyond that of participants consuming placebo. Cervical and thoracic/lumbar ROM for the NFJ group was significantly improved when compared to placebo (cervical: P< 0.03, thoracic/lumbar: P< 0.04). People consuming NFJ relied less on pain medication to complete daily activities (P< 0.1) and experienced reduced interference from pain and breathing issues (not significant). Serum levels of Eotaxin, involved in airway inflammation, showed significant differences between placebo and NFJ groups after 8 weeks (P< 0.048). Changes in CRP levels showed a larger reduction in the NFJ group (− 13%) than in the placebo group (− 4%) (not significant). In the subgroup with CRP levels between 1 and 9.9 mg/L at baseline, CRP levels decreased in the NFJ group (− 30%) but increased in the placebo group (31%) (P< 0.015).Conclusion: Consumption of NFJ for 8 weeks was associated with statistically significant improvements in joint mobility and physical functioning compared to the placebo group, allowing participants in the NFJ group to be more physically active; daily activities were easier, including walking, sitting, and lying. This was associated with reduced use of pain medication, possibly associated with anti-inflammatory properties of NFJ, as suggested by reduced Eotaxin and CRP levels.Keywords: activities of daily living, C-reactive protein, pain, range of motion, wellness
