Herbal Extract Shown to Improve Arthritis in the Knee

Written by Jessica Patella, ND. Olive leaf extract was shown to reduce pain and improve physical functioning in older patients with knee osteoarthritis, offering a complementary option for osteoarthritis.

olives on branch with leavesOsteoarthritis is a joint disease, that typically attacks larger joints and is characterized by restricted movement, pain and eventually disability1,2. The knee is the most commonly affected joint and approximately 30-45% of U.S. adults over 65 years of age are suffering from the disease1,3. A recent study has found supplementing olive leaf extract can improve pain and functionality in adults with osteoarthritis in the knee1.

The current medical treatment for osteoarthritis is typically corticosteroids to reduce pain and inflammation1,4. Due to the lack of long-term relief and side effects of frequent corticosteroid use, many search out remedies without negative side effects1,5. Past research has been conducted on olive oil for chronic pain but the current research study on olive leaf extract for osteoarthritis in older adults in the first of its kind1,6. One of the compounds in olive leaves is Olecanthal, which is known to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties1,7. In addition, phenolic compounds (oleuropein and hydroxtyrosol) in olive leaf extract have shown anti-inflammatory properties1,8.

The research included adults from 60-80 years of age, diagnosed with primary osteoarthritis in the knee, with a body mass index below 30. Participants were randomized to 4 different groups: Control group (only oral acetaminophen 500 mg every 8 hours), oral capsules of olive leaf extract (500 mg), topical ointment with olive leaf extract (2g olive leaf extract per 100g) and a combination of both oral capsules and topical ointment1.

Pain levels were assessed with the visual analog scale. Functional status was assessed by the WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index Questionnaire, a widely used tool to evaluate pain, joint stiffness and physical function. All participants were monitored by a specialist 4 times during the 8-week study1.

The results were as follows:

  • The three intervention groups showed more reductions in average pain scores than the control group (p<0.05).
  • The combination of oral capsules and topical ointment with olive leaf extract showed the greatest pain reduction (VAS 4.68 +/- 1.10 baseline and 2.12 +/- 1.83 at week 8 p<0.001).
  • The average score for daily functioning improved over time in all groups (p=0.007).
  • The greatest improvement in physical functioning was in the ointment only group with a decrease of 1.19 unit score compared to the control group, while a decrease of 0.89 units was observed in the oral capsule (both p=0.006).

Although this study did not examine mechanisms of action the above results indicate Olecanthal, as a possible component in the plant that could account for the above results. Researchers stated it was likely the anti-inflammatory properties from the phenolic compounds of olive leaf extract that resulted in the pain-relieving results1.

In conclusion, olive leaf extract was shown to reduce pain and improve physical functioning in older patients with knee osteoarthritis, offering a complementary option for osteoarthritis1.  These results are important due to the side effects of both corticosteroids and limitations of NSAIDS for older adults. Future research should focus on larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods.

Source: Roshani, Marjan, Bahram Delfan, Sajad Yarahmadi, Mandana Saki, and Mehdi Birjandi. “Impact of olive leaf extract on pain management and functional improvement in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial.” Explore 21, no. 2 (2025): 103136.

© 2025 Published by Elsevier Inc.

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Posted June 17, 2025.

Jessica Patella, ND, is a naturopathic physician specializing in nutrition and homeopathic medicine and offers a holistic approach to health. She earned her ND from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ, and is a member of the North Carolina Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Visit her website at www.awarenesswellness.com.

References:

  1. Roshani M, Delfan B, Yarahmadi S, Saki M, Birjandi M. Impact of olive leaf extract on pain management and functional improvement in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial. Explore (NY). Mar-Apr 2025;21(2):103136. doi:10.1016/j.explore.2025.103136
  2. Alipour B, Maghsumi-Noroozabad L, Abed R, Eftekhar-Sadat B, AsghariJafarabadi M. Effect of Arctium lappa linne root (Burdock) tea consumption on lipid profile and blood pressure in patient with knee osteoarthritis. 2016;
  3. SHAMSIPOUR DP, Abdoli B, Modaberi S. Effectiveness of physical activity on quality of life of elderly patients with osteoarthritis. 2013;
  4. Hunziker EB. Articular cartilage repair: basic science and clinical progress. A review of the current status and prospects. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. Jun 2002;10(6):432-63. doi:10.1053/joca.2002.0801
  5. Haseeb A, Haqqi TM. Immunopathogenesis of osteoarthritis. Clin Immunol. Mar 2013;146(3):185-96. doi:10.1016/j.clim.2012.12.011
  6. Nakhostin-Roohi B, Bohlooli S. Comparison the Efficacy of Ultrasound Therapy and Phonophoresis with Virgin Olive Oil on Athletes’ Chronic Low Back Pain: A Pilot Study. Journal of Advances in Medical and Biomedical Research. 2014;22(94):43-51.
  7. Jaimand K, Rezaee M, Abravesh Z, Golypour M, Sharifee M. Extraction and determination of oleuropein in nine varieties of Olea europaea L. cultivated in Fadak Research Station (Dezful). 2006;
  8. Abdelgawad SM, Hassab MAE, Abourehab MAS, Elkaeed EB, Eldehna WM. Olive Leaves as a Potential Phytotherapy in the Treatment of COVID-19 Disease; A Mini-Review. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:879118. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.879118

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