S-Adenosyl methionine (SAMe) versus celecoxib for the treatment of osteoarthritis symptoms: A double-blind cross-over trial [ISRCTN36233495] – Source: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, Feb 2004

The full text of this open-access article is available free at http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2474/5/6

Background: S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a dietary supplement used in the management of osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms. Studies evaluating SAMe in the management of OA have been limited to Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) for comparison. The present study compares the effectiveness of SAMe to a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor (celecoxib) for pain control, functional improvement and to decrease side effects in people with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Methods: A randomized double-blind cross-over study, comparing SAMe (1200 mg) with celecoxib (Celebrex 200 mg) for 16 weeks to reduce pain associated with OA of the knee. Sixty-one adults diagnosed with OA of the knee were enrolled and 56 completed the study. Subjects were tested for pain, functional health, mood status, isometric joint function tests, and side effects.

Results:

Conclusion: SAMe has a slower onset of action but is as effective as celecoxib in the management of symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Longer studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of SAMe and the optimal dose to be used.

Source: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2004, 5:6. PMID: 15102339, by Najm WI, Reinsch S, Hoehler F, Tobis JS, Harvey PW. Departments of Family Medicine & Geriatrics and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of California-Irvine Medical Center, Orange, California. [E-mail:
winajm@uci.edu]