The Effects of Pomegranate Juice on Proinflammatory Cytokines and Physical Function in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common musculoskeletal disorder causing disability and loss of function, particularly in the elderly. Preclinical and in-vitro studies for mitigation of OA symptoms suggest the protective role of pomegranate juice against OA; this effect is mainly attributed to its polyphenol content. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of pomegranate juice on physical function of and proinflammatory cytokines in patients with knee OA. Patients and Methods: Thirty-eight patients with knee OA were enrolled in this randomized clinical trial. The participants were randomly divided into two groups. The pomegranate juice group (n = 19) consumed 200 mL of pomegranate juice free of sugar and additives daily for 6 weeks. The control group (n = 19) did not receive any intervention. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) were measured using serum samples and physical function of patients was evaluated according to the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) at baseline and at the end of intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 17. Results: Significant decreases in difficulty of physical function were observed after intervention in the pomegranate juice group (P = 0.01). There was no significant difference in serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β before and after the intervention in the two study groups. Conclusions: Taken together, pomegranate juice did not affect serum cytokines levels in patients with OA. Its role in improving physical function in these patients most likely involves other mechanisms.