A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study of Proteoglycan and Phosphatidylserine for Management of Knee and Hip Pain

Aims: This study was designed to evaluate if combined oral administration of proteoglycan and phosphatidylserine (PG+PS) for 30 days would improve osteoarthritis symptoms in adults with moderate to severe knee and hip pain.

Study Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Place and Duration of Study: Well-Come Fitness & Health Center (Copenhagen, Denmark), between September 2023 to November 2023.

Methodology: A total of 96 participants (65 female, 31 male, mean age 51 years, mean body mass index 25 kg/m2) were randomized to take 1 tablet/day of placebo (N=31), 12.5 mg proteoglycan (PG, N=32), or 12.5 mg proteoglycan + 60 mg phosphatidylserine (PG+PS, N=33) orally for 30 days. The change from baseline in physical performance was evaluated by stair climb test (SCT) and self-paced walk test (SPWT). Joint (knee and hip) pain prior to physical performance tests was evaluated by the change in visual analog scale (VAS) score (range 0-10).

Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed in the change from baseline to Day 30 for the SCT and SPWT for PG+PS vs placebo and PG+PS vs PG (all P < .05). Statistically significant improvements in joint pain (VAS Score) were also observed for PG+PS vs placebo and vs PG. Improvements in physical performance and joint pain with PG+PS generally occurred during the first week of the study.

Conclusion: Combination administration of PG+PS for 30 days reduced joint pain and improved physical performance in adults with moderate to severe knee and hip pain. Additional studies to further validate these findings are warranted.